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Original poster

I hate my dogs

99 replies

theogcd · 27/10/2026 16:14

I’m just using this as a space to vent because I can’t post it anywhere else
but I’ve come to hate my dogs.
i have 3, too many for my small house.
when I got my first 2, i had just moved into this house. I actually because a dog walker and it really took off.
i spent all my days with dogs and it was a good laugh.
and then my mental health took a serious turn, I feel like my whole personality changed. I hated my job and my dogs just started to frustrate me.
fast forward a bit, I got put on anti depressants and I became euphoric. Life was the best thing ever and I loved everyone and everything to the max, and I got another flipping dog.
dont get me wrong, the dogs are all well trained, usually well walked and basic care always kept on top of.
but I just hate them. They annoy me so much, I hate the constant licking and looking for my constant attention.
I know it’s my fault, and I feel like a fraud because people know me as this huge dog lover but I’m just not anymore. I dislike dogs in general and the whole culture around them now.
I feel like I could never rehome them because the guilt would be so deep, and I’d be so embarrassed. They don’t have a bad life, but I do ignore them sometimes and get annoyed at them for just being here.
i know it’s not their fault, and I do love them deep down. But I just regret having them and if I could do it over again, I wouldn’t.

anyone else feel like this? Or am I just a complete asshole. Probably!

OP posts:
ihadamarvelloustimeruiningeverything · 28/10/2026 00:22

reading this I feel so thankful that I have my dogs and they actually make my mental health better
as for the lady collecting dogs who are about to be put to sleep , what a lovely thing to do

Honeybee111 · 28/10/2026 04:00

ihadamarvelloustimeruiningeverything · 28/10/2026 00:22

reading this I feel so thankful that I have my dogs and they actually make my mental health better
as for the lady collecting dogs who are about to be put to sleep , what a lovely thing to do

I couldn’t agree more, my dog’s presence keeps me happy, not to mention the exercise and fresh air!

Rehoming dogs in need is an amazing thing to do, hence why I have three. 😂

Honeybee111 · 28/10/2026 04:17

FreeRider · 27/10/2026 16:49

I dislike dogs intensely (I don't hate them because I don't think they are worth that amount of emotional effort) and I also intensely dislike the current culture around them.

My reasons are because they stink - even when 'clean' - are dirty and are just far too fucking needy. The constant requiring of attention drives me up the fucking wall whenever I visit my best friends house (hence why I've not been there for nearly 3 years).

Find out where your nearest Dogs Trust is and get them re-homed. Life is too short to be miserable.

Edited

And I have an instant dislike for people who don’t like dogs or animals in general.
The company of my dogs and other animals is way more enriching than that of miserable humans.

BTW, a lot of people smell far worse than any dog!

OP, your dogs dote on you no doubt. You chose to have them and you have to take responsibility for their welfare.
Sounds like it would do you good to address your emotional health first and go from there?

Interested in this thread?

Then you might like threads about this subject:

Dogs
OneTicklishPoster · 28/10/2026 04:35

You sound a great dog owner and I very much doubt all the "dogs know when they are not loved" guilt trip comments are true. Dogs pick up on your mood, and perhaps they are trying to soothe you with the licks, but they are happiest with you.
I am counting down on my dogs. It's just the day to day commitment. But I will miss them too when they are gone.
Really, this sounds more like your mental health. Are you bipolar? There seems a lot of mood shift to extremes.
I know you might feel embarrassed as an ex dog walker but don't be! Consider reaching out for support with the dogs ... a dog walking charity for example ... just to give you a break.

namechangeforthis0009 · 28/10/2026 04:52

Are u still on your meds? I became a bit like this when I was suffering from depression.

Keepgettingolder81 · 28/10/2026 05:06

topcat2014 · 27/10/2026 16:25

They are just dogs and are adversely affecting your life. They will be fine in new homes with new families

You sound like such a warm and caring person who is completely in touch with the reality of animal re-homing…

Keepgettingolder81 · 28/10/2026 05:09

The MN dog hating society must be drooling at this one. Sorry OP, you deserve support and a hand hold but instead have invited the bitter coven to emerge…

I often wonder how these witches treat their children.

QuietPiggy · 28/10/2026 05:19

DBSFstupid · 27/10/2026 17:58

This. Yet another one. Usually on here it’s because the woman has had a baby and they can ‘no longer give the attention the dog needs blah blah’
Poor dogs. Heartbreaking.

Show quote history

Well, having a baby is arguably something that comes naturally to humans, whereas keeping a furry quadruped in your home is not.

