One of the most common debates about pets is this question: Are dogs or cats better? Each has its pros and cons, but depending on the type of person you are, you will probably prefer one more than the other. I have both dogs and cats at home, and based on those experiences, dogs have definitely been better. I’ve had animals my whole life and I know what I’m talking about—dogs are better than cats for multiple reasons.
First of all, dogs listen to you. With just a little training, you can have them sit and stay whenever you want. You can also teach them fun tricks to show off. My dog, Maggie, can sit, stay, bring her paw up and lay down. We have chickens, so we taught Maggie to stay and not follow us to the coop. Cats, on the other hand, can’t do that. They do nothing all day except two things: lie there and eat food. You could easily call your dog and they will be right over. Cats just look at you like you’re dumb. And I’m not the only one who has experienced this.
“My dogs are more obedient and listen to me, unlike my cat who just runs away from me,” freshman Jersey Daniels said.
Second, depending on the type of dog you have, they are great for protecting you from other animals or unwanted visitors. My dog barks at any car that comes in our driveway, so it helps to know if anybody shows up. If my cat saw an intruder, she would look at them like they are a harmless human.
Dogs’ protection skills can also be useful in other ways as well.
“My dog is good at protecting strangers and animals. But when it comes to cattle, my dog does a great job herding the cows,” freshman Ansley DeGroff said.
Third, dogs are known to be a man’s best friend, so they are loving and you can play with them and pet them. When I get home from school every day or just get home from something in general, Maggie greets me with a big smile. Compared to dogs, cats are kind of indifferent to your existence. Plus, cats have way too many moods to be your best friend. Not to mention their claws! If you have never had a cat, then you can count yourself lucky that you have never experienced the excruciating pain of being scratched with their claws. And other students who have had this experience agree that dogs are better.
“Dogs are way better because they don’t scratch your expensive furniture, or even worse, you,” senior Libby Winn said.
Another great benefit for having a dog is that if you go on a run or a walk, they can come with you. We have a pool, so sometimes we take Maggie for a swim. In the winter, we drive a four-wheeler around in our yard and Maggie chases us. It makes me so happy to see her active and having fun playing around. Sometimes she gets the “zoomies,” where she just runs in a big circle, and that always makes everybody smile.
Overall, it’s clear that dogs are better than cats for a couple of reasons: Dogs listen to you, they are great for protecting you and they are your best friend. I am just glad I have a best friend that is so loving and actually cares about me. Who wants to be ignored? Or who would rather have a best friend that will always be there for you? I don’t know about you, but I want a best friend. Plus, who doesn’t love a cute little puppy licking your face with cute little puppy eyes?
