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?
Well said. We do the same with our dog. Never off leash in public spaces and also did a lot of on leash crowd training so she stays calm when being randomly approached by people. We run her before going to a pub and have her under a table at a welcoming outdoor terrace. We will leave if any problem, which I think only happened once.
We also have a different problem. Our dog is beautiful so gets approached and petted without us being asked and before we have time to sit her down and get her in a calm state. So we worked on that too, but I wished people just asked before approaching us. Especially sending their kids running towards my dog. She's never reacted badly, and we're in good control, but why send your kid towards an animal you don't know, especially when she has the hunting skills to hurt your kid (small prey) in a flash if she decided to?
Basically no one should impose their dog to someone who doesn't like them.
I am sorry OP feels many owners don't respect their boundaries.
Similarly, no one should impose themselves on a dog and owner either.
Live and let live.