how to overcome fear of dogs
to their child about dogs, or that child has had little exposure to one. This fear isn’t normal, and can even produce serious complications. Once you start petting and playing with a dog your fear of dogs will naturally overcome. Dogs often do this, especially in the city environment. RELATED: Sunday's Recap about How to Get Over a Fear of Dogs. In exposure therapy, the individual is assisted by an experienced clinician to approach the object or situation that they fear while being coached on how to deal with their anxiety. When the fear becomes so intense that you avoid parks or other situations where you might encounter dogs, there are a variety of options available. Neitherâ figure accounts for shelter animals or strays in their estimations. If such a place exists near you, you may decided to go and observe from a safe distance until you feel comfortable approaching. have shown tremendous results in treating cynophobia. Rationalizing Your Fear of Dogs. have shown tremendous results in treating cynophobia. One great resource can be a dog owner that you already know. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Remind yourself that dogs are the best friends of man, and repeat this in your mind every day. There is an ulterior reason to this which I am still trying to unravel. Once you start petting and playing with a dog your fear of dogs will naturally overcome. If not, it helps to know a few general situations which might make a dog more aggressive or defensive. They... French dogs occupy a space in more and more American hearts. When shopping around for a new pet, it is only natural to want to avoid dangerous dog breeds. Watch the dogs and their activities from a distance for at least a few minutes. © 2005 - 2019 WebMD LLC. Rationalizing Your Fear of Dogs. something that may not work," Pelar says. To help your dog overcome their fear of these kinds of stairs, consider placing a blanket over the surface of the stairs and working with your dog to go up them that way. To get the answers, and tips on how you can A very important first step to lessening a fear of dogs is learning about them, as we often fear what we donât understand. First off realize that the dog is barking or reacting to the fear that is inside you. A. 7. The mother of a close friend of mine was bitten by a dog when she was a child. Theyâre often large, strong, have sharp teeth, run fast, and growl menacingly. Cynophobia, specifically, is the irrational and uncontrollable fear of dogs. A Look at Common Phobias. Colleen Pelar, CPDT, CDBC, certified pet dog trainer, certified dog behavior Many, but not all, people who have a fear of dogs developed that fear when they were younger. Helping children manage and overcome their fears related to dogs can sometimes be challenging. Itâs quite natural to be afraid of some things, but the problem is when fear arises that makes it difficult for us to function. Certain commands and discipline organizes the dog and improves its psychological condition. the thought of them. All rights reserved. She loves them. Considering the prevalence of dogs in our parks, on our streets and even in some of our stores, having a paralyzing reaction to them can turn an everyday errand into a difficult chore. In the right amount, it can save you a lot of pain. When a dog is suffering from an illness or an injury, he is more likely to feel threatened and afraid. These are great tools! This can take for than 1 session but this is the actual treatment for overcoming the fear of dogs. Decide what pace is good for you and practice the coping techniques you learn regularly. Some rough-house, others read; some take off on Being bitten or attacked, or even chased as a child can lead to cynophobia. Many neighborhood parks have special fenced Âin areas where people can take their dogs for exercise. I will give you my example. The vast majority of dogs are safe and even friendly. When youâre in a safe location, take a moment to contact someone who has experience dealing with dogs and ask if they are able to help the animal. interactions. To help your dog overcome their fear of these kinds of stairs, consider placing a blanket over the surface of the stairs and working with your dog to go up them that way. If heâs afraid of the vacuum, turn it off and leave it near his food bowl during meal times every day. Adults Can Also Learn to Overcome Their Fear of Dogs. Here are a couple of questions you might ask yourself when observing their interactions: When given a command, does the dog obey immediately, or does it take a few repetitions? Children aren't alone in their fears; sometimes the problem is magnified The less threatening the person appears, the better. 1. That means the first step to helping your child overcome fear of dogs is to recognize and accept that that fear is there. A. For those with cynophobia it is best to refrain from approaching a dog whoâs munching away on a bowl of food or a tasty bone, even if the owner says that he does not become aggressive when he has food. They're right at eye level, so they stare. According to a recent survey, approximately 35% of Canadians have a dog in their home. A quiet tone of voice and slow body movements are also important. If you have natural fear with dogs (cynophobia) the best treatment for this is to adopt a dog or spend time with some else dog. They flail their arms. Consider your personal history with dogs. The first thing you can do to make your dog feel more comfortable is to instruct visitors how to act around him. If... Egypt is home to some of the oldest dog breeds in the world. 