I would point you to George Orwell's 6 rules in "Politics and the English Language" especially the last one. The original sentence is fine in light of it. I would always follow "keep" with "a dog" in all of these constructs.

Never use a metaphor, simile, or other figure of speech which you are used to seeing in print.

 

Never use a long word where a short one will do.

 

If it is possible to cut a word out, always cut it out.

 

Never use the passive where you can use the active.

 

Never use a foreign phrase, a scientific word, or a jargon word if you can think of an everyday English equivalent.

 

Break any of these rules sooner than say anything outright barbarous.

I would point you to George Orwell's 6 rules in "Politics and the English Language" especially the last one. The original sentence is fine in light of it. I would always follow "keep" with "a dog" in all of these constructs.

Never use a metaphor, simile, or other figure of speech which you are used to seeing in print.

Never use a long word where a short one will do.

If it is possible to cut a word out, always cut it out.

Never use the passive where you can use the active.

Never use a foreign phrase, a scientific word, or a jargon word if you can think of an everyday English equivalent.

Break any of these rules sooner than say anything outright barbarous.