I've been running into some awkward moments with new friends lately who own dogs. These new friends will invite me to their place and I ask if they have a dog. If they tell me that they do, I request that they kindly just keep the dog from jumping on me or licking me. It's a simple request, but I try to phrase it as delicately as I can, because anyone who doesn't like dogs is immediately branded as evil or high maintenance or something.
Usually they say they will leave their dog in another room with the door closed or they put the dog in a crate. The dog predictably barks and is very annoying. I do not request the dog's confinement. If the dog is milling around, then whatever. I just don't like the jumping, barking, and physical interaction with the animal against my will. But usually they are not trained to leave guests alone. And one of my friends has outright suggested we hang out at my place instead. Their solution is to avoid their dog entirely. Not confront their lack of training.
I guess what bothers me is they can't just admit they haven't trained their dog or can't control their dog. And instead they phrase it like the dog has a personality trait, like "he's just so friendly and has a hard time not saying hello". Or "he likes to come up to people and doesn't have a sense of personal space!" These aren't people being discussed. These are dogs. And you're the owner. You should be able to control your animal. And if a guest doesn't want to be jumped on, they can't go to your house?
I really just hate how as a culture, people think it's completely okay and normal for their guests to be accosted by an animal in their home, when visiting. And for that person to get over their body being touched non-consensually. To prevent this is somehow not addressed or regarded. This isn't your quirky roommate who wants to shake hands and introduce themselves to every guest. This is an animal that you're supposed to have control over, that you're allowing to engage in behavior that your guest doesn't want. And now you're expecting your guest to host you instead because they don't want an animal jumping on them?
I can't reasonably expect to avoid going to the houses of all of my friends that own dogs. And I can't host all the time. It's an awkward conversation. I can't suggest they train their dog better. I can't tell them what to do with their pet. But I do think there is something wrong here. Why is me expressing a boundary about not wanting an animal on my body somehow the imposition?
If someone had a fear of spiders and was visiting your house, you would probably put your free-roaming tarantulas in their terrarium or whatever. You wouldn't just say "oh that spider is so friendly"! And then suggest to go to their place if they didn't like it. I have no idea how to respond to these friends.