I've never been a fan of dogs. They make me nervous. I like animals, but dogs are just too needy, destructive, and abrasive. Working dogs are fine, but pets/companion dogs really bother me.
They are given so much free reign in homes, it makes me nervous. I shouldn't have to be hyper-vigilant to guard my food and possessions because "the dog might get it!"
They're often very loud, they demand your attention constantly, and they're always in your space.
The worst part is that people nowadays bring their dogs into stores and restaurants, because apparently a lot of dogs have separation anxiety now.
Owners will let their dogs walk right up to me while I'm actively backing away, and assuring me that "they're friendly!" But I do not want to be approached by a strange dog!! I do not know how they will react so I do not want them near me!!
I get that people love their dogs, but there is far too much poor behavior from dogs and their owners that I just can't excuse it.
It dampens my enjoyment of a place when I am forced to guard my possessions, listen to loud barking and/or constant whimpering, be interrupted by the owner who always have to yell at their dogs mid-conversation to keep them from doing something their not supposed to, etc.
Dogs are just..... exhausting.
And I'm very very tired of having to accept them into my spaces & having to deal with them in public settings. I don't believe I'm a bad person for thinking this way. I'm just tired of dogs.
That is all.
Edit: Some of y'all are really offended & have taken that fact that I don't like dogs very personal. Why can I not dislike dogs?
@SharkEatingBreakfast indeed, dogs are really curious of the surroundings (happens with all the animals ofc, but dogs are some of the most obvious about it). And I know it doesn't help, but most dogs really are friendly and they do not intend to harm you or anything. If you happen to stumble upon one dog that is not, that is the fault of the owner. Also as a person who owned a dog, I can tell you that if they are threatening, you will know about it. They will signal that if you come close to their proximity, they won't stay like that. Otherwise, they do not attack you directly.
Stray dogs are a bit of a different story, in that they are also territorial, but you do not know where this territory would be and if it is in your path or not. Plus they go in packs, which makes them even more dangerous.
And yes, I understand that you might feel uncomfortable being smelled by them in public. Owners should keep them closer, but still, they are just curious. They do not do any harm or otherwise.
Those people who do this on purpose suck indeed. I never let my dog go around places in public either. But you can try one thing: if you encounter a dog in a place where there's nowhere to move away from, and it starts smelling your hand for example, try gently petting its head (of course, make sure it doesn't show the teeth). You'll both enjoy this ๐