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Original poster

Am I the only one who doesn't like dogs?!

367 replies

BlueStripedTowel · 17/01/2022 17:27

Now don't get me wrong, some dogs can be cute to look at but I really don't like being near dogs. I've got nothing against dogs but I just don't like having them near me or touching me. It seems like if you say this to a dog owner though they look at me like I'm the devil!

When I was a toddler about 30 years ago my grans dog tried to attack me (first grandchild - dog was jealous of attention I was getting from gran) so the dog had to be put down, I don't really have memory of this but wonder if it's rooted somewhere in my brain!

I just hate it if I'm out anywhere and someone's dog jumps up on me and owners say "don't worry he/she is really friendly" and I say please can you pull them away because I don't like dogs and some owners get really annoyed as if they can't understand why some people may be uncomfortable.

Any similar experiences?

OP posts:
Migrainesbythedozen · 19/01/2022 09:01

Dogs are by far more popular in Australia than cats are, and most homes here have dogs. 90% in fact, I believe. I guess that's because we don't have the issues the UK does with dogs off leash and jumping and attacking that the UK does. Obviously if dogs are kept under control then more people are likely to like dogs than if there is no control like the UK.

AllThingsServeTheBeam · 19/01/2022 09:04

@Migrainesbythedozen

Any owner can claim their dog is well trained, but how do you know? It is appalling that dogs are allowed off leash in public, that's irresponsible of the UK. If you have a dog, either have a backyard or drive or move to a dog park. If you can't do that, you shouldn't have a dog. But they should never ever ever be allowed off leash in public. I am still stunned that the UK is so backward with this that it's allowed. It's now no wonder that there are a high percentage of dog haters in the UK, if dogs are allowed to walk off leash and walk up/charge at/jump at people. I think this thread makes sense now. It's the direct result of the UK's negligent policy.
No. That is purely your opinion. The rules in the UK are different. I don't drive and I do have a garden but my dog enjoys having his ball thrown. I know my dog is well trained because he is obedient? How else would I know? He has never failed to recall. He doesn't go up to other dogs, people or animals. He doesn't misbehave and only barks when someone knocks on the door. Dogs shouldn't be allowed to walk up to or bother other people. And my dog never does.
AllThingsServeTheBeam · 19/01/2022 09:04

@Migrainesbythedozen

Dogs are by far more popular in Australia than cats are, and most homes here have dogs. 90% in fact, I believe. I guess that's because we don't have the issues the UK does with dogs off leash and jumping and attacking that the UK does. Obviously if dogs are kept under control then more people are likely to like dogs than if there is no control like the UK.
My dog is in control. On and off lead

Interested in this thread?

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Dogs
AllThingsServeTheBeam · 19/01/2022 09:06

@GerbilCurse

Not sure if it's an area divide but I'm always surprised by how often people seem to encounter problem dogs. In the past 3 years, going out twice a day most days, I've had one dog jump up at me (a beagle puppy). And whilst the shit situation could be better, it's much better than when I was child in the 80s and I rarely see it on pavements and verges.
I never see it either. Not saying it doesn't happen, but it's not something we've ever encountered
Migrainesbythedozen · 19/01/2022 09:10

My dog is in control. On and off lead

Again, they all say that. Point is, what is stopping those who don't have control from saying it? How do you know?

AllThingsServeTheBeam · 19/01/2022 09:11

@Migrainesbythedozen

My dog is in control. On and off lead

Again, they all say that. Point is, what is stopping those who don't have control from saying it? How do you know?

I don't know. And other peoples dogs are not my concern. My concern is my dog and my dog is trained and under control and shouldn't be punished due to others not being able to control their dogs.
JuergenSchwarzwald · 19/01/2022 12:05

This reply has been deleted

Message deleted by MNHQ. Quotes deleted post

JuergenSchwarzwald · 19/01/2022 12:06

My concern is my dog and my dog is trained and under control and shouldn't be punished due to others not being able to control their dogs

well that's the same with everything isn't it. We are all "punished" for the moronic behaviour of others, sadly. An example that comes to mind is speed bumps.

