I’m 19-years old and I’m afraid of dogs. I wasn’t afraid of them when I was little because I distinctly remember trying to (or actually) DRINKING from another dog’s WATER BOWL. I look back on that and don’t even understand how I could do that. Anyway, I don’t know if I’ve had a traumatic experience to incite this fear, but it’s here. I’ve never had a dog/cat, so right off the bat, I’m uncomfortable with patting/touching any animal. Additionally, I have this weird psychological instinct that whenever I hear even the faintest jingle, I immediately think it’s a dog’s collar/leash.
I do have many friends and family (as we all do) who own dogs who can incessantly talk/show/post photos about them. I have some family friends (the same family with the dog/water bowl incident) that own two dogs. Whenever we are visiting them, I freak out inside because I fear entering through the door and getting bombarded by two beasts. Which brings me to a point I haven’t seen too much on this subreddit: DOGS (and cats) BELONG IN A CAGE OR OUTSIDE WHEN PEOPLE ARE OVER YOUR HOUSE. It’s rude, disrespectful, unsanitary, and scary for non-dog lovers. I literally have to mentally prepare myself to enter a home with a pet because I’m so terrified.
Outside of homes, I try my best to avoid dogs by scooting to the other side of sidewalk.
It’s a tough world out there, folks!