Wtf, did I post in the wrong thread? Anyway:
My roommate has one so now I hate them.
I think that, properly trained, they can be good companions for people that like that kind of thing. Not me, though. The idea of something that always wants attention and only loves me because of thousands of years of genetic manipulation creeps me out. I don't need the protection, I don't need the company, and I don't need all the fucking fur everywhere.
I also don't need to be picking up dog shit once or twice a day.
I really don't like poorly trained dogs, like my roommate's. It begs all the time, barks at stupid shit, and is a pain in the ass because she spoiled it. One of my best friends has a dog that he trained from a puppy and the thing is pretty cool, but in the end I'd rather it not be around. I didn't ask to hang with him and his dog, just him, and the fucking thing always needs to be let out, fed, etc, but it doesn't beg or bark or annoy me personally and it usually just lays around. It does stare at me... But it's a pretty good dog.
I had dogs growing up, an awesome one and a stupid one. I cared about them and whatever but feel no inclination to owning my own. Part of it is that I live in a city and I think animals should be free to roam outside, but mostly is because I can barely take care of myself and I don't feel lonely. If I wanted a lifeform to complicate my life I'd get a girlfriend.