Published on 12, July, 2020
Hi all,
I’ve been a bit hesitant to post this as we seem to live in a society where saying you’re not keen on dogs is viewed on the same level as saying you enjoy burning children’s Christmas presents, but here goes.
I’ve always been very wary around dogs, and have never understood the growing fascination with owning/taking pictures of/talking about them. It’s not a fear as such - I just don’t really get it and I find them unpredictable. Particularly when their owners have them off the lead, and think shouting “It’s okay - he’s harmless!” as their four-legged friend bounds up to you is a substitute for being in control. This is exacerbated by the fact that I like running, and whenever I’m running towards someone walking a dog off the lead I automatically get anxious because I don’t know if it will keep calm or suddenly bolt and get under my feet as I run past. I even under up slowing down as I approach these situations as it causes me to hesitate!
I always just figured I was a bit miserable, but in the light of my ASD diagnosis I thought I’d put it out there to see if anyone felt similar? I see a lot about autistic people having a love of animals but not too much of the opposite, so I don’t have high hopes!
Thank you for putting this post. I too thought I was the only one who didn't like dogs.
I don't have a problem with people owning dogs if they like them, but I do have a problem if they invade my personal space.
A lot of people near me walk their dogs off the lead which is ok if they are obedient and stay with owners. I no longer walk across a local open space because that is an area where other dogs have been attacked.
People saying they are ok does not help. I don't want a dog jumping up on my clothes and slobbering all over me. Then there are two types with dogs on leads. There are those who take up the whole path with their two dogs and are oblivious, then there are considerate people who cross the road or move over.
People not clearing up after their dogs makes walks less relaxing. Also with a strong sense of smell I can smell where any fresh deposits have been.
The other thing I find hard is when they suddenly bark as I am jumpy at sudden noises. A lady apologised to me yesterday and I accepted her apology as I think me coming around the corner probably made the dog jump too.
My ideal, like some places are dog friendly, would be to have the opposite, open spaces where we could walk knowing we didn't have to be on high alert. Failing that I wish all people who take their dogs for a walk would train them so they are in control and be considerate to those who may not be dog lovers.
Homebird said:Then there are two types with dogs on leads. There are those who take up the whole path with their two dogs and are oblivious,
100% this! Especially where the dogs are on long leads as well. What you have there is two moving tripwires!