Having a couple dog related issues. Please help!?

I had a dog once,well sort of,when i lived in a rented house with my parents the owner had a mongrel,well a little bigger though,but i really liked dogs so i would generally feed him,play with him.but he had a really bad habit of barking at anything or anyone and showing as he was just about to bite,he was feared by everyone,the owner usually scolds it or sometimes (rarely) hits him.the dog became my best buddy,he would usually play only with me.after some months it became much closer to me.and less to its real master.and soon he wouldnt even budge when the owner calls him.but only me,i used to hold on to him whenever he starts barking at someone and pats him,and he would calm down and sometimes later he wouldnt bark at anyone when i am nearby!he died after a week we left the house.i guess u should show more love to them.