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2007-01-26 16:58:00 · 19 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Dogs
This is a first. It's like an arachniphobe getting a pet spider. Why don't you get a cat?
2007-01-26 17:03:20 · answer #1 · answered by itry007 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
When you have a fear of something that most other people may not have a fear of it is called a phobia. Really if you are getting a dog it will be a good things for you ; especially if it is a puppy . Your dog will help you to see first hand that they are really harmless and in time your dog will help you overcome the fear of dogs you have. Once you are comfortable with your dog go to a petshop and visit other puppies , then larger dogs and soon you'll be just about over your fear of them.
Most dog are aggressive with people because their owners allow them to display this behavior, however most owners don't allow this type of behavior from their dog ,as an agressive dog is also a great legal and financial worry and Liability . Dogs have generally four purposes in an individuals life .
working dog, show dogs , Law Enforcenment (protective , drug, rescue, and bomb dogs), and companions for the great majority of thier owners.
With your fear, try to research all the good and wonderful things dogs do, look at photo books of cute puppies, and read about articles where dogs are of benefit to humans .
Stay away from the negative things about dogs until you have reached a point where you feel very comfortable with your dog and other dogs as well. Once you've done this reasearch why dog display aggressive behavior and you'll understand it is generally from either neglect, abuse of the dog or special training it receives such as police dogs receive.
I think doing all of this will realy help you a lot; but you have to try and make the effort to do these things to over come this . It's probably just like when you were first learning to ride a bike without the training wheels . It was hard , you were afraid, but you tried , kept trying ,and now you just jump on and ride . This will be the same way . Most fears are overcome this way.
2007-01-26 20:14:19 · answer #2 · answered by Chris O 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Depends how you became fearfull of dogs in the first place really? Do you need a dog for protection or, are you 'simply' just 'getting a dog?
Decide on what size dog you want and have the space for. Read up on the different breeds and look for one that has the temperament you would like. Then find a breeder in your area, make an appointment to go view their dogs/puppies and find out all about the breed from these people. Make a list of questions to ask eg have they been known to 'attack' children? Do they take well to training? When at the Kennel watch the breeders interact with their dogs.
However, if you feel a panic attack coming on let the people know you have a fear of dogs and excuse yourself.
You could also go through a desensitizing regime. This is where you look at pups through glass eg pet store. Then through cages such as where Council caught roaming dogs or unwanted dogs are taken (Dog Pounds). You can then move up to patting, holding, feeding etc., by this stage you should have developed your confidence with dogs and hopefully overcome your fear of them.
Don't just go and buy a poor unsuspecting pup/dog to have it come into an environment where it feels unliked and unwelcome. That equals being on unwanted territory to them so they can become fearfull of you and act accordingly. Dogs can develop behavioural problems from an unhappy environment as much as any child/human can.
If you remain fearfull after trying everything choose another friend from the animal kingdom of domestic pets. And definitely do not buy a dog to please someone else.
Something for you to think about, dogs are the only breed who will willingly leave its own kind to live with humans. It is our responsibility to give them the due resect they deserve. A home that will provide a warm bed, adequate food and water and to be treated with love and respect for their contribution to our life.
Good luck in making the right decision for you.
2007-01-26 17:49:57 · answer #3 · answered by sag_kat2chat 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Getting a dog is the best thing you can do. However, start small and work your way up later in life. You could always dog sit for a few days and find out if it still what you want to do. Dogs are a huge commitment...good luck.
2007-01-26 17:54:42 · answer #4 · answered by noitall 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What are you getting? A fear of dogs? Or a dog?
If you already have a fear of dogs, but are getting a dog, then you have probably found your solution.
If you are getting a fear of dogs, then I would get a dog. It should help you over-come your fear.
2007-01-26 17:00:54 · answer #5 · answered by Ignoramus 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Get a smaller breed dog that's known for their docile behavior. Try to find a puppy so you can see it as a helpless and innocent creature. Spend as much time with it as you can and as it grows you'll see it as more of a friend then a scary dog.
I wasn't afraid of dogs, but my dog killed one of my rabbits and I hated him, but it's been a week and I couldn't stay mad at him because he is so sweet and forgiving that he doesn't even know why I don't like him. My mom makes me do things with him, and I've gotten used to him again.
2007-01-26 17:06:17 · answer #6 · answered by missknightride 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
More than likely, you will get a puppy. Tell yourself it's just a baby dog. Play with it and talk to it like it's a small child. Puppies generally are very affectionate. Have a dog gone great year
2007-01-26 17:03:39 · answer #7 · answered by firestarter 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
get a small dog. A puppy that will grow to a small dog. Also try to pick a breed that is mild tempered and good with children.
Good luck
2007-01-26 17:08:03 · answer #8 · answered by jen 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i was terrified of dogs after bing attacked by a huge one and being ripped up. then i had to get one to protect my kids from the wildlife out here. at first i locked her in our mudroom at night, then locked her in the living room. it was different from day one though. i trusted her for some reason, even around my baby. i still fear other dogs, not so much though. i have a little more confidence and trust, not much more, unless it is my dog. for some reason i am fine with my dog now, you would never know i fear them when you see me with mine i have had her for about 6 mon.
2007-01-26 17:02:24 · answer #9 · answered by jess l 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
the best way for me was to start with a puppy becase when i first
bought mind i was afraid too, but as time went by and we began to bond by taking walks together, feeding them i (i started out with 2), holding them and playing around with them my fear of dogs went away and that was a year ago.
2007-01-26 17:05:38 · answer #10 · answered by pamela y 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Own one and your fear will be over. I suggest you visit http://www.dogsvets.net to know more about dogs
2007-01-26 20:23:55 · answer #11 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