Dogs are widely regarded as man’s best friend. Meaning that they are a favorite of pet owners all over America. However, not everybody likes dogs, and if someone has introduced one into your life, such as a parent buying one and bringing one into your home or having to see it whenever you visit a sibling, and you don’t like them, suddenly you can feel very unwelcome in your own home or when visiting your own family.
Here is what you can do to help you become less anxious around the creature and see your family without the anxiety of being in the presence of a dog.
#1 Treats are a good place to start
Of course, you should always ask the owner of the dog if it can have the treats you are about to offer, but going with Natural Dog Treats is a good option here. This can help you become more familiar with the dog and for it to be more friendly with you, which might be one of the reasons why you don’t like them. It might also get them to leave you alone as they are preoccupied with their food for a little while.
#2 Remember you don’t have to like the animal
Remember, you don’t have to like the animal. Dogs are pleasant enough, but if you don’t like them, you don’t like them. You aren’t obliged to like the dog, so if you are asked to look after it, you shouldn’t feel guilty saying no. You are entirely within your rights to decline to go somewhere with the dog if it makes you uncomfortable.
#3 Don’t forget to set boundaries
If you are in a situation where you are being put in the care of a dog, for example, your parents go one, and you don’t want one, you are well within your rights to say no if they want you to take care of it.
This can also be letting it in your room, taking it out on walks, and sacrificing your holiday time to have to accommodate for it. It was your parents’ decision to get the dog, and they should have thought about all of these things before getting it. One thing you do have to remember is that the dog is a living thing that will be wholly dependent on your parents, like a baby, so if you are independent and you do lay these boundaries, your family might be more likely to prioritize the dog over you simply out of the interest for its well-being, no hard feelings intended.
A few final thoughts
If you struggle with dogs and are forced into situations where you have to be around one constantly, it can do a huge toll on your welfare and can also damage relationships. But the owners of the dog aren’t going to give up their animal, nor should you expect them to.
However, you can try to help yourself by setting boundaries and attempting to befriend the animal are two of the best ways to help your anxiety and fear of the animal and remember that you have the right to say no simply because the animal is there.
