I know many people love poodles, but their personalities don't seem to click with me. But I know they're smart and that some people get along great with them.
Interesting. As someone who has experienced a gravitational pull toward dogs since I was old enough to get from point A to point B, I can't remember a dog I didn't click with. In the interest of full disclosure, I actually prefer the company of dogs to that of 99.5% of the people I've ever come into contact with. That is probably where the difference lies. No offense to humans. Some of my best friends have been human. But dogs... Ah, dogs. That unique combination of nobility, loyalty, transparency and silliness just speaks to me.
In light of all that, I could never have a dog that didn't follow my commands. My dogs aren't allowed to bark incessantly. Only when there's someone at the door or near the house is it allowed. They must be able to walk without a leash. Because of where I walk them, they don't have to heel, but they must come when called. Jumping up on visitors isn't allowed. They must wait for permission to take food, exit the house, step off the curb, jump in or out of the car, etc. "Sit," "stay" and "drop it" are commands they learn from the very beginning. I've actually had parents ask me to train their kids! Yes, I'm a disciplinarian, but it's served my dogs and me well.
