So much of this is training, though. We tend to accept cats as they are, while most dogs are expected to perform in some way. We had cats when I was a kid, and they routinely scratched us when we annoyed them. Dogs, on the other hand, are often expected to tolerate children pulling on their ears, grabbing their muzzles, and holding them in the death grip some kids equate with “hugging”.
My dogs definitely have a mind of their own. The younger one, especially, knows exactly what he wants. He cooperates because he knows certain cues or behaviors might get rewarded with food or play – but I don’t force him to do anything. When I ask him to sit, and he doesn’t, I don’t force or intimidate him into doing what I want. I think that’s the key. My older dog was trained during a different era, and she’s more of a people-pleaser.
Many dogs are afraid of their owners, and they will constantly work on appeasing them. That’s the image which comes to mind when I think of dogs being an ego boost – though personally, I don’t see why a furry creature cowering in front of me should make me feel good about myself.
I prefer dogs to cats because I enjoy being outside with my pets, I love the training, and I like that my dogs have a fun-loving, somewhat goofy personality. I don’t need the dogs to boost my ego or make me feel all-powerful. I think they’d be surprised at me if I assumed some kind of dictator-role.