dog trauma. what to do?

Question

hello. I have a huge problem. I'm terrified of dogs!
It's a huge problem for me coz though i fear them i also find them cute and i want to own one as well (in the future, maybe!) But my phobia for dogs has gone to bad to worst.
im not afraid of the "dog"...im afraid of what it does, like charge at me, bark as if telling me i should start running.

what should i expect from dogs? some dogs dont do anything they just stay there but im most difficult with dogs who aren't afraid to make communication. =0(

Answer 1

Start out with a puppy. And you fear should go away as your love for the puppy grows. This way you will know that the dog means you no harm when it runs and barks it is just happy to see you!

Answer 2

Why are you afraid of dogs? Were you chased or bitten? The problem you're going to have is that dogs can sense fear and react accordingly.

Do you know anyone who has a very mellow, gentle dog that you could get to know? If so, what you could try is go to the person's house and sit down, have them bring the dog in. You just stay still and let the dog come to you. The dog will sniff you first because that's how dogs get to know people. While the dog is sniffing you, you just sit still, don't try to pet it yet and don't make eye contact. When the dog is done, when you're ready, pet the dog. Get to know this dog at your own pace.

When you feel more comfortable, walk around, maybe go outside with the dog and just walk with it in the yard.

I definitely think you should not get a dog until you get over your fear.

Answer 3

Do you know people who have dogs? You could start with spending time with a dog who is with its owner and is under control. Puppies ARE a great place to start. Dogs will chase you if you run-one of the safety things that children are taught is that is a dogs chases, don't run-lay on the ground face down and don't move. Don't look a 'charging' dog in the eye-some dogs see that as a challenge.
Sometimes, you can look at a dog and look for 'signals'-look at the position of the ears, tail to see 'what they are thinking'-the website below talks about some of them
Another thought-going to your local Human Society might help. They can almost always use help/volunteers and being with the dogs might help.
Dogs are great-hope you are able to enjoy them!

Answer 4

You didn't mention if something in the past had happened to you with a dog that caused your fear. You have real cause to be cautious around dogs you do not know. Only a fool wouldn't be, dogs can be dangerous animals if scared or threatened (whether a real or perceived threat). I would suggest you start by spending time with small dogs and gradually work your way up to larger ones. It may be you are simply never a fan of large dogs and that is okay, not everyone is.

Answer 5

Start with a friends dog in a controlled environment, like inside a backyard or something. Small dogs might look less intimidating because of their size but are sometimes more vocal then big dogs and might scare you more.

My suggestion?

Find a Golden Retriever breeder in your area. They are really sweet natured dogs and look like big teddy bears. Tell the breeder about your fear so she can pick a calm one to help you. Ask her any questions you want on why dogs do what they do. Start by liking 1 breed and then move on to the next.

Educate yourself on dog behaviors by reading books about it. Good luck.

Answer 6

Hmm, it's a bit of a difficult situation, because dogs can react to your fear.
It will be the best first to read a lot about dogs and if you get the chance, watch movies about them. In that way you get to know them first before you throw yourself into the deep.
Do it step by step. Learn things about them, so you will learn to apreciate them more. Learn about their caracter, the nice things they do, so don't watch movies about horrible dogs and stuff like that. Watch documentaries about sheepdogs and there cooperation with people, watch things like Lassy, allthough that might sound a bit stupid. Learn to get some sympathy for them first!

The next step is confronting yourself with a dog that is the least frightening for you. Maybe a small puppy, because they are small and innocent and playfull. Again, take it slow. Don't force yourself. Touch it, get used to their skin and softeness. Let it lick your hand.
If you have managed to do that, applaud yourself! You have taken a big step there!
After that take it slowly again and confront yourself with an older animal, perferably still a small one, one who is the least scary to you. In that way you build it up. Maybe someone you know has a dog.

Again, take it step by step. Get used to dogs some more. The best thing with dogs is to let them sniff your hands first. Don't do it with dogs you don't know at all, so don't stick your hands out on the streets when a dog appears. Make shure you know the owner.

You wil see that slowly you will get to know dogs and their behaviour a bit better, from reading and from experience. It you go through it, and you feel fear, try to bend your fear into anger. You don't have to be angry at the dog off course, it's a matter of finding your inner strenth. Dogs will react more easy if you are not afraid. If you are tensed, so wil the dog be. If you feel strong, the dog will respect that.

Good luck! A phobia is not easy to overcome. Give yourself the time for it. You are making one good step allready, by wanting to overcome it.

Answer 7

u should get a small dog like a Jack russel. but get one when its still a puppy. the only thing a puppy wants to do is play so dont need to be scared that it will charge of try to kill u. the puppy will grow and become ur best friend. BUT make sure u handle it nicly and don't hit it when it does something wrong that way he will trust u and protect u always and u won't be be afraid any more!!

Answer 8

this might help dogs, aint mean most of them are friendly and happy to be around people. if a dog barks at you its more hes afaird of you just be like come here or do a friendly gesture . And if for some reason a dog is being agarrsive and tryin to bite you kick it in the face hey no rabies shot to worry about prevent the bite!!!!!but you seriously shouldnt be afaird of dogs they are loving friendly creatures

Answer 9

If a dog charges at you barking, I think it's normal to be worried. Some dogs aren't very friendly, but many are. Watch their faces and body language. If they put their ears back, growl, or bark, leave them alone. Our dog almost literally smiles at you, with her mouth wide open and tongue out. If you're not sure, put your hand down about 2 feet from the dog (back side out--not palm out), and let them sniff you. If they accept you, you're good.

Answer 10

Get a little puppy. You don't have to worry about it hurting you because nobody has trained it yet so you can teach it to your liking. Also, puppies are very small so if they were to do anything it would be bad.