Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Child-safe in minutes.

Meet the Other Phone.
Child-safe in minutes.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Chat

Join the discussion and chat with other Mumsnetters about everyday life, relationships and parenting.

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:
Branleuse · 17/01/2022 18:01

Yes. You are the only person in the world that doesnt like dogs

whowhywhenwhat · 17/01/2022 18:05

I think dogs are very intelligent and often cute. But they look hard work! And I'm not fond of the licky, spitty aspect.

MrsTerryPratchett · 17/01/2022 18:06

@Branleuse

Yes. You are the only person in the world that doesnt like dogs
Grin

Interested in this thread?

Then you might like threads about this subject:

Dogs
whowhywhenwhat · 17/01/2022 18:07

And the ones that just want to chase, jump up and lick you and trip you up with their long leads when you are out running - very annoying!

RoseMartha · 17/01/2022 18:08

I am not a fan. I get some people are.
Some small dogs are cute, but that doesn't mean I want to pet one or have one as a pet.

pettyprudence · 17/01/2022 18:11

I do not like dogs at all (fear and general dislike) - I don't trust them, they smell and a lot of owners (particularly in my area, better in the posh bit) seem to think that it's acceptable to leave their dogs shit on the pavement.

My brother recently got a dog and he's amazed I am progressing to being in the same room as it. I will not allow my children to be unsupervised with her ( a very strong breed). My daughter LOVES her nan's dogs though and spends hour tickling their bellies. Strange child.

Suzi888 · 17/01/2022 18:11

@Kinneddar

Totally with you on this. I hate when I'm in someone's house and their dog comes over and demands attention. My.friends now know to keep them away from me

Standby though for people piling on saying they'd never trust/like someone who doesn't like dogs 🙄

You go to people’s homes and expect them to keep their dog away from you Shock…. You’d not be invited to mine Grin
Diditopknot · 17/01/2022 18:13

Me.
Really don’t like dogs.
I have a bit of a fear of dogs.

Unfortunately I stopped going to mils house for 7 years when they got a dog. I didn’t know. We went round, there it was.
I was handed a cup of coffee with a huge black dog hair hanging from the cup.
I had slobber all over my coat and trousers and stank of dog when we left. Had to wash everything.
Never went back.
That dog died and they got another.

I suspect that it worked well for all concerned!

JuergenSchwarzwald · 17/01/2022 18:15

@Huntswomanonthemove

I wonder sometimes if people who don't like dogs change their minds if they need an assistance dog. If you became blind, would you give a guide dog a go?
Possibly but guide dogs are incredibly well trained and they wouldn't slobber over me or jump up at strangers. I'd probably exhaust every alternative first, though.

I'm interested to know who cleans up the dog poo of the people on mobility scooters who take them out. Clearly they can't clean it up and they are on their own...

stuntbubbles · 17/01/2022 18:16

Bloody hate the things.

JuergenSchwarzwald · 17/01/2022 18:16

@whowhywhenwhat

And the ones that just want to chase, jump up and lick you and trip you up with their long leads when you are out running - very annoying!
That is down to the owners. Those extendable leads should be banned, they are so dangerous. Short leads, or you have to be fit enough to run with your dog.
sadpapercourtesan · 17/01/2022 18:16

"You go to people’s homes and expect them to keep their dog away from you shock…. You’d not be invited to mine "

Somehow I doubt that would cause her much distress. People with dogs tend to be a bit blind to the fact that their home stinks of dog and is covered in hair.

Bigassbeebuzzbuzz · 17/01/2022 18:18

I dont dislike dogs as such. I do get nervous when I see dogs off the lead though. Mainly because when this dog is flying over to me I have no idea how it is going to react. Either way if your dog is coming flying over to me I'm assuming that you havent trained your dog properly so it must be kept on a lead.

6464zz · 17/01/2022 18:19

I can appreciate a cute one but I really don't like being near them, especially big ones no matter what their nature is.
I hate having a random dog jump and bark at me while the owner says "they're friendly". We have such lovely woods nearby but I can't walk on the main path for dogs off the lead.

DGRossetti · 17/01/2022 18:19

Not a massive dog fan here. DM was scared of them, and DF had very clear views they should work not be pets.

However this is the UK, so you can't really say that out loud ...

That being said, I'm not afraid of dogs, since friends families had them growing up. Also DWs mum & partner had a dog when I first met her.

WimpoleHat · 17/01/2022 18:19

I don’t like dogs. I’m not frightened of dogs - I don’t think that dogs are going to bite me. I just find them really unpleasant and I hate, hate, hate them jumping up at me. I’ve yet to come across one that doesn’t smell bad. Perfectly happy for others to have them, just don’t want to have to deal/interact with them myself.

