We live in a world where dog owners, often well-meaning, seem to assume that everyone shares their love for pets. But what happens when those pets encroach on others’ personal space—especially when some people, for various reasons, aren’t as fond of dogs as the rest of us?
Take, for example, my own situation: my eldest daughter is severely allergic to dogs. A single lick, and she’ll break out in a rash that requires immediate medical attention. For those of us living with this kind of challenge, it becomes frustrating to constantly encounter dog owners who are oblivious to the discomfort or danger their animals might be causing to others.
Not long ago, while walking through a local park, I witnessed a situation that exemplified the growing disregard for non-dog owners. A woman, clearly terrified of a large dog roaming off-leash, was visibly cowering behind a bush as the dog bounded around her. Its owner, however, showed no concern. Instead of rushing over to control the dog, or even offering a simple apology, she casually walked past, offering a dismissive, “Oh, don’t worry, he’s fine.” This scene is all too familiar—and it’s becoming more and more common.
Unfortunately, this trend isn’t isolated. On a daily basis, I observe dog owners walking far ahead or behind their dogs, paying little attention to their animals’ behavior or the potential impact on others. Whether it’s a nervous child in tears, an adult trembling in fear, or simply someone who doesn’t want an animal in their personal space, these pet owners seem entirely oblivious to the discomfort they’re causing.
This isn’t about dangerous or aggressive breeds like XL Bullies or owners who are intentionally reckless. It’s about the everyday pet owner who believes it’s acceptable for their dog to approach anyone, anywhere, at any time. They don’t seem to consider that others may not want their pet up close—and for some, even a friendly dog could be a source of anxiety, allergic reactions, or simple annoyance.
At times, I wonder if this behavior is a byproduct of our increasingly isolated lives. Perhaps it’s a reflection of how dog owners, in their pursuit of sharing the love they feel for their pets, fail to realize not everyone shares their enthusiasm. The days of the commonly heard, “Don’t worry, he loves kids!” have been replaced by an expectation that all of us should embrace the dog (and its owner) without hesitation.
In fact, the irony is that my family loves dogs. If it weren’t for my daughter’s allergy, I have no doubt we would have a dog of our own. But that doesn’t mean I’m automatically okay with every dog that comes my way. Most dog owners are kind, well-intentioned people, but in their desire to share their pets with the world, they often overlook that others may not be as eager for this interaction.
A recent incident perfectly illustrates this point: I was on a short boat ride across the Thames when a couple boarded with a massive dog. The dog, without any hesitation, shoved its face right into my daughter’s. When we explained her allergy, the couple seemed either skeptical or indifferent, proceeding to walk the dog right up to her again, disregarding our request to keep it at a distance. This blatant disregard for our daughter’s safety was shocking, yet it’s part of a larger pattern I’ve seen in other public spaces.
I also recently experienced something similar in a café. A woman, seated with her dog, allowed it to roam freely around the space, sniffing at tables and rummaging behind the counter. Every so often, she would glance up and say something dismissive like, “What are you like?”—all while her dog was barking at my daughter in her high chair. Once again, the owner seemed oblivious to the disruption and discomfort her dog was causing others.
Yes, dogs are lovable, and I understand that many people adore them. But not everyone wants them in their face—physically or metaphorically. The default should be to respect other people’s personal space and seek consent before introducing your dog to others. It’s about awareness, consideration, and, frankly, basic decency.
In all of this, it’s important to remember that the dogs are not at fault. They’re simply following their instincts. But their owners? They need to check their arrogance and start behaving with more awareness and respect for the people around them.
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