5 Great Reasons to Adopt a Dog Over a Cat

It hardly takes a musical full of people running around primping like felines to clue you in that cats and dogs are different. Indeed, there can hardly be two species more opposite. Sure, every now and then you run into what some call a ‘puppy cat’, which is a feline that seems heavily influenced by dog behavior and may actually come when you call her, but those are rare. So what do you gain when you chose a dog over a cat? Many would say everything.

1. Dogs want to please you. Cats can be trained to a degree and can even be taught to use a human toilet as a litter box but by nature cats are in their own world. They are social animals but not pack animals and this mentality makes a huge difference in what they feel compelled to do for you. A pack animal, like a dog, seeks only to please his alpha or leader and any sign of displeasure immediately shows on that expressive face. Your body language is watched and read at all times where the stiffening of your spine may be enough to alert a sensitive canine that you are becoming displeased. The drive to please you is what makes them so trainable whereas a domesticated cat does not seek a leader and is not inclined to please you because it sees no benefit in it. Most cats do not even like their bellies rubbed but for a dog it’s heaven and a very good reason for Mason to do as he is told. Both dogs and cats have the ability to leave their emotional baggage in the past and adapt to the now. Adopting an older dog is not a risky venture providing he has been socialized.
2. Dogs grant a large measure of security. Even if you own the most cowardly dog in the world, he is still capable of defending you with his pointy teeth designed for rending and tearing flesh and his great, strong jaws that won’t let go once latched. Every dog has the potential to be a very serious threat to life and limb and this very reason is an excellent deterrent to robbers and other bad people who might try to hurt you. Granted, the smaller breeds are not as fearsome even if they can do damage; it is the larger dog that will instill fear in the hearts of others. Even walking down the street with no sense of danger, people will move aside to accommodate the dog you have at the end of your leash. Society has a healthy respect for the might of those jaws unleashed and for single woman on her own especially, a dog is an excellent idea for security reasons. While some cats have been known to attack intruders, this is very rare and the sight of a cat will not scare anyone away.
3. Dogs make great running partners. Jogs, walks and runs are safer with a dog by your side and on a leash. Cats can be trained to take a leash if you start young enough but it is a rare feline indeed who will go running with you. Dogs crave the exercise and turns out they actually need it, so on those days you do not feel like dragging yourself out of bed, a dog will encourage it. If you ever wished you could find motivation for those lazier times, you will find it in the form of Mason who is waiting impatiently for his time with you. Dog owners tend to be more active outdoors than cat owners, involving the dog with their camping trips, hikes and nature strolls, all things Miss Neela will not be interested in.
4. Dogs are excellent variety companions. Not everyone hunts but those who do will find their trained hunting dog absolutely invaluable. Dogs can be trained to such degrees that they can tell pheasants from other birds and with their super sense of smell, can lead you to them. Dogs are superior over cats for those admittedly rare and horrifying moments of a bear attack; more than one human has been saved by their dog that instinctively reacts to rescue his human leader. Some larger dog breeds have been bred specifically to save drowning people or rescue them from other disasters and have the massive strength to carry a full- grown man many miles to safety. A cat simply cannot compete in the arena of body strength. Dogs have the greatest sense of smell known on the planet, especially blood hounds, which are so impressive and precise they can track a running man down inerrably, even if that man is covered in layers of clothing and other scents or runs through water. It’s no wonder they are renowned for hunting down escaped criminal, something a cat would never be inclined to do.
5. Dogs can replace human eyes. Not exactly, but they can be trained to be eyes for someone who has no sight, or be the hands for someone who has lost theirs. Dogs are so eager to please humans that they will happily do for us what we cannot do ourselves. It takes a special dog for these tasks and very special training but the fact is it can be done, improving the quality of life for many who need the added assistance. Dogs can even be trained to smell the difference in normal blood sugar levels as opposed to dropping blood sugar levels, alerting their diabetic masters that insulin is needed immediately. Try doing that, Miss Neela.

Dogs are higher maintenance than cats; it is true. They require much more time and attention but the returns have never been doubted. The adage that a dog is man’s best friend can ring true for many reasons and they come in all shapes and sizes to fit your lifestyle. Even with the smallest breeds there lies the urge to please, the ability to train and the pack mentality. Dogs and cats are not alike to be sure and in the end we are certainly glad for it. Vive la différence!