How can i overcome my fear of dogs (Phobia)?

Question

i always get scared of them becuase i think there going to bite me..
and i always run away when i see dogs comming passed me on a side walk can some one help..

Answer 1

Best Answer - Chosen by Voters

Find some friends that have friendly dogs and spend some time with them. See if you can go on walks with them when they take them walking and maybe play some ball with them. Low key friendly dogs are great to hang with if you are afraid of dogs. Try to stay away from younger dogs and stick with the older ones. They are more laid back. You could also go to a dog park and just watch them through the fence. The more you observe them, the more you will know how they play and interact with people. Most dogs at dog parks are well socialized and interact with other dogs and people well. You could volunteer at a rescue and help clean pens, feed the dogs, etc. Dogs are great animals and you really need not be afraid of them.

Answer 2

well you you just have to play with one dont be scard that its going to bit you

Answer 3

buy a dog

Answer 4

Dogs ar not gonna bite you inless the grawl and bark.

But other then that , there nice.
Just pat them.
It took me 2 years to get 1 foot from a dog.
But i actually bought one. There nice and cute .

(:
dont be afraid , they wont bite unless they grawl.

Answer 5

play with a golden retriever theyre the nicest dog but overall dogs are nice

Answer 6

Ahh.. alot of people have that fear.. as you know it's not easy to get rid of a fear so you gotta approach your fears slowly. A rule of thumb with dogs... if you run, they WILL chase after you. Something you gotta understand about them, the world is a big game and they are the centre of the world... Dogs are very selfish creatures (as any animal is) and they dont think anything exists on the outside of them so they will act on impulse. Making any sudden movements or moving quickly will hype up a dog and they'll be happy to play.
So first up, if you dont wanna be scared of dogs, dont run away, walk slowly away and dont make eye contact, that way they know you dont want a game. If you want to overcome the fear and you do see a dog owner with a dog, ask them if the dog is agressive and if you may pat it. Usually the dog isnt agressive. If a dog is coming at you and it's not being restrained by a leash and you are fearful, dont make eye contact, turn your back, DONT run!! Walk slowly.. can't emphasise this any more lol!! Dogs have an awesome ability to sense people's emotions so the second you show fear, they WILL know..., always remain calm and things wont go wrong
Dogs are awesome but like all fears, it's a fear for you.. Take time and overcome it slowly, find a friend that you can trust with a dog and get them to introduce it to you. Most dogs wont bite, especially un-provoked,. puppies might bite playfully.. A dog will most like warn you before it attacks too with a growl, eye contact and showing it's teeth. Dont mistake an agression growl with a play growl also..
Good Luck!!

Answer 7

go to a local humane shelter and volunteer for the afternoon.

Answer 8

therapy

Answer 9

awww dogs are soo nice(unless raised differently or get pissed off) get a puppy and raise it good and it will be your best bud forever....

Source(s):

http://img222.imageshack.us/my.php?image…

Answer 10

You are running away because some dogs do bite, that's your natural instinct kicking in and that's ok Solution: Find a friend or relative with a very small dog. One so small you can kick away with your feet, don't do that of course. The idea is the really small dog won't feel as threatening to you as a big dog. Try to get your friend to introduce you to the dog slowly. Once you realise