Do dogs make good pets?

[ashleejacobsma]

On one hand it is known as man's best friend, but on the other it can be his worst nightmare. Recent events in the UK have shown unprovoked dog attacks, yet on a daily basis dogs attend to the blind and hard of hearing, search and rescue dogs risk their lives for those of humans, police and drug sniffer dogs provide an invaluable service. Their use as working animals is of no doubt. In today's work culture, does anyone have the time to devote to a dog as a pet anymore? With their heavy responsiblity is it now practical to own a dog as a pet? Are the few responsible dog owners who train, socialise and look after their dogs outnumbered by those who buy without thinking? Please share your views.