So I’ve been wanting a little walking buddy lately. Probably a shih tsu mix or something. Something small that has a good personality and is available at the shelter. I’ve never had a dog myself before though and I had a couple of bad experiences with large off leash dogs when I was a small kid (I don’t think I was hurt but I very much do remember being chased and being very afraid) so I find myself still a little nervous around larger dogs I don’t know, especially if that dog is feeling excited or jumpy. A couple of gentler breeds are excepted in my head (golden and labs) and once I get used to a particular dog, I’m perfectly fine. I can leave other situations just fine by myself but I’m here asking for opinions from more experienced dog people. I suppose I’m afraid that having a dog myself would be like a magnet for other dogs while on walks that I might be uncomfortable with or that my being nervous could make a normal meet and greet go poorly. I just don’t want to adopt a dog and wind up putting it in a bad situation by accident. It’s also super common that I see escaped dogs when I’m out for walks by myself and others who walk their dogs without a leash.
Also, to say out loud, I am addressing my dog fears in therapy. It’s just not an instant cure, you know? It’s also possible I am way over thinking this.
I see others have mentioned it, but I’m also thinking you should have more dog exposure before committing to one. Stop by a shelter or pet store (don’t buy from a pet store) and just go look at the dogs. If you see one that seems chill, ask to take it out and hold it/play with it for a bit. If it’s too overwhelming, just give it back, go back to looking from a safe distance, and try again when you feel ready.
Pet stores in my area exclusively stock shelter dogs with the most personality so they can facilitate adoptions (for a transaction fee). So, ‘buying’ from a pet store gets you a shelter dog.