TheFlis12345 · 17/01/2022 18:21

I love most dogs. I have a dog! But he is not allowed to jump up at anyone we know, let alone people we don’t! And he is not allowed to approach people or other dogs on leads without me checking if they are ok with it. I know plenty of people who hate dogs so do all I can to ensure my dog is not inflicted on those who don’t want them near them. I just wish some people would have the same courtesy with their kids!! Wink

RampantIvy · 17/01/2022 18:23

I don't dislike dogs, but I do dislike those behaviours.
I dislike the humans who should have taught the dogs to not jump up.

That pretty much sums it up for me. I quite like dogs. I grew up with them, but I really dislike dog owners who won’t control their dogs. It’s all very well telling a complete stranger that their dog is friendly. The dog owner knows that, but the stranger doesn’t.

And above all, I really dislike people who have the love me love my dog attitude. I adore cats. They are the most wonderful animals in the world, but I don’t expect other people to adore them as much as I do. When we had cats, if anyone came to our house who disliked them I would shut them away or outside. It isn’t difficult to separate your pets from people who dislike them. And dog owners who assume that their dog should be made welcome in your home. No, that is downright rude and arrogant.

I wonder sometimes if people who don't like dogs change their minds if they need an assistance dog. If you became blind, would you give a guide dog a go?

I don't know, but my SIL was always afraid of dogs, then got one of her own to try and overcome this fear. I think it helped a lot. She loved her dog.

EddieVeddersfoxymop · 17/01/2022 18:23

Another one here.

I dislike the shit everywhere, the barking, the doggy smell, the fact they're allowed into more and more places (guide dogs the exception, of course) and the expectation that you will love the dog ad much as the owner does. I hate being jumped on, coats covered in mud, slobbered over or dogs that walk alongside me when I'm not their owner.

Give me my snooty, quiet, purring feline pal any day of the week. She doesn't bother anyone bar us - she's indoor and hides from guests.

isittheholidaysyet · 17/01/2022 18:27

Can't stand them.
I was always scared as a kid. I was bitten aged about 10. (Absolutely not my fault).

I am no longer scàred of them. But I just can't see the attraction at all. In the last few years I have become more intolerant of them in public spaces.

If I go to a dog's house (most of my friends have got dogs in the last couple of years) I will allowed dog to sniff, lick and explore me when I first enter their space. (Dogs seem to be unable to leave me alone though, in a room full of people).

What I dislike:
Dogs touching me, especially jumping up.
Dog shite
Dogs licking me
Dogs under my feet.
Dogs who stare at me when I eat.
Dogs who steal/lick my food
Dog hair
Dirty floors from dogs
Being unable to use gardens because of dog shit.
People who talk about their dog constantly.
People who treat dogs like humans.
Losing trips/activities which I used to do with friends but I can no longer do because they have to be back for the dog.

I no longer tolerate the excuse of a dog. If you can only be out so long because of the dog, then often the activity is no longer worth the money, and I will go with someone else instead.

We also try to avoid holiday cottages which are pet friendly.

AndItDoesntSeemToMatter · 17/01/2022 18:27

I don't like dogs and I also don't like the pathetic phrase "never trust someone who doesn't like dogs". Actually I am a very trustworthy, loyal, caring person. Dog dislikers are dog dislikers we're not fucking murderers!!

Okbye · 17/01/2022 18:28

I’m not a fan either. Like a PP said, their smell, slobber, noise etc it’s just nasty and I try to avoid touching dogs at any cost.

I hate that more and more pubs and restaurants are becoming ‘dog friendly’ 🤬 I was In one of these places once when a dog on the floor at the next table (who arrived after me, I’d NEVER choose a table near to one with a dog😷) ‘shook’ itself and it’s fur just flew out everywhere including onto my table 🤮🤮🤮

It’s fucking disgusting and they shouldn’t be allowed in places where people are eating. Or at the very least these places should have dog free zones where they’re not allowed so people who don’t want their food with a side of slobber and fur can eat in peace.

Comedycook · 17/01/2022 18:28

I don't like dogs...I'm genuinely baffled when people look at dogs and describe them in positive terms...I just don't see what they see.

Loveisthere · 17/01/2022 18:31

I am terrified of all dogs and when owners say aw s/he won't hurt you well I don't want to take the risk

RedCandyApple · 17/01/2022 18:33

Hate them and would never have one (and no I’m not scared of them) just can’t stand them!