Princessconsuelabananahammock9 · 28/10/2026 05:34

QuietPiggy · 28/10/2026 05:19

Well, having a baby is arguably something that comes naturally to humans, whereas keeping a furry quadruped in your home is not.

Show quote history

If having a dog feels unnatural then don’t get a dog.

HoundHugger · 28/10/2026 05:38

seaandwater · 27/10/2026 17:08

@theogcd
Op, don’t berate yourself.
You have been struggling with maintaining your mental health and, for whatever reason, have changed your mindset regarding the dogs.
The thing about dog ownership in the UK is that it doesn’t leave much room for differing opinions, and while that will definitely be considered a positive by many, in actual fact, it means that there will also be lots of people who are almost held hostage to “the only possible way of caring for dogs” lifestyle.

I believe that those who advocate rehoming “for the sake of the dogs” are rather wishful thinkers. I ‘d suggest having a good look at what changes you can put in place to ensure a good compromise between you and the dogs.
For instance. Where I live many many dogs live in the garden and have kennels and toys etc outside. They generally play together and entertain themselves when not out on walks, working in some description or being fed. This is a perfectly acceptable way of having dogs and generally they are trained not to bark to disturb the neighbours.
Dogs are loved but they aren’t treated like people.

I think that if the dogs are annoying you by their presence then you need to address that by stop feeling guilty about things like “ignoring them”. If you provide a stimulating activity in the way of exercise, once a day which aligns with their breed, then you shouldn’t be having to entertain them the rest of the time. They have each other.

I agree with you to an extent but I think some are advocating for rehoming because the OP didn't say they were merely "annoyed" by their dogs. The title of the threat is, "I hate my dogs," so there is a distinction between those words and most will give advice on that basis.

HoundHugger · 28/10/2026 05:39

QuietPiggy · 28/10/2026 05:19

Well, having a baby is arguably something that comes naturally to humans, whereas keeping a furry quadruped in your home is not.

Show quote history

I don't understand why you're posting here, tbh. Can't you start your own thread about hating dogs in general and crusade there?

Yello24 · 28/10/2026 05:52

Don’t add guilt to your current low mood. The dog obsessed will come at you for not liking them at the moment but you’re looking after them fine. Am sure they have a better life than most of the dogs in the world and throughout history.
I’d manage them until they die. Don’t get more. Maybe see if you can (actually) rehome one or two. Just tell people that one didn’t get on with the busy household or something. Three dogs in a small house is a lot.

LlamasDramas · 28/10/2026 05:56

First step should be to go back to the doctor to see if there is anything that could help your mental health.

3 dogs is a lot. A huge commitment. You sound overwhelmed by their presence which is understandable if you are feeling low.

See how you feel after speaking to your doctor. If you still feel resentful of the dogs, would you consider rehoming just one dog and see how you get on?

Mummyoflittledragon · 28/10/2026 06:02

estrogone · 27/10/2026 23:58

This thread confuses me. On another thread a poster said her puppy was affecting her mental health and the overwhelming consensus was to rehome.

In this thread kind of the opposite.

I am firmly in the camp of dogs are not humans. That said I do believe as the humans we have the responsibility to make decisions that are sometimes painful but necessary.

OP - completely understanding that its your mental health talking (I have similar struggles). I hope you are ok. I do think the dogs would benefit from either a temporary foster arrangement / rehome, to give you the space to get well. You have shown real self awareness, now it might be time for the self care you owe yourself.

Best of luck.

Puppies and young dogs are malleable and readily adoptable. Not so middle aged and older dogs. Op is a dog trainer and walker. She knows the score. And only she can salvage her mental health.

madhens · 28/10/2026 06:22

"They are just dogs and are adversely affecting your life. "

This sentence has given me the rage. They are living, breathing, sentient, innocent beings who deserve care and compassion and trust their person to look after them. Once you take on a dog you have a responsibility. If you no longer want that responsibility or circumstances change, then you look for another way forward.

But talking about them as if they are commodities or accessories that no longer suit someone's lifestyle isn't ok. I realise that's just my opinion though, but do feel strongly about advocating for animals with no voice.

HalzTangz · 28/10/2026 06:22

RaggedRocks · 27/10/2026 22:11

What about all the sheep, lambs etc that are being slaughtered to feed her dogs?

They could be fed on dry kibble for all you know, and I guarantee more sheep and lands see slaughtered for human consumption than dog consumption

Miaaaaaow · 28/10/2026 06:25

I strongly feel that if you take on the care for an animal, you sign up for that animals life. I genuinly cannot think of any circumstances where you need to re home unless have relatives or friends who can take them and you know they would go to a good home. I think OP you need to see your GP and see about medication.

