I’ve never been a fan of dogs. They make me nervous. I like animals, but dogs are just too needy, destructive, and abrasive. Working dogs are fine, but pets/companion dogs really bother me.
They are given so much free reign in homes, it makes me nervous. I shouldn’t have to be hyper-vigilant to guard my food and possessions because “the dog might get it!”
They’re often very loud, they demand your attention constantly, and they’re always in your space.
The worst part is that people nowadays bring their dogs into stores and restaurants, because apparently a lot of dogs have separation anxiety now.
Owners will let their dogs walk right up to me while I’m actively backing away, and assuring me that “they’re friendly!” But I do not want to be approached by a strange dog!! I do not know how they will react so I do not want them near me!!
I get that people love their dogs, but there is far too much poor behavior from dogs and their owners that I just can’t excuse it.
It dampens my enjoyment of a place when I am forced to guard my possessions, listen to loud barking and/or constant whimpering, be interrupted by the owner who always have to yell at their dogs mid-conversation to keep them from doing something their not supposed to, etc.
Dogs are just… exhausting.
And I’m very very tired of having to accept them into my spaces & having to deal with them in public settings. I don’t believe I’m a bad person for thinking this way. I’m just tired of dogs.
That is all.
Edit: Some of y’all are really offended & have taken that fact that I don’t like dogs very personal. Why can I not dislike dogs?
To be fair, you seem to have a lot of experience with bad dog owners. They generally shouldn’t be in a store and especially not be allowed to just run up to you in a public setting (leashes, people). The only time I’ll make people deal with my dog in any way is at home, and that’s because it’s his home, too. Even then, I’ll try to take reasonable steps if needed to keep him separate from people.
No shame in disliking dogs, though, as much as I disagree. They definitely have a higher level of needs than some people want to handle, and that’s fine.