As someone who likes spending time with dogs, you may wonder how anyone could dislike “man’s best friend.” What could possibly be so offensive about canines that someone would say that they don’t even like them? It turns out that there are quite a few different reasons that a person might not like dogs, and each is valid in its own right. Here are six reasons to be aware of so you can expand your understanding of others.
The 6 Reasons Why Some People Don’t Like Dogs
1. A Lack of Experience With Dogs
Some people decide that they do not like dogs because they simply don’t have any experience with them. They did not grow up around canines, so they don’t know how to interact with them. They’ve never spent the day playing with a dog at the park or snuggling up on the couch to watch movies. They may simply not know what canines are all about, so they see these animals as unpredictable, if not completely foreign. Since they haven’t been exposed to dogs in their lives, they don’t know much about them. As we all know, it’s easy to dislike or even be afraid of the unknown.
Image Credit: Igor Normann, Shutterstock
2. The General Smell of Dogs
If we’re honest, dogs can get smelly. Even if they aren’t downright odorous, they still tend to have a unique scent that sets them apart from other living beings. Some people simply don’t like the smells that canines emit, even if they don’t seem that bad to you. In fact, just the perception that dogs stink can be enough to turn off people. If someone has an interaction with a pup that smells particularly bad for some reason, they may assign that bad experience to all dogs in the future and assume that no matter what canines they get near, it will lead to an assault on their olfactory senses.
3. A Belief That a Dog’s Place Is in the Yard
Some people might not like dogs because they believe that these animals shouldn’t be elevated in the household as part of the family. They dislike the idea of dogs lying on furniture, jumping on laps, and sniffing hands. They believe that canines belong outside, not in the house mingling with humans. So, they might not dislike dogs in general, but they dislike the idea of them being a part of the human social experience.
4. A Belief That Dogs Are Mischievous
Dogs can be naughty just like kids can. This is especially true for pups that are not trained or that have mental issues (like depression or anxiety). So, if someone’s only experience with a dog was when they were misbehaving, they are likely to assume that all dogs act the same. If they expect bad behavior from canines, they wouldn’t want to spend time around them.
Image Credit: Bonsales, Shutterstock
5. A Bad Experience in the Past
If someone was attacked or bitten by a dog, it is understandable that they would be afraid of spending time around strange canines afterward. After all, their past experience tells them that dogs can be extremely dangerous. Even people who only have memories of being barked at by a scary dog while a small child can still harbor anxiety and fear when they are around dogs, especially those that they are not familiar with.
6. A Taught Perception
Some people grow up in families that do not like dogs for one reason or another. If they are told by their parents and other family members that dogs are bad while they are growing up, they are liable to carry that perception into adulthood. They will avoid canines and never get to know them, so their perception that dogs are bad isn’t ever challenged.
Is It Bad to Not Like Dogs?
Absolutely not! Just because someone doesn’t like dogs doesn’t mean that they want to see harm done to them or that they’re evil in any way. They simply choose not to spend their time around canines or own one. Whether their reasons for liking dogs seem valid to others or not, it’s their prerogative and in no way provides insight into their overall character or morals.
Image By: New Africa, Shutterstock
Final Thoughts
Some people simply don’t like dogs, and we say to that: Live and let live! Just because someone doesn’t like dogs, that doesn’t mean they’re mean or vindictive. It just means that they choose not to have canines in their lives. For those of us who do love and have dogs, we can play a role in helping people learn to like these animals by making sure ours are well-behaved in public and don’t invade others’ personal space.
Rachael has been a freelance writer since 2000. In this time she has had an opportunity to research and write about many different topics while working to master the art of fusing high-quality content with effective content marketing strategies. She is an artist at heart and loves to read, paint, and make jewelry. As a vegan, Rachael is obsessed with helping animals in need, both in her community and anywhere in the world where she feels she can make a difference. Animals also happen to be her favorite topic to write about! She lives off the grid in Hawaii with her husband, her garden, and her rescue animals including 5 dogs, a cat, a goat, and flock of chickens.
Vibrating dog collars are effective training tools for teaching your dog by sensation and command. This tactic helps with specific behavioral issues and...
You may be familiar with the phrase “puppy dog eyes.” That is why saying “no” to a dog is next to impossible when they want something, whether they want to play, get up on the couch with you, or eat...
Review Summary Bully Max is an American company that specializes in food and supplements for high-performance dogs made with high-quality ingredients. The food is high in calories, protein, and fat and is quite effective at adding muscle to dogs that...
