MovieChat Forums > General Discussion > Regarding dogs...a confession.

Regarding dogs...a confession.

posted 6 years ago by aliensalmon (5860)
10 replies | jump to latest

I have heard many good stories about dogs. They are loyal, intelligent, full of love, and etc. I've heard stories about their undying loyalty towards their human companions, their display of some aspects of human personality and morality, and how they are a bundle of love. I won't dispute these stories.

However, I can't bring myself to love or even like dogs. I guess it has to do with my phobia of dogs, which I got partly from my mother and partly from aggressive loud dogs that have traumatized me in the past. Besides the fact I get wary, I just don't like how loud they are.

I know, I'm overly sensitive, but I admit it.

[–] TexasJack (12516) 6 years ago

I'm sorry that you had those experiences. It's a perfectly understandable reaction. I love dogs, but will never let my guard down for an instant when in the presence of certain breeds.

[–] aliensalmon (5860) 6 years ago

Thank you for your kind words!

[–] twinA (4921) 6 years ago

They're not for everyone. It's a two-way street; dogs can give you unconditional love, but feels like you're taking care of a small child you know will never grow up.

Mind if I ask if you're looking to share a story about your mom? Talking about problems helps us put them at ease. I'm your captive audience.

~~/o/

[–] aliensalmon (5860) 6 years ago

Thank you too for the good words. And thank you for listening.

My mom also had a fear of dogs...she was bitten by a puppy when she was growing up in the Philippines. My mom has gotten over it (mostly), but because I am very sensitive to certain stimuli I still don't like dog barking very much. I go out of my way to avoid contact with them (I don't go to houses with dogs for example.). It's sort of a hassle, but I can manage.

[–] twinA (4921) 6 years ago

Sorry I've taken this long to respond back, got sidetracked doing other things. Thanks for sharing. The fact you are willing to talk about your dilemma means you are a well-adjusted person, probably more than you get yourself credit for. Your mom sounds like a strong individual.

~~/o/

[–] slimone (7996) 6 years ago

I've never had a pet. . . oh wait, I did have a goldfish that lived for 10 years, can you believe it?

Regarding dogs. .. I know a lot of people in my neighborhood who have dogs, and they seem really happy with their pets. My brother had a dog for a long time and when it died my brother was inconsolable for months and months. That's one reason why I wouldn't have a dog or cat. There is a cat that comes around my house a lot and I feed it, but I won't take it in for the same reason. But I'm happy for people who own and love their pets.

[–] aliensalmon (5860) 6 years ago

I also kept a turtle and fish as well. Sorry to hear about you brother's loss. But yeah, that's good that you are happy for "pet people".

[–] Stratego (31086) 6 years ago

So are you planning to work on your phobia? If it's a hassle, I don't see why you couldn't give it a try. There's a difference between being wary of strange dogs and avoiding them all together.

[–] aliensalmon (5860) 6 years ago

I'm okay with dogs I know (like some of my neighbors' dogs). I don't bother them, though. I've also petted dogs I know are friendly.

[–] Otter (24464) 6 years ago

FYI I had a dog phobia as a child, and into my teens I was terrified of dogs. Then a nice little dog moved in next door and would wander over and not attack me and I began to get less afraid, and I got to know some more dogs... and found out that they are indeed incredibly loveable. The phobia is completely gone, real life experience of real dogs overruled it.

I don't have a dog of my own, though. I have cats, as you don't have to train cats, and I'd rather spoil animals than train them.