Having any pet, whether a dog or a hamster- it doesn’t matter, is very helpful to families. It teaches children responsibility: feed it, change cage/walk it ect. It also teaches people of all ages how to give unconditionally. What does a pet do- all it does is give back love. (Ok, dogs can protect against home invaders too) Its like a child in a way. There are many reasons why someone should adopt a dog ( and from a shelter, not a breeder).
Is there anything inherently wrong with having a dog? Just because you personally don’t like them is not a reason for others not to have one. If halachos are written about it, and none say “Thou shalt not own a dog” (with meforshim adding- all creatures unless thou liveth on a farm or needs such creatures for living tasks), it seems that pets, and specifically dogs, are ok!
And if you live outside of (crazy/self-centered) brooklyn, odds are you have more than a 2×2 yard and can let your dog run around there!