Adopting a vegan lifestyle is a pretty major commitment, but with the increased range of plant-based products on the market, it has become easier to do than even five or ten years ago. For some, it means keeping everything in...
Vanilla is a common additive that is used to flavor sweet treats like cake, biscuits, and ice cream. Although some people keep and use the pods in their culinary efforts, most homes have vanilla extract, which is made by combining...
How great are crackers? Slathered with dip, layered with cheese, or eaten just on their own, they are simple yet delicious snacks. But is that the case for dogs? Most of us are probably aware that our dogs will happily...
Dog owners everywhere know how important it is to feed their dogs the most high-quality and well-balanced diet possible. While dog food takes up the majority of a canine’s diet, it’s important to remember that treats are also fed regularly,...
We can share a lot of our food items with our dogs, permitting we know the safety and nutritional quality. After all, our dogs are omnivorous just like us. However, when it comes to sweet treats and heavily processed goods,...
Most pet food smells, and there’s no way around it. Any person who has ever owned a dog or cat can attest to the fact that opening a new bag of kibble or cracking open a can of wet food...
Why Are There People Who Don’t Like Dogs? 6 Reasons to Understand
As someone who likes spending time with dogs, you may wonder how anyone could dislike “man’s best friend.” What could possibly be so offensive about canines that someone would say that they don’t even like them? It turns out that there are quite a few different reasons that a person might not like dogs, and each is valid in its own right. Here are six reasons to be aware of so you can expand your understanding of others.
The 6 Reasons Why Some People Don’t Like Dogs
1. A Lack of Experience With Dogs
Some people decide that they do not like dogs because they simply don’t have any experience with them. They did not grow up around canines, so they don’t know how to interact with them. They’ve never spent the day playing with a dog at the park or snuggling up on the couch to watch movies. They may simply not know what canines are all about, so they see these animals as unpredictable, if not completely foreign. Since they haven’t been exposed to dogs in their lives, they don’t know much about them. As we all know, it’s easy to dislike or even be afraid of the unknown.
2. The General Smell of Dogs
If we’re honest, dogs can get smelly. Even if they aren’t downright odorous, they still tend to have a unique scent that sets them apart from other living beings. Some people simply don’t like the smells that canines emit, even if they don’t seem that bad to you. In fact, just the perception that dogs stink can be enough to turn off people. If someone has an interaction with a pup that smells particularly bad for some reason, they may assign that bad experience to all dogs in the future and assume that no matter what canines they get near, it will lead to an assault on their olfactory senses.
3. A Belief That a Dog’s Place Is in the Yard
Some people might not like dogs because they believe that these animals shouldn’t be elevated in the household as part of the family. They dislike the idea of dogs lying on furniture, jumping on laps, and sniffing hands. They believe that canines belong outside, not in the house mingling with humans. So, they might not dislike dogs in general, but they dislike the idea of them being a part of the human social experience.
4. A Belief That Dogs Are Mischievous
Dogs can be naughty just like kids can. This is especially true for pups that are not trained or that have mental issues (like depression or anxiety). So, if someone’s only experience with a dog was when they were misbehaving, they are likely to assume that all dogs act the same. If they expect bad behavior from canines, they wouldn’t want to spend time around them.
5. A Bad Experience in the Past
If someone was attacked or bitten by a dog, it is understandable that they would be afraid of spending time around strange canines afterward. After all, their past experience tells them that dogs can be extremely dangerous. Even people who only have memories of being barked at by a scary dog while a small child can still harbor anxiety and fear when they are around dogs, especially those that they are not familiar with.
6. A Taught Perception
Some people grow up in families that do not like dogs for one reason or another. If they are told by their parents and other family members that dogs are bad while they are growing up, they are liable to carry that perception into adulthood. They will avoid canines and never get to know them, so their perception that dogs are bad isn’t ever challenged.
Is It Bad to Not Like Dogs?
Absolutely not! Just because someone doesn’t like dogs doesn’t mean that they want to see harm done to them or that they’re evil in any way. They simply choose not to spend their time around canines or own one. Whether their reasons for liking dogs seem valid to others or not, it’s their prerogative and in no way provides insight into their overall character or morals.
Final Thoughts
Some people simply don’t like dogs, and we say to that: Live and let live! Just because someone doesn’t like dogs, that doesn’t mean they’re mean or vindictive. It just means that they choose not to have canines in their lives. For those of us who do love and have dogs, we can play a role in helping people learn to like these animals by making sure ours are well-behaved in public and don’t invade others’ personal space.
