How can you overcome........?

Question

I need to know is there anyway to overcome the fear of dogs? Its strange because ive got 2 dogs myself which im fine with but im terrified to the point of freezing when i see other dogs, because im scared of getting attacked.Yet i have no idea why cause ive never really been hurt by one. Can anyone give me advice on how to overcome the fear, please dont come back with something stupide cause you have to understand, im terrified

Answer 1

Since you have dogs of your own you do not have a phobia, just a healthy respect for self-preservation. I can relate, I have been attacked by dogs twice in my life. No need to go into details.

I have been eye-ball deep in the dog world for 41 years now and with each attack I had a fear of dogs for just a couple of months, and then I got right back into my work with dogs.

May I suggest that you attend a dog obedience class, not with your own dogs, but on your own. Explain your fears to the instructor and, if he or she is compassionate, could possibly help you overcome your fears.

I am a dog obedience instructor with 30+ years experience, and an ability to understand dog language and behavior. I would welcome you any time into one of my classes, even if it were only to sit and watch the class for the time being. In this controlled situation you might be relieved of some of your fears.

spazrats

Answer 2

I am obviously a cat person and one who has always had a fear of strange dogs. I never had pets as a child and did have an unfortunate experience with a dog as a young woman.

I got over it somewhat when I volunteered and was trained to handle dogs at the humane society. I am still not comfortable with most dogs unless they are ones I know (because I know their owners)

Maybe working a bit with shelter dogs would help you.

Answer 3

I think that having a healthy fear of strange dogs is fine. Especially big dogs. We hear about people getting attacked by dogs all the time, and it's smart to be cautious around dogs you don't know.

Answer 4

-spend time with your friends and their dogs. start off with small dogs, work bigger, then try to pet a larger dog that is really mellow. (good breeds for this are golden retreviers and labrodor retrievers if they are older)
-research dogs. find a breed you are really interested in and research it, then meet dogs of that breed and get to know them.
-honestly, you may have had traumatizing experience as a child. if your fear of dogs is keeping you from being happy and living your life the way you want to, you may want to consider profesional help.
-work with dogs at a shelter.
-visit a dog show with a trusted friend.

hope this helps!!!

Answer 5

have you tried hypnosis. or when you see a dog try to think of it as one of yours, ask the owner if you can pet it. approach the dog with your hand held out so that it can smell you then gently start to pet it. If your friends have dogs start with them then work your way up to strange dogs. remember a dog can smell fear so try to relax.

Answer 6

i think you have to start with small dogs.

don't be afraid to pet your neighbors or friends puppies. usually they mean no harm unless they look like they're about to attack.

first step to recovery is taking baby steps!