Does anyone know why a lot of car commercials have dogs in them?

Question

A lot of commercials I see for selling cars have dogs somewhere in the shot at one point or the other, or sitting on the hood, or the owner petting them. Does anyone know the reason behind it?

Answer 1

Marte said it all - a pet in the pic can make the best of crooks look nice, kind and considerate.... a regular honest Joe.

Answer 2

Dogs are mans best friend plain and simple

Answer 3

Because petting a dog makes a person look trustworthy, and "nice." And - because a dog draws people's attention.  

It's just a psychological trick to gain interest and add a human touch to a business that is often thought of as dishonest.

Answer 4

Marte C got it on the dot!  :)

Answer 5

because everyone loves dogs