How can I like dogs?

[drspouse]

We have a cat, I am a cat person, I have no interest in getting a dog but for a variety of reasons I seem to come across dogs all the time! When we go out for a walk, neighbours and friends have them at their houses, at the riding stables my DCs have started going to, there is even someone who brings one to choir sometimes (rescue dog that doesn't like to be left).

I'm not really afraid of them but don't like them if they jump up or paw me (it's the sharp claws) and find them smelly on the whole. I also had an injury last year that's left me unsteady on my legs and I worry about falling. Everyone else pets them/rubs their belly/ears and it makes me look rude, I feel, as well!

How do I get comfortable around dogs? The people that have them are those I visit infrequently so I can't really hang about their houses getting to know their dogs. Having said that, one of the dogs at the stables is very gorgeous (possibly a spaniel? I am very dog ignorant) and soft and very polite so maybe I can at least like her!

Do you know anyone with a super calm, friendly, placid dog that you could spend some time with, maybe?

You really don’t need to pet other people’s dogs and you really shouldn’t feel that you have to. My dog is an absolute soft arse and loves a belly rub from her family. She hates anyone she doesn’t know making a fuss of her. She would be so much happier if you just politely ignored her.

It's more the dogs that assume I like them!

I fail to see why it's necessary for you to like dogs. It's ok not to.

I had dogs my entire life, and my last dog, who I absolutely adored, died four years ago. For reasons I can't explain, I have gone off dogs. I obviously don't hate them, but I have no desire to have another or spend time with dogs. I am increasingly annoyed by them in public. I don't know why I feel this way, but I do and that's ok.

That is a bit of a relief actually. I usually just try and stay calm and neutral and not make a fuss, but everyone else is fawning over the dogs.

Do you have to like them or interact any more than you do? I'm similar -love some animals, like most and wish harm on none. Dogs are not in the 'love' category even though I appreciate they can be very sweet or intelligent.

If I meet one socially, I won't stroke it unless I feel particularly drawn to and of course it seems amenable (this does happen just not always).

I will, however say 'hello' and tell the owner how lovely he is. The dogs aren't bothered and the owners should be in control enough so that you don't have to touch them if you don't want to.

There’s no need to have more to do with them than you have to.
That said, they can be a source of great entertainment and comfort.

Think of them as toddlers. Slightly smelly, slightly chaotic, often grubby and fundamentally it’s great to know they aren’t yours!

You don’t have to like them, it’s fine. I really dislike cats and have no intention of trying to overcome this, am quite happy to quietly ignore them at friends houses ( I even let one sit on my lap ) and all was well 😊

You don’t have to like all dogs! They’re like people, some are lovely, some are ok, and some are fab. I have a dog so love mine (most of the time…) and have become a lot fonder of dogs generally in the last few years since we got him, but I certainly haven’t always felt that way about them.

It's probably useful not to be afraid of them, but I don't think you should feel any need to muster up enthusiasm for them beyond that! I'm another dog owner who has a dog who's very affectionate with us, but he would rather strangers ignored him - he would never approach people when he's out and about. If people he doesn't know get right close in his face, he will growl!

You don't have to like them: for me, they're like children - I love my own, am ok with a few of them, totally indifferent to the rest of them.

I think there's been a totally ridiculous swing towards including dogs in all aspects of society and it's completely ridiculous. I speak as a dog owner, bringing a dog to choir! No need for that at all. I bet you didn't feel half as uncomfortable ten years ago when dogs didn't pop up in every single space.

This.

My experience is almost the same, been raised with dogs and had my own for years but now am very happily dog-free. I spend a good deal of time on my local beach and am horrified by the vast numbers of dogs freely roaming and pooping everywhere. It really is quite disgusting. Dog-owners don’t seem to understand that not everyone welcomes the slobbering attention of their animal!