AllThingsServeTheBeam · 19/01/2022 12:12

@JuergenSchwarzwald

My concern is my dog and my dog is trained and under control and shouldn't be punished due to others not being able to control their dogs

well that's the same with everything isn't it. We are all "punished" for the moronic behaviour of others, sadly. An example that comes to mind is speed bumps.

I'm not allowing my dog be punished though. As I am not changing anything. And I very much doubt the rules on dogs will change in his life time
CounsellorTroi · 19/01/2022 13:29

@GerbilCurse

Not sure if it's an area divide but I'm always surprised by how often people seem to encounter problem dogs. In the past 3 years, going out twice a day most days, I've had one dog jump up at me (a beagle puppy). And whilst the shit situation could be better, it's much better than when I was child in the 80s and I rarely see it on pavements and verges.
I would say the same actually. I can’t remember the last time I was jumped up on or saw an out of control dog where I walk. Most of the time they are just minding their own business.
redferrari · 19/01/2022 13:36

I hate them. I wouldn't be near one and I hate it when I go for a walk and they come running near me to sniff. When I was pregnant a dog jumped on me and I was also chased by a dog as a child.

I also can't believe if dogs really can be trained? For example a lady I knew used to leave her kids near the dog and say it is well trained. The dog used to lick the snack the child was holding. Won't animal instinct kick in and at some point the dog bite the child? It's a accident waiting to happen.

AllThingsServeTheBeam · 19/01/2022 13:39

@redferrari

I hate them. I wouldn't be near one and I hate it when I go for a walk and they come running near me to sniff. When I was pregnant a dog jumped on me and I was also chased by a dog as a child.

I also can't believe if dogs really can be trained? For example a lady I knew used to leave her kids near the dog and say it is well trained. The dog used to lick the snack the child was holding. Won't animal instinct kick in and at some point the dog bite the child? It's a accident waiting to happen.

Yes you're right. Dogs go straight from licking a snack in a child's hand to biting them. And they are unable to be trained at all. All these police dogs and sheep dogs. Just born knowing what we want them to do. When I shout my dog, it just a massive coincidence he's come to me every single time for 10 years Hmm
redferrari · 19/01/2022 13:42

@AllThingsServeTheBeam why is it that every dog that jumped on me or sniffs me is "trained" pet. No amount of training can completely control an animals instinctive behavior. The trigger could be smell or just a vibe from someone who is scared (like me). It's an animal after all.

The other problem is usually by the time owners recall it's too late as they just assume everyone loves dogs.

AllThingsServeTheBeam · 19/01/2022 13:44

[quote redferrari]@AllThingsServeTheBeam why is it that every dog that jumped on me or sniffs me is "trained" pet. No amount of training can completely control an animals instinctive behavior. The trigger could be smell or just a vibe from someone who is scared (like me). It's an animal after all.

The other problem is usually by the time owners recall it's too late as they just assume everyone loves dogs. [/quote]
There is 'trained' and trained though isn't there. My dog has never refused to recall. My mum's only comes back when he feels like it. So he is kept on a lead only allowed off in enclosed areas. But he is still trained. It depends on their obedience level. Mine is a collie so he lives to please and his ball. He wouldn't even look at you

redferrari · 19/01/2022 13:46

@AllThingsServeTheBeam you seem like a responsible pet owner and I appreciate that a lot. I am not aware of dog breeds but my local park I avoid during certain times I see a lot of dogs and many of them come running as I must be giving a "nervous" vibe. I often walk in children's area to avoid them.

