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?
I think you’re being a little unfair. A lot of the examples you state are not universal among dogs. And a lot of the issues could be solved with owners being more responsible. No owner should let a dog come up to you like that, that is just unacceptable. I would never allow my dog to do that unless it was clear the person wanted it. Likewise dogs should NOT be stealing food from people, that is bad behaviour and it’s on the owners who should know better and train the dog properly.
Sure, some dogs have annoying or difficult traits, but to paint all dogs in such a negative light is just not accurate. You’re perfectly entitled to be nervous around dogs, but if you reinforce that nervousness with negative connotations you will never be able to overcome it.