Our common ancestor with the chimp was undoubtably already a “great ape”, as is the orangutan. You’re using “great ape” incorrectly. And the rift valley hypothesis may or may not be correct, especially in light of recent fossil hominids found on the “wrong” side of the rift (Sahelanthropus tchadensis).
Another old hypothesis that is no longer in favor with most paleoanthropologists.
Hunting goes back much further than dog domestication.