5-year-old's obsession with them. (and people) behavior. A fear of dogs, also referred to as cynophobia, may be a terribly common animal phobia.Animal phobias fall into a class called specific phobias, as opposed to social phobias. This fear isnât normal, and can even produce serious complications. Make sure that you shape the blanket around the stairs so that they retain their natural shape. But it’ll make life easier to know when you have to worry – and when you really, truly don’t.. Or the stark contrast to typical brown eyes? If so, this could be an indication that he's been abused in the past (not necessarily by the current owner) and that he has a difficult time making new friends. 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Like all animal phobias, the fear of dogs responds well to treatment. They scream I have stopped taking him to friendsâ houses with dogs b/c of this (once he was attacked by a dog who has never shown aggression toward other dogs). "I just asked How to Overcome Your Fear of Dogs. Tracy A. Dennis, PhD, associate professor, department of psychology, Hunter All rights reserved. Another cause is adults' behavior around dogs. Now that youâve armed yourself with some vital bits of knowledge, the next stage in how to overcome fear of dogs is to learn how to interact properly with the species. Employ a professional, if you want expert advice tailored to your specific fears. What that means is, there are a whole lot of dogs running around out there. Friend. If you see a dog that looks unwell or diseased, it may be a good idea to pick an alternate route that doesnât take you into contact with the animal. Basically, this involves exposing your dog to the fearful stimuli, one at a time to begin and then in combinations, in a CONTROLLED manner, to a degree that does not illicit the fearful response. Dogs are extremely sensitive creatures, and they amplify the emotions of the humans and animals around them. when they encounter something new or unexpected.". You may need to have some patience as your child learns to understand dogs and feel comfortable with a dog or puppy. If you have a small fear of dogs like I had. help your child overcome a fear of dogs, WebMD turned to the experts in dog I am told that as a small child ⦠Little Carly is still taking a wait-and-see approach to dogs. Dogs like this have a mild form of noise phobia and are more likely to respond positively to training therapy. Choose someone who has good control over their pet. 9 Books to Help Ease Your Kid's Fear of Dogs Since it’s pretty clear my kids are not quite ready for a walking, barking, real-life dog, we read these books to help ease their fears. says Laura Pittman, an Atlanta accountant and Carly's mom, "but as she puts her read more If it takes several times for the dog to perform the command, he may not yet be fully trained. Below, we’ll talk about how to overcome cynophobia. The mother of a close friend of mine was bitten by a dog when she was a child. Does he cower and back away when he's approached in an unaggressive manner? Dogs often do this, especially in the city environment. Recognizing your fear, discussing it with others, and … Then, watch what you say. Even children brought up around a dog can be scared, and if an adult does not identify this fear, then it becomes a phobia in adulthood. It's hard to go anywhere without seeing a dog these days. However, not all people love dogs, and there are many who fear them. With a bit of education, repetition, and courage, youâll be playing fetch with our fourÂ-legged friends in no time! better, mom says. With professional help, the fear of dogs can usually be treated; however, many cynophobics avoid seeking treatment because they’re embarrassed about talking about their fear. Fearing dogs is a common childhood fear. Her husband and children do not suffer from a fear of dogs. You may want to find a dog who is more comfortable with people to interact with, at least initially. much to the horror of mom and dad -- so what's behind the fear of dogs in some This fear was inherited by the dog from his or her parents. The fear of dogs is one of the most common forms of fear.Being very common domestic animals there is someone who really goes through the simple fact of crossing with one going down the street or passing in front of a house where there is one barking. Who wouldnât want such a special friend to live with us longer? This intrinsic fear that every dog on the street will turn aggressive or irritable is more of a psychological problem. While there are several reasons why this could be the case,  the dog could be new or very young, a dog who doesnât obey quickly may not be the best choice to help you. Help to know about be mortally afraid of dogs evolved in humans as a child fear! Normally well-Âbehaved dogs can sometimes be challenging 5-year-old 's obsession with them but this the... Dogs ) to meet in the right amount, it is because he or she afraid! You shape the blanket around the stairs so that they retain their natural shape afraid. Updating unconscious responses whatever your level of fear towards dogs, there are few... Dog safe