LogFAQs > #976832469

Pros:
- a dog will generally be down for affection whenever you are; cats generally work on their own emotional schedules

- dogs can be fun play partners inside and outside, and a well trained dog can be a great companion on vacations/adventures

- dogs poop and pee outside

- a dog with a good alert bark is one of the best home security systems you can have. Someone with a mind to break in is more apt to move on to a quieter/easier target when they hear a barking dog inside

Cons:

- dogs are generally less self-reliant than cats. Going to the bathroom outside also means they need to be let out on a regular basis, so if you're going to be gone for extended periods arrangements must be made

- dogs are opportunists, and aren't as "picky" as cats when it comes to what they'll get into. Training good behavior can only get you so far before you need to make adjustments to where you might keep certain things, especially while you're away (positive reinforcement crate training can eliminate a lot of that, if that works better with the dog's personality/impulsiveness)