Most of the dogs my Sims have had, have been super needy. Scared of the fireplace. Scared of the TV or the computer. I kept the door locked with the computer since the dog was scared, but he sits outside of the door and whines....but if I let him in....he just shakes in fear. It seems that after some time, even once the dog learns to go outside to do its business...it's like they forget & your Sims has to ask them to go out again.
In my current save game...I do have a dog named Kimber who is super chill. She's an aggressive dog, loyal, and playful. She's only scared of the stove...and just avoids going into the kitchen. Kimber's been my best dog yet.
I think cats are more spot on! My Sims usually have cats as cats seem to do things that cats do in real life (i.e. jump on counters, play in their kitty cat tree/condo, scratch on the post, play with their toys, etc.). Even my Sim's super active cat, is pretty chill and doesn't require much. I think the dogs & the fears have been made over the top....reminds of that stupid talking toilet and how the animation is too much...