To begin with, having a dog can vary based on what type it is. If it's a smaller dog, they tend to be more submissive to make up for what they lack in size. A bigger dog would probably be a little more self confident in that they could play around a little with you. It truly depends on the dogs personality.
Starting off, dogs are an enormous responsibility. Even when people claim they'll take care of their dogs, it's hard to remember the little things. For instance, how much food they need a day, how many walks they need in a week, when they last went to the bathroom, and a bunch of other questions come to mind when dog owners are questioned about the brutality of owning a dog. It takes a lot more effort than often given credit for.
However, once you've established a healthy relationship, pattern, and schedule with a dog, life becomes a lot easier. You're able to better understand the dog's likes and dislikes, favorite people, least favorite sounds, etc. You can begin teaching your dog new tricks by using treats, tones of gratitude, and repetition to teach how you want your dog acting. It's hard to train a dog the older they get, so it's best to teach it as soon as it's physically ready.
Owning a dog is truly a fantastic experience. They honestly become an argument-free and non opinionated family member. They can give you the energy and motivation you need to go on a run in the mornings, if needed.