AllThingsServeTheBeam · 19/01/2022 13:48

[quote redferrari]@AllThingsServeTheBeam you seem like a responsible pet owner and I appreciate that a lot. I am not aware of dog breeds but my local park I avoid during certain times I see a lot of dogs and many of them come running as I must be giving a "nervous" vibe. I often walk in children's area to avoid them. [/quote]
Dogs who approach other people or dogs shouldn't be off a lead. It's those people that give everyone a bad name. Mine is a sheep dog

MissMarplesGoddaughter · 19/01/2022 17:49

Our local park has a dog walking side and a no dogs side.

But some dog owners still walk and exercise their dogs on the no dogs side of the park. Despite there being large notices and clear arrows showing which side of the park is which.......

Eviebea · 29/01/2022 14:32

I'm allergic to dogs. If a dog licks my hand I'm left with an itchy welt like hives. If I'm in a room with dogs my eyes itch and stream, this includes the so called hypoallergenic breeds. I completely understand why people become so attached to their dogs and I'd never say I hate them, especially service dogs, although I do give dogs in general an extremely wide berth 🤦‍♀️

watchtheglitterdustswirl · 30/01/2022 17:35

@MissMarplesGoddaughter

Our local park has a dog walking side and a no dogs side.

But some dog owners still walk and exercise their dogs on the no dogs side of the park. Despite there being large notices and clear arrows showing which side of the park is which.......

Our local park has huge signs saying 'All dogs must be on a lead at all times and under control'.

I'm assuming the community here can't read, because no one abides by it and you frequently have to chase dogs away from the infants play equipment that they choose to piss all over.

It is very irritating!

again2020 · 18/02/2022 22:24

Apologies for resurrecting, but I've found my people! Honestly thought it was just me!

I've had a dog phobia since I was 2 when a relatives rowdy dog knocked me over. Over the years I've had friends with dogs and been ok with it to varying degrees, although one of my best friends had a rottweiler. I hated going to her house.

Other times I've found I've bonded with a dog. I can see the appeal of them, but they are not for me. I've watched friends worry about kennels, being back for days out to see the dog, not being able to do things they want to for the dog. I just could not be arsed.
Self confessed cat person here, and it's rubbing off on DD. Partners family gets annoyed as they are dog lovers.
As I said, I can appreciate a nice dog and stroke it. But I don't get the 'love me love my dog attitude'. My neighbour has 3 daschunds and every time you open the gate or car door they run and bark like the world is ending.

The local pub is very dog friendly. That's fine but you can't have a drink in summer without dogs barking and trying to go for each other, almost knocking down tables in the process!
I live near lovely fields but don't run or walk on there alone as dogs are all off the lead and I don't like them running at me.

Glad I'm not alone as I thought I was 🤣

MrsDThomas · 18/02/2022 22:32

I love dogs. But not all.

Terriers, labs, springer/cocker spaniels are the favourites.

Cockapoos I despise. Everyone has one and they are just boring. Plus chihuahuas and Yorkshire terriers. So small and pointless, yappy little things. Want to be carried.

PerditaPerdita · 18/02/2022 23:01

I'm not keen on other people's dogs but love my own 🙈

wanttomarryamillionaire · 18/02/2022 23:08

I absolutely adore dogs. I do understand that some people don't like them so I would never allow my dogs to harrass or jump up at strangers when we are out and about. However my home is my dogs home, so no I won't lock my dog outside in the cold weather or pissing rain just to suit a visitor. I most definitely will not force my dog off the sofa because a visitor doesn't want to sit next to him and if you visit my house you will probably get dog hair on you at some point. If you can't cope with this then don't visit.

SonicHg · 06/04/2022 15:48

Hate dogs. Wish they were banned as pets here. They’re stupid, stinky, disgusting and needy. Why anyone would bother having hassle in their lives is beyond my comprehension.

Xpologog · 06/04/2022 16:05

To keep a dog away from you hiss. Like a snake.
It’s a natural reaction in the dog to back off. Don’t do it aggressively, doesn’t need to be loud, just a slow continuous hiss.
I say this as a dog lover and owner but I always tell children who don’t like dogs to hiss like a snake.

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