Based on archaeological findings at the Krasnosamarskoe site in present-day Russia, there is evidence that teenage boys in the Bronze Age Srubnaya culture (roughly 4k years ago) participated in ritualistic ceremonies involving the sacrifice and consumption of dogs.

Archaeologists believe these were part of initiation rites where the boys symbolically transformed into wolves or dogs to join war bands. The bones indicate that the dogs were butchered in a specific way, different from typical food preparation, and their remains were found in pits, suggesting a ritualistic purpose.

The dogs killed were often older, ergo they were likely companions raised by the boys. This act of killing and consuming their companions was a way to train the boys to kill, while also honoring and absorbing the spirits of the dogs.