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?
Most people don't seem to know this oddly, but in lots of parts of the world people don't really care for dogs. Wild dogs are more common outside of the first world and they can be extremely dangerous. People will often get injured by one and be afraid of dogs for the rest of their lives. I had a roommate from the middle east while I was in college and he said he did not care for dogs at all.
It is also pretty common these days for people to straight up not follow the law in regards to their dogs. Having dogs off leash in a nature area seems to be very common nowadays. My own dog gets very nervous while near an off leash dog and I basically had to stop taking him with me on hikes since they are so common. Makes me very angry.
I agree. I am always frustrated to see entitled dog owners who walk right by a sign that clearly states dogs must be on leash. I absolutely love dogs but I still feel this way. Not only because they can make other people nervous who are just trying to enjoy the space and may have very real dog related traumas in their past but often in natural areas they can be very disruptive to the wildlife. I also love birds and I don't like to think of all the shorebirds that are harassed or displaced by owners that don't take care to ensure that they are handling their furry friends responsibly.