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?
Same. I like/tolerate well-trained dogs, but those are basically nonexistent these days.
Where I live, dog culture is really strong. People here violate leash laws all the time. When you gently but firmly raise a knee to keep a big jumping dog off your chest, the owner acts like you just did a heinous crime. If you complain about not wanting to be jumped on/knocked over by a giant dog that weighs more than you do, you'll be told to seek therapy for your phobia.
Bad dog owners have ruined dogs for me. Training is considered taboo, something close to animal abuse. Which boggles the mind, because the psychology of dogs is such that they need training and maintenance discipline to be well-adjusted. IMO, not training your dog is animal abuse. But here we are, with untrained dogs running around bowling people over and sticking their tongues in strangers' mouths.