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2006-12-21 08:57:04 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets Dogs

9 answers

Desensitization therapy. Call a psychologist. They can work with you to overcome your fear.

2006-12-21 09:00:44 · answer #1 · answered by Veneta T 5 · 0 0

I used to be afraid of jumpy dogs because one scratched me painfully on the back of my hand when I was about 4. It took me a while, but I got over it. I found the best thing to do is to face that fear. If your friend has a dog or a cat (a calm one, probably best for now if it's small) ask if you could come over. Put yourself in a room with both the pet and your friend, and a couch so you can stay relaxed. Have her hold the pet close to you, maybe on the couch, and try to pet him or her. Stay calm, and if you feel really afraid, have your friend hold the dog on his or her lap near you on the couch until you feel a little more comfortable. Attempt to pet the animal. If you still feel overwhelmed, you can have something you love, like maybe your favorite chocolate, and try again. Try to get comfortable enough to hold the pet, and soon the fear will go away.

2006-12-21 17:02:48 · answer #2 · answered by Judgerz 6 · 1 0

I would strongly recommend finding a therapist who specializes in working with clients who have phobias. These therapists often use systematic desensitization to help you deal with your anxiety and/or fear of dogs and cats. This means they will start you out small like looking at pictures of those animals to whatever your end goal is (being able to pet a dog perhaps?). Your physician should be able to refer you.

2006-12-21 17:05:58 · answer #3 · answered by Firefly 3 · 0 0

My Mom used to be deathly afraid of cats. She wouldn't even touch one. Well I love cats and as soon as I moved out of the house I got one, shortly after that I got one for to keep eachother company. My Mom never wanted to stay over and wouldn't let me bring them home with me over the holidays. I had to move back home a couple of summers ago and the cats came with me. She got used to them. She realized that her fear was all in her head, it was her, not the cute cuddly kitties. Now, she pets them and holds them and lets them jump on her lap. She likes them now and baby talks them... it's cute. You need to tell yourself that the animals are not going to hurt you and that your fear is all in your head. Start out by just petting one (make sure it's a calm, loving dog or cat though, not a hyper one) and just show yourself that they aren't going to hurt you. If my Mom can do it, you can... trust me! good luck!

2006-12-21 17:03:07 · answer #4 · answered by Sarah S 3 · 0 0

I'd say the best thing to do would be to get one of your own. Getting a puppy and raising it should take your fear away eventually. Especially since they are so fun when they are little. They don't call them man's best friend for nothing! Good luck!

2006-12-21 17:04:07 · answer #5 · answered by Jason C 2 · 0 0

Go ask a dog trainer to help you be introduce to dogs slowly or go see a old passive dog or cat and see they mean you no harm.

2006-12-21 17:02:24 · answer #6 · answered by I love Dennis Moore 4 · 0 0

spend time with them.
If you have friends that have dogs or cats you should just try to spend time with them. You may find that once you are more familiar with animals your fears will diminish.

2006-12-21 17:06:03 · answer #7 · answered by bravokardia 4 · 0 0

get a puppy or a kitten. they are cute, but still something that scare you. as you bond with it and gradually learn to love it, your fear will melt away.

2006-12-21 17:03:07 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1 0

Go to a shelter and volunteer.

2006-12-21 17:13:23 · answer #9 · answered by kitzy 2 · 0 0

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