Cats vs. Dogs

I love both irl, but have been partial to dogs in the game. I can't seem to teach the wee evil kitties to stay off the kitchen counters, as every time my sim would try to teach them to stay off, the cats will always turn on the sim. :# But I am going to try again, and this time ignore the cat. :D

What I do instead of using the leash to walk the dogs, I teach them heel, then my sim can job with the dog at her/his side. It looks cool and serves two purposes. :) I just wish I could get a dog that does not bark, all the barking and running around makes me crazy!