Dogs and cats are very popular family pets. Below are 8 reasons why dogs are way better pets than cats:
- Dogs will instinctively protect you
- Dogs come in different sizes
- Dogs are relational
- Dogs are incredibly loyal
- Dogs will apologize after misbehaving
- Dogs are far more affectionate than cats
- Dogs love to play with you
- Dogs don’t cop an attitude
I love dogs, and thought I’d share with you the top 8 reasons why I think dogs make for a better pet than a cat. These are not in any particular order, but #3 and #8 are really good. I’m sure you will agree.
1) Dogs Will Instinctively Protect You
Because of the relationship that dogs have with family members, they will instinctively protect you, should you ever be faced with danger, or even the hint of danger. In fact, dogs will look for opportunities to defend you by constantly being alert, as they are always aware of their surroundings. I can’t tell you how many times our dog, Riker, has let out a bark or growl in the middle of the night because he heard someone walking down the sidewalk across the street.
When confronted with any type of threat, regardless of its size, a dog will defend its family members. Why? Because it’s in their nature to protect and defend.
What does a cat do when confronted with danger? It runs away.
2) Dogs Come In Different Sizes
It’s kind of obvious that dogs come in many different sizes, but I love that you can choose a dog that meets the needs of your family. For example, if you live in a small high-rise apartment in New York City, getting a Saint Bernard is just not going to work. It won’t work for you, or for the dog for that matter. A small Yorkshire terrier just might, however, depending on the family dynamics.
There are a lot of things to consider when getting a dog. However, here, we are just referring to the size of the dog. Below are just 5 things to consider when determining the size of dog that you want to get.
- Does the dog have enough space to play and roam throughout the house?
- If you have a yard, it is big enough for the dog to run and play?
- Do you have a dog cage that is large enough to house your dog when needed?
- If you plan on traveling with your dog, is your car big enough for it to ride comfortably in your car with enough room to stretch?
- The larger the dog, the larger the dog stool, . . . and someone has to pick that up đ
Cats pretty much come in one size, . . . as if one size fits all. Sure you can get a kitten, but they eventually grow up to be about the same size. With dogs, you have options.
3) Dogs Are Relational
The key to understanding dogs is to understanding that dogs are relational. They actually care about the relationship they have with you and really want that relationship to grow. They want to be your best friend. They want both of you to experience joy when you see each other. They want to be your friend . . . your best friend.
Both Riker and Lilo, (our two dogs), vie for our attention every day. Mind you, both my wife, Rebecca, and I treat both dogs the same. But if I am sitting on the couch snuggling up with Lilo, or even simply rubbing her head to show affection, Riker will put his entire body between Lilo and me in an attempt to get the attention I am giving to Lilo. Lilo will do the same thing if I am giving Riker attention. It’s actually funny to watch. They are jealous of the relationship that we have with the other dog.
When I wake up in the morning, I’ll snuggle up to each of the dogs, one at a time, and snuggle with them, assuring them of my love for them. Tired as they are, at best, they will lick their lips when I do this, letting me know that they love me too. It is important to demonstrate your love for them as soon as you see them. It sets the pace for their day, even if you leave the house for work. It assures them that you love them.
4) Dogs Are Incredibly Loyal
Because dogs are so relational, they are extremely loyal. They value the relationship they have invested in, and honor that relationship with loyalty.
A dog’s loyalty means that when you move from one location to another, your dog will adjust quickly. What matters to the dog is the relationship, so, as long as you are in the picture, the dog will do well. In fact, a new environment might even be fun and exciting for your dog, as long as you are with your dog.
5) Dogs Will Apologize After Misbehaving
My dogs will ask for forgiveness. I know this may sound a bit weird, but hear me out. Have you ever come home, only to find that your dog decided to sift through the kitchen trash looking to eat any “left-overs” that it could find? In a heated moment, perhaps you verbally snapped at your dog letting him know just how much you disapproved of his behavior.
Inevitably, your dog will eventually come up to you and in their own way, ask for forgiveness, perhaps by nuzzling their snout into your hand, or standing in front of you looking at you with their puppy eyes, (even if they are not a puppy). Why do they do this? Because dogs are relational. They don’t want anything to come between the two of you. A cat could care less, because in their mind, they are the center of the universe.
For example, if a cat were to tip over a potted plant leaving dirt all over the floor, would it have any remorse whatsoever? No. If it did acknowledge that it happened, it would look at you with a face that says, “Hmm . . . looks like the plant decided to tip over again. You should probably clean that up.” In their mind, it’s your fault that the planted pot decided to tip over. You should probably reprimand the potted plant.
6) Dogs Are Far More Affectionate Than Cats
Dogs are are more affectionate than cats. How can I make that claim? Because dogs are relational. It is worth repeating, dogs actually care about the relationship and really want that relationship to grow. Their behavior backs up that claim.
You can love a dog by showing affection ANY time, whereas a cat will show affection and receive affection when it feels like it. The one animal is selfless, while the other is self-centered.
Keep in mind, I am speaking in generalities. You may have a cat that actually looks for opportunities to show affection, one that wants to grow in your relationship, but let’s be honest, that is the rare exception. When comparing the affection that a dog demonstrates, compared to the affection that a cat shows, the dog wins hand-down. When comparing the affection that a dog will receive, compared to the affection that a cat will allow, again, the dog wins hands-down.
7) Dogs Love To Play With You
Let’s be honest. If cats choose to play, they are probably not going to want to “play” with you, but a dog will jump at the opportunity to play with you. Given the choice of playing by himself, or with you, he will choose you every time. Again, this is because dogs are relational and enjoy spending time with family members.
When I get home from work each day, our dogs will come running into the kitchen to greet me. They do the same for my wife, as they absolutely adore her. When my son gets home from work at 10 or 11pm, the dogs are just as excited to see him and will “wrestle” with him on the floor in the living room. Regardless of the time of day or night, our dogs will play anytime we are willing to play.
8) Dogs Don’t Cop An Attitude
If you have read through this entire article and have argued every point I have brought up, you will have a very difficult time refuting this point.
Cats cop an attitude. It’s as simple as that. They come across as though they are too good for you. Too good for you to pet them. Too good for you to cuddle with them [and I do realize that I am speaking in generalities].
Cats remind me of extremely snobby people who are too good to have anything to do with us peasants. They carry themselves as though they really don’t want to have anything to do with us mere humans. At best, they will tolerate us.
Of all the dogs I have ever met over the years, I have never run into a dog that gave me attitude. On the contrary, I have either been treated as a stranger, (as he should, if in fact, I am a stranger to dog or the family that the dog is protecting), or I have been warmly welcomed with an invitation for me to pet or rub their belly.
If the family that dog is a part of trusts me, the dog will look to develop a relationship with me as well. Dogs rule.
Closing Thoughts
If you are looking for a docile pet that admittedly does not require much maintenance or attention, one that is for the most part, stand-offish, . . . then you may want to consider get a pet cat.
If, however, you are looking for an affectionate pet that will play with you, and look forward to seeing you every day, then I encourage you to consider getting a dog as your family pet.