Featured Image Credit: on to the stock, Shutterstock
Contents
Want content like this delivered to you?
Sign Up For Our Newsletter
News, insights, expert advice, and everything dog
* By submitting, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy & Cookies Policy.
How useful was this post?
Click on a star to rate (you can leave written feedback after clicking submit)
Help us improve Dogster for pet parents!
Your feedback really matters.
What did you like about this post? Also how can we improve it?
Authored by
Rachael GerkensmeyerJoin the conversation
Talk With A Vet Online
Peace of mind,
anywhere, anytime
Affordable vet advice
My Dog Ate Coffee Beans: Should I Be Worried? (Vet Answer)
For a lot of dog owners, the morning routine revolves around their dog. Many dog owners will help get this process rolling by...
Doggy Mealtime Antics: Food Fights With Fred
Hi, I’m Dr. Karyn! Read my introduction to learn more about me and my five funny dogs, Poppy, Bailey, Kodah, Ned, and Fred....
Front of the Pack Dog Food Review 2026: Our Expert’s Opinion
If you’re like most dog owners, you want what’s best for your furry friend. That’s why you’re probably always on the lookout for...
National Dog Dad Day 2026: When It Is & How It’s Celebrated
Like all human-animal relationships, the bond between dogs and their dads is a treasure. National Dog Dad Day gives men a great opportunity...
More related
10 Best Dog Insurance Companies in 2026 – Reviews & Top Picks
Dog insurance can save you thousands of dollars should your dog get sick or injured. Despite the many benefits, only about half of...
7 Best Vibrating Dog Collars in 2026: Reviews & Top Picks
Vibrating dog collars are effective training tools for teaching your dog by sensation and command. This tactic helps with specific behavioral issues and...
Are Pet Owners Healthier Than Other People? Health Benefits & Facts
If you’re constantly sweating, trying to wear out your rambunctious Lab puppy, you may feel like you’re getting into the best shape of...
Dogs and Barking: Getting Lava, Hela & Lajka to Stop
Hi, I’m Dr. Maja! Read my introduction to learn more about me and my two crossbreed dogs, Lava and Hela. Ever since I...
Keep reading
Can Dogs Eat Carne Asada? Vet Reviewed Facts & FAQ
You may be familiar with the phrase “puppy dog eyes.” That is why saying “no” to a dog is next to impossible when they want something, whether they want to play, get up on the couch with you, or eat...
Bully Max High Performance Dog Food Review 2026: Pros, Cons, Recalls, & FAQ
Review Summary Bully Max is an American company that specializes in food and supplements for high-performance dogs made with high-quality ingredients. The food is high in calories, protein, and fat and is quite effective at adding muscle to dogs that...
How to Choose the Best Vegan Dog Food in 2026 – Complete Guide
Adopting a vegan lifestyle is a pretty major commitment, but with the increased range of plant-based products on the market, it has become easier to do than even five or ten years ago. For some, it means keeping everything in...
Can Dogs Have Vanilla? Vet-Verified Nutrition Facts & FAQ
Vanilla is a common additive that is used to flavor sweet treats like cake, biscuits, and ice cream. Although some people keep and use the pods in their culinary efforts, most homes have vanilla extract, which is made by combining...
Can Dogs Eat Crackers? Vet-Reviewed Facts & FAQ
How great are crackers? Slathered with dip, layered with cheese, or eaten just on their own, they are simple yet delicious snacks. But is that the case for dogs? Most of us are probably aware that our dogs will happily...
10 Best Freeze-Dried Dog Treats in 2026 – Reviews & Top Picks
Dog owners everywhere know how important it is to feed their dogs the most high-quality and well-balanced diet possible. While dog food takes up the majority of a canine’s diet, it’s important to remember that treats are also fed regularly,...
Can Dogs Eat Apple Pie? Vet-Verified Nutrition Facts & Info
We can share a lot of our food items with our dogs, permitting we know the safety and nutritional quality. After all, our dogs are omnivorous just like us. However, when it comes to sweet treats and heavily processed goods,...
Why Does Dog Food Smell Bad? Vet-Verified Facts & FAQ
Most pet food smells, and there’s no way around it. Any person who has ever owned a dog or cat can attest to the fact that opening a new bag of kibble or cracking open a can of wet food...