To not be a huge fan of dogs..

[miseryguts1988]

I mean don't get me wrong I like dogs.. I'm not phobic of them and I think they are a wonderful and intelligent species. But I think to own one they are hard work, expensive and just too tying and too much effort to basically have an animal living with you. People put too much trust in them which is why children end up being bitten.. and people see them the same as their children when they're not.. they are an animal.
I dunno I probably ABU but I just don't see why we are such a nation of dog lovers and every dog lover is shocked if you say you're not.
People wouldn't be the same if you said you didn't like cats.. I prefer cats! They are much less demanding.
I think I'll get shot for this post..

''@WifeMotherWorker I’m not a huge fan of cats! They are pointless pets but good for people who can’t be bothered. Cats are not remotely loyal and will go to anyone that feeds them, they shit everywhere where owners take no responsibility (my garden is testament to that, it’s vile and fucking infuriating), they kill so much native wildlife and get run over because they are free roaming and feral!''

What a judgemental and rather ignorant post.

Cats make great pets especially for people who don't have a lot of outdoor space, might not be able to walk an animal regularly or who have the type of personality that match an independent and quiet animal.

I always found having cats incredibly comforting and rewarding.

This is not an AIBU. You're allowed to not be a fan of anything you want.

YANBU OP and I think there are a lot of irresponsible owners out there who cause trouble for others. I would really like to see some sort of dog licence system to pay for dog wardens (as they seem to be disappearing at a time when dog ownership has increased) but I can't see that it would be enforceable.

It would help if they weren't see as some sort of status symbol (after all, they are expensive to keep).

I personally don't see the attractiveness of a creature who will always be a toddler in terms of emotional, psychological, and physical needs indeed this. I am lazy anyway so pet ownership is far too much effort for me! Cats aren't too bad but you still have to worry about them if you go away more than overnight.

Another poster mentioned dogs need a role and a job. They do, added to the fact, that dogs didn't always live inside the home, they had a home of their own in a dog house. A friend has her dog outside, it does come in but retreats to her own home often. We have an older dog, my goodness she's messy and curmudgeonly. Some customers have 3 or 4 labs in their personal space, barging around, I don't understand how they manage to function or keep the place clean.

Well if you're clearing out a nest or a barn you don't bring in the cat men, you bring in the terrier men. Some dog breeds are incredible ratters! Not sure cats would be as efficient if you tried to use them in the same way.

Of course you have cats in barns clearing out rats! You don't have dogs doing that. I've never heard of that. That's why there are Barn Cats/Farm Cats. Never heard of anyone using any dogs or terriers for rats, don't see how that would work.

You can't be serious. You've never heard of ratters?

en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ratter_(dog)

They're incredible to watch at work. The Jack Russell we had on the farm growing up once got 26 rats in one hour when we had a nest (which the farm cats had let go unchecked, I might add!).

I’ve got three but think it’s fine for someone not to like them, but secretly put them in the ‘might be a bit of a precious little dick’ category.

As for the person who thinks dogs are perpetual toddlers, they really aren’t. An old dog is a wise being indeed, they see it all before. And the speed that my 22 week old puppy has got her head around things is amazing.

I think your life is richer for having a dog, so long as you look at them as part of your family and are happy to give them lots of love. I think love is a really key thing for a dog, without it they are miserable. With it they are well balanced and able to give so much back.

I really don't understand why all dogs are allowed everywhere now - why it is no longer "guide dogs only". I've always been wary of dogs due to negative experiences when younger, and yes, I have worked hard on my fear via costly hypnotherapy. But being ND the hypervigilance is always going to be there if thankfully no longer as prominent. I still know I can't use the vast majority of parks, etc. round my way but TBH it's more gangs of teenage boys that are the problem there, some of which have bull breed dogs (which I will always be scared of).

I do, they’re arseholes.

@CatsandFish are you being serious?

Terriers are bred to chase rats and other small furry things 🤣

Love dogs and would love to own one but I know in my family all the responsibility would fall to me, as much as the kids say they'd help out I bet they won't. The worst though is the dog owners who allow their dogs to shit on the pavements, especially outside schools. Just so inconsiderate.

I have a dog. I love her and the fun she's added to our home has been brilliant. We go out much more than we used to, in the great outdoors and getting her has been such a great decision for our family.
I get that not everyone loves dogs, that's fine. Same with cats, who cares really. These threads always bring out the people who claim to be uninterested or mumsnet classic "confused" or the default nasty "your home must be unclean " or "dogs attack kids". Dogs are wonderful but not compulsory.

YANBU - I have a dog who tends to be a bit needy and Barky but he is so loving and cute we wouldn’t be without him

You're entitled to prefer either pet.

There is no law enforcers who forcibly check what your preferences are.

I didn't like either, the DC wanted a dog for years I came across a homeless man with a very young sick puppy, I paid him for the puppy and brought her straight to the vet she had fleas worms, an eye infection at 6 weeks old.

We advertised to check if she was stolen on SM, local stores, now she is a very much loved part of the family.

I never thought I'd love a pet who destroyed everywhere with her excessive shedding coat but I do.

TBH it's more gangs of teenage boys that are the problem there, some of which have bull breed dogs (which I will always be scared of).
I'm terrified of these too.

YANBU.

I have a dog. He is a complete pain in the ass. He is effectively a teenager, so actively does things he knows he isn't allowed to do (jumping onto the sofa, bolting away when called, begging for human food that we have never given him, eats his own shit 🤗). That said, I love him. He has such a sweet temperament, is excellent with children,

Agh, hate this app.

Some people love dogs. Some don't. I love my dog and very much like most I have met. There are a few that I really dislike. There are some breeds that I don't like at all.

Different strokes for different folks.

I don't care for cats or children. People seemed to get offended by that but I don't let it bother me. People have their likes and dislikes and that's what makes the world go 'round. :)

I completely agree with this
We have a puppy, he has 1-2-1 training and puppy classes. He's still learning but doesnt bark (thankfully) or go off leash.

Drives me mad when I see owners shouting at their dogs then complaining when their dogs bark.

Worse is those who let their dogs off the leads and let them run up to people and other dogs. Why should my dog or toddler niece be scared on walks?! Control your dogs or keep them on a leash. And pick up their poop

Oh look, another dog hating thread 🙄

I know 😕 I never come across dog haters in real life - thank goodness!

Loads of people don't like dogs. Every time there is a post about a dog on Mumsnet a load of people immediately pipe up to announce that they don't like them or are indifferent to them. I'm not sure why you think you're unusual in that.

YANBU not to like dogs. YABU, however, to criticise other people for liking them, which is essentially what you are doing when you say people put too much trust them, endanger their kids, treat them like babies etc.

I personally don't see the appeal of cat ownership but I don't get worked up about other people's choices.

Totally agree

I have 4 dogs and they are pretty easy really. I think it depends on the dogs and if you are a dog lover. I'm a dog lover so don't mind looking after them. I'm 38 weeks pregnant so kinda thinking how am I going to juggle 4 dogs and a baby but I have great help and they are very low maintenance dogs. 2 are quite old and just like to lay in peace.