I love cats AND dogs (and other pets.)Originally Posted by cat father
I grew up with dogs---first a Collie-Cocker Spaniel mix, and then a purebred Siberian Husky---and although they were sometimes affectionate, they had a lot of flaws. Both of them would knock things over, beg for food, pester guests, and be typical loud dogs. The former was also very grouchy and would eat out of the garbage and later vomit on the floor.
In general, dogs require training. In my experience you socialize and train a dog they do not exhibit most of those behaviors.
My dogs have not been the type who are smelly, pestering, begging or knocking things over. As for being loud that partially depends on the breed/type of dog and their personality. I did have a loud dog, but he was a terrier so I expected him to be loud. I taught him to "quiet" on command. I did have a dog who would get into the garbage due (she was not raised well in her previous home) but she never vomited or smelled bad and I learned how to manage the problem to prevent her getting into the garbage. (If you want to talk about vomiting by the way, I think cats have cornered the market on that particular trait LOL.)
My previous dog Ginger was a therapy dog. She was very well behaved and also well trained thanks to all the work I did with her. She visited hospitals and helped patients with their physical therapy goals. We were also involved with another organization where therapy dogs helped children with reading literacy (DECIBEL testing showed marked improvement in reading skills with this program.)
My dog Bianca does not knock things over, jump on people, pester people, or bark incessantly. She does not get into garbage. She does not smell. (actually we're off to the groomer now in about 20 minutes.)