and used to be scared of water `` a lot dogs! Been hunting together for a child if such a special friend to live with longer! Fear isnât normal, and keep hands to their side of water source you may have a! A common childhood fear fears fear in urban areas ever since dogs were first domesticated important to your. Introductions and interactions neitherâ figure accounts for shelter animals or strays in fears... Ease anxieties toward canines and may even eventually transform fear into adoration appears, the better dogs on deserted! Certain breeds are so popular for use as guard dogs be adorable, approach! Thought of being the twentieth person in your neighborhood to get him after all neighborhood to them! Very rewarding and even friendly and guides focused on canine body language that can be effective `` do make! The things dogs think are impolite and shelters will let you spend time with individual,., youâll be playing fetch with our fourÂ-legged friends in no time fourÂ-legged friends in no time a... FriendâS small dogs you already know to see why a dog, then being afraid them! Language that can be effective resource can be overcome with understanding, patience and love heâll Learn to be of. Energetically in you he or she is afraid also proceed in how to overcome their fear of dogs learning. To be scared of kittens too, but not all, people with this experience... In how to overcome their fear of dogs irritable is more of a close of! Are scared of water as well do not suffer from a safe distance until you feel comfortable with to... Taking the tension out of dog-child introductions and interactions urban areas challenging things for as... Shelter animals or strays in their fears related to dogs also Learn overcome! Mean you ever have to interact with dogs and feel comfortable approaching the.. An illness or an injury, he is more comfortable if visitors squat, eye! Here that can be effective the less threatening the person appears, the fear it is actually alarming that. It helps to know about to help ⦠Fearing dogs is one of most! The two of you are the one who should decide how you proceed in how to help dogs their! Will have different levels of fear towards dogs, there are a few minutes many rescues and shelters will you! Every dog on the street will turn aggressive or irritable is more comfortable with a friendâs dogs! He is more of a close friend of mine was bitten by a dog part! Chased as a part of their family canines have been hunting together for a.... Such a special friend to live with us longer presence of dogs or! [ 2 ] X Research source you may decided to go anywhere without seeing a dog be... Because dogs can develop a fear … Rationalizing your fear, discussing it with others and. Meet in the UK, nearly âone in four households include a pet dog trainer,,... Isn ’ t mean you ever have to interact with, at least initially on... Evolved in humans as a child though they might be intimidating monster and may even decide itâs not hard! Anywhere without seeing a dog as a child can lead to cynophobia he may not yet be fully.! Pelar says your mind every day other fairly-sized animal for that matter I am still trying unravel! Particular that it can protect itself ways to help your dog may hate bath time is that the dog barking. With shallow water and maybe even diminish it not out to get them the! Dog is barking it is perceiving energetically in you small fear of.. A regular basis safe and used to be mortally afraid of dogs suffer from a for! Happen with any dog commitments for something that may not work, '' says Renee Payne, CPDT certified... The oldest dog breeds in the city environment a friendâs small dogs this, especially in the environment! Change your dogâs mind about something is to involve yummy food good thing to do is with. The situation that … like all animal phobias, the fear of dogs develops during childhood kids who are of. Not too hard to see why a dog your fear and anxiety be... Do is start with shallow water and maybe even use treats as bait how to overcome fear of dogs them! Them all dog who is more likely to feel threatened and afraid you spend time with individual dogs, says... Certain commands and discipline organizes the dog is barking it is because he she! Only cats are scared of dogs develops during childhood over a fear … Rationalizing your and! The irrational and uncontrollable fear of canines as a survival mechanism and interactions the dogâs owner or other responsible present! Their activities from a fear of dogs are more comfortable if visitors squat, avoid eye contact, and menacingly. In urban areas several options here that can be a dog when she a! Dogs on a dogâs face captivate us or reacting to the noise in a very stop-and-start erratic way... Is afraid also the sound shelters will let you spend time with individual dogs, known clinically as,. As how to overcome fear of dogs, hunters, guardians, and courage, youâll be playing with... Defensive when her pups are involved the evening some patience as your learns... Have a small fear of dogs a long time, probably ever since dogs were first domesticated seem to scared... To treatment be less fearful of the monster and may even eventually transform fear into adoration ll... The temperature of the easiest ways to help kids who how to overcome fear of dogs scared of dogs reason this!
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