WeirdlyNorm · 28/10/2026 06:43

I completely get it.

I generally love dogs, have 15 years' training experience, have fostered, rehabilitated neglected dogs, been a dog walker and am a home dog boarder (licenced).

But in order to do this - I don't have my own dog! I need a break from the neediness, the smell, the responsibility.

I adore having my boarding dogs and they are spoilt and loved, but I am so glad when they go home and I can clean properly, de-dog the house and go to the shop without feeling I need to get back asap! I honestly couldn't have one 24/7, they are so much work.

It's hard when it's getting colder, wetter and darker too. I get it!

WeirdlyNorm · 28/10/2026 06:49

Miaaaaaow · 28/10/2026 06:25

I strongly feel that if you take on the care for an animal, you sign up for that animals life. I genuinly cannot think of any circumstances where you need to re home unless have relatives or friends who can take them and you know they would go to a good home. I think OP you need to see your GP and see about medication.

That's a bit silly.

There are many situations where a dog or cat benefits hugely from being rehomed, sometimes it's the kindest thing you can decide to do.

I have many examples, but there are so many reasons someone needs to surrender their pet.

And dogs are very fickle - and not as loyal as owners want to believe... they will attach themselves to anyone who is feeding them! They don't miss their previous owners, they live very much in the present.

Thosestupidpopups · 28/10/2026 06:54

Mossyfox · 27/10/2026 16:19

I am not a dog person so wouldn't have a dog. But you are more important than your dogs. You should rehome them. I had cats once and I felt a bit like you do. I wouldn't have another pet. They got on my nerves.

I am not a dog person so wouldn't have a dog. But you are more important than your dogs. You should rehome them

This basically.

And I think generally we need to discourage people from having more than one dog unless they live in a huge property. Its
not fair on the dogs or neighbours.

Miaaaaaow · 28/10/2026 07:02

WeirdlyNorm · 28/10/2026 06:49

That's a bit silly.

There are many situations where a dog or cat benefits hugely from being rehomed, sometimes it's the kindest thing you can decide to do.

I have many examples, but there are so many reasons someone needs to surrender their pet.

And dogs are very fickle - and not as loyal as owners want to believe... they will attach themselves to anyone who is feeding them! They don't miss their previous owners, they live very much in the present.

Show quote history

The problem is that the rescues are bursting with animals waiting to be “rescued”. You are likely not re homing, just traumatising an animal who will be sent to live in a cage. Have you even been to an animal rescue?
An animal is a family member in my view. Far too many people take on the responsibility and then fall at the first hurdle.

DBSFstupid · 28/10/2026 07:05

madhens · 28/10/2026 06:22

"They are just dogs and are adversely affecting your life. "

This sentence has given me the rage. They are living, breathing, sentient, innocent beings who deserve care and compassion and trust their person to look after them. Once you take on a dog you have a responsibility. If you no longer want that responsibility or circumstances change, then you look for another way forward.

But talking about them as if they are commodities or accessories that no longer suit someone's lifestyle isn't ok. I realise that's just my opinion though, but do feel strongly about advocating for animals with no voice.

I agree 100%.
There was a dog ownership explosion during lock down when in particular a certain demographic was obsessed with those doodle dogs. They were everywhere. They couldn't seem to control them very well and plenty of them were dumped when the owners got pregnant/went back to work/broke up with their partner, fill in the gaps.... etc.
My local dog shelter said it had been absolutely overwhelmed and they are still struggling.

CoolRubyDreamer · 28/10/2026 07:06

I struggle with my dog sometimes I love him and enjoy him but there are times I find the neediness that he has overwhelming. I have cats too and don't have that feeling with them as they pretty much sort themselves out I just have to put food down for them! I actually had to go on anti depressants after we got him as it was all too much and it really helped I think it can be hard when you feel that way as I knew deep down it wasn't his fault and I had chosen to take him in but like other family members pets can be annoying and sometimes you might need a bit space maybe when you are feeling overwhelmed by the licking have them in another room from you to give you some peace

PointyNoseDog · 28/10/2026 07:10

Pearlstillsinging · 27/10/2026 16:30

I think you should go back to your GP to ask for help with your recurrent low mood.

I agree. I think your mood/MH is the problem, not the dogs. Depression strips the joy out of everything, and you seem to have intense mood swings, so you need support for this. Please talk to the GP and ask for some mental health support.

Aliencrispsandolives · 28/10/2026 07:10

Would it be worth asking the GP to review your medication?

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