How do I deal with my fear of dogs? please read!!?

Question

I've had a fear of dogs for a long time. I don't think it's something I can get over. I just want to know how to deal with people, who don't understand my fear of dogs. My MIL has 6 dogs in total, and I honestly don't want to go there at Christmas time because of the dogs. She doesn't want to put them outside while I'm there, and that's fine by me, but if she doesn't want to do that, then I don't think I can go there. Also, what am I going to do when my daughter gets older so she isn't afraid of dogs like I am? What about when I bring her to a Birthday Party or to her friends, and I can't get out of the car because theres a dog? This has affected my life in many ways. Thanks for any advice.

Answer 1

yeah i think i with this dude,get a pup and you see that dogs are not that bad there really nice i think you had a bad experiences with a dog as a kid but not all dogs are the same 95% of all dogs just come up to you just to lick you and play like there own way of saying hello do you have a dog run where you live like they do in NYC because you can start there just go see them play or go to a pet shop and just pet them i wish you the best take care and be safe good luck

Answer 2

well I am afraid of dogs I don't know since i have been attacked by a Chow a Golden Retriver and another dog not sure what kind it was. but then again I am an animal lover so I don't hate them because I fear them I just hide my fear and it has help me to be cautious but not afraid anymore when you are faced with being around dogs don't show your fear ignore them and go about your business as if they were not there if you show fear they will know and this way your daughter won't know of your fear and she will not be afraid also you probably need to check into getting a dog of your own somthing small and free spirited get it as a puppy that way it will grow with you and maybe this will help like a Dachshaund or Cocker Spaniel or a Coc-a-poo(had to mispell cause yahoo put asterik up) or a poodle something of the loving nature like that hope this helps

Answer 3

I really don`t know what to say, because I love dogs. Maybe your fear must come from your childhood. Did you ever received a bite from a dog? That is why there are people who are afraid to dogs, because sometime in their lives they have received attacks from dogs. Maybe you should visit a doctor to help you get over your fear, it might work, But that may depend on the effort you put in it.

Answer 4

Too bad your mil is not understanding of your fear. Have you plain out asked her to put the dogs outside or in another room while you are there?

Your daughter,
Fear of dogs in not hereditary. Kids will not naturally afraid of dogs if they have good experiences with them. The fact that she sees you afraid and upset around dogs will affect her perception too.

You can overcome your fear (or at least learn to control your reaction to it) of dogs with the right kind of therapy. Talk to your family doctor about a referral.

Answer 5

I think the first step to getting over your fear would be to learn how to approach a strange dog. Also learn about dogs and dog behavior. You obviously have had some trauma to bring this on and there are a lot of really wonderful dogs that you could meet that would be patient and careful with you. I would highly reccommend that you get into counseling for your fear.

Answer 6

Animals are very sensitive and if they feel that you are afraid of them, they will feel it and know you are scared and nervous and that makes them scared and nervous too. Dogs are really gentle loveable animals. My little dog sleeps with me on the bed and lays by me on the sofa. The bigger dogs like the rottweilers, chow, pit bulls, dobermans are the ones you have to watch and even then if their owners are loveable most likely they will be ok.
Did something happen to you with a dog? If so, you may be traumatized and need to seek professional help. I would go to a pet store, humane society, or spca and tell them you are afraid of dogs and want to get rid of it and maybe they will let you pet some for a few minutes each day until you get used to them. I bet you would amaze yourself and actually end up helping unwanted animals or something good.

Answer 7

sry about all the spelling or spelling errors that may take place in this answer. Taking this on is going to be a major breackthrought for you. Well i guess at christmas you should just leave the dogs be cuz if there like me dog they'll suround you and smell ya to get used to ya. but when entering just walk through and act like non of them are there. don't show any fear or they well know that and will try and take complete domince over you right away. weight till you sit down to start to start actualy paying attion to the dogs. try to start and hold a conversation when you are entering in the door when you first walk in. If you don't want a dog by you use one hand and gentle yet ferm hit under it's muzzle and say lay down, or go. again when saying anything to the dog don't show fear or the dogs will be all over you in a flash. this is all i have to say because i ran out of things to tell yea at the moment if wanting more help then post a question and i'll find it!

Answer 8

You have to face your fears and go up to a dog and pet it. But not just any dog because some dont like other people too much and they might bite. If a dog starts barking at you dont worry at all because they dont know who you are and you are a stranger to them so they are just telling their owners you're there. Before you pet any dog ask their owners to check with them to make sure it is nice. If youve been bitten before dont worry because not all dogs bite like that. But before you start going around big dogs you should start out small like a chihuahua or a terrier. and then go to medium like a lab. And then get larger like a german sheperd or a st benard. WEll good luck.

Answer 9

I am a dog owner, and my family loves dogs. However, quite often when I am walking him and he wants to say hello to someone we pass, they will tell me that they are afraid of dogs. I respect that and simply shorten his leash until we pass. People should respect you and there is no need to change for them. As far as getting out of the car if your daughter needs to be dropped off to a party, have a cell phone on you and call the hostess to take your daughter in. They should understand and not have any problem with that.

My dog is hypoallergenic breed because my family has serious allergies to pet fur. Like your situation at Christmas, we, too cannot go to family dinners at my sister's house every year because she has beagles and refuses to put them outside. In reality, that wouldn't work anyway because the house is loaded with their hair. She says my family should load up on Benedryl beforehand! Well, needless to say we skip it and we are always left out. She even has the nerve to be angry about us not coming. They won't drive to us or we'd just invite everyone here. It's hard and sad when people are selfish, but you have to take care of yourselves.

Answer 10

I am DEATHLY allergic to cats, so I am in a similar situation. I cannot stay in anyone's house who has a cat for longer than 10 minutes or so before I start to wheeze, sneeze, my eyes water, and my lips and throat swell. One time the whites of my eyes swelled up!! Just explain your fear, I find that most people understand...or is there any way you can have Christmas at your house? DO NOT let anyone bully you into doing something that is distressing to you, emotionally or physically.