to think dogs just hate me?

[jammygem]

I seem to attract boisterous dogs... I cannot count the times over the years that I've had dogs jump up and paw at me while their owners tell me not to worry, they're just being friendly, they don't mean any harm, they don't bite etc etc.

And then the dog goes on to nip me or scratch me deeply, and their owner is all surprised and says "Oh, [dog]'s never done that before!" as if I should feel privileged that their bloody dog had caused yet another fucking scar. And not once have I ever received any kind of apology, even when I'm standing there in shock with blood dripping on the pavement. Oh, right, your dog hasn't done that to anyone before? Well that's great! That makes me feel so much better!

/rant

I don't get what it is that I do - ever since I was a kid I've been scared of dogs so just freeze and stand stock still whenever one comes up to me. It's not as if I immediately karate chop any dog that comes near me. Or am I just really unlucky?

[Hercy]

If you want to avoid attention from dogs, the best thing to do is calmly turn your back on them.

That's not to say you deserve to be injured by dogs by freezing. I think you must have been unlucky.

[Financeprincess]

Unlucky with the injuries, but most people experience the,"oh, he wouldn't hurt a fly!" assurances from deluded dog owners whilst their pet slavers and growls.

[HavantGuard]

You've had multiple dogs draw blood? That is bizarre. Have you reported the owners?

[jammygem]

I didn't think I could report them for that? (Not that I'd know who they were anyway) They've drawn blood but I've only ever gone to my doctor to get antibiotics afterwards, it's never been severe enough for hospital.

Besides, I wouldn't want anything to happen to the dogs, I just get annoyed with the owners' responses to be honest.

[WanderingAway]

I seem to have something that makes
Dogs want to approach me. Every dog i pass comes up to me and gets in my way. There have been a few dogs who have ignored the people in front of me and came up to me.

I just want to scream WHY?? I bloody hate dogs.

[HavantGuard]

A dog that manages to draw blood isn't under control so you can report them for that.

[bellasuewow]

I am sorry to hear that jammy. I really like dogs and have two when I walk them in the morning I am grumpy and can be vigilant about other people's annoying dogs. I never get jumped on and I think I give off a vibe of striding around the park grumpy because I am not a morning person. Try walking as if you own the place and glare at any dog you see from now on they are sensitive and clever animals they will get it and hopefully leave you alone however some of them are very cute and worth a pat I am quite fond of a few other dogs I see they are like people some you get on with and some need to learn some manners. Hope this helps.

[splasheeny]

If they bit you then you should report it yes, the police would be interested.

It does sound unusual that this has happened so many times to you, do you live in a bad area? Dogs aren't bad,its the owners who make them that way.

[happydazed]

I know how you feel!

[JohnCusacksWife]

What do you do when you see a dog, apart from freeze? Do you pull your hands up, away from them? If so you're probably encouraging them to jump up to investigate. The best thing you could do would be to completely ignore them and walk on by without even making eye contact. Have rarely seen a dog jump up if you do that.

[Nocomet]

DH and DD1 borh bate dogs, they do sodding well know, they bounce up and pester DD1 and growl at DH.

She swears her DFs dog hates her, while sitting with their cat on her knee.

The dog is lovely and cuddly, the cat has claws

Mind you, cats always make a beeline for my poor DDad, who is viciously allergenic to them.

[BrokenToeOuch]

I wish dogs hated me. I hate them
Yanbu.

[olidusUrsus]

Animals often like those who dislike them - when we're disinterested in something or want to avoid it, we try to avoid making direct eye contact. If we're fearful, we stare at something with caution.

Neither works well when translated to animal language. The former is a display of approachability and submission (esp to cats), the latter is threatening and asking to be challenged (esp to dogs).

With dogs - either behaviour combined with other behaviours we associate with disinterest or dislike, such as flapping or yelping - dogs can think you mean that you are well nice and a great mate.

Don't flap or move your hands but cross your arms calmly and fluently in one motion, turn your body and walk in the other direction. Don't make eye contact, look straight ahead. Altogether, you should effectively communicate "I'm not a threat, I'm not a mate, I'm just not interested".

[WanderingAway]

How can you turn your body and walk away from a dog that is coming towards you? You will end up having to walk back where you came from and not where you want to go.

[Tulip26]

Shouting 'sit!' firmly and loudly should help. Also grabbing the dog around the nose if you can manage it. Have you seen the pepper spray thread?

[olidusUrsus]

Yes Wandering, and once its lost interest you can carry on with your journey. Push on through if you want to but that isn't going to stop it coming at you or bouncing up. I wouldn't grab at a strange dog either.