We have two black labs; not allowed on the bed or the furniture. We can leave the house and they don't get up where they shouldn't.
My wife's an animal lover. I grew up in a house with six siblings, so dad didn't have patience for pets. I've come to appreciate our dogs (and our parrot). My view has always been that a well trained dog will be well liked by other people. Don't get me wrong, they'll eat your lunch if you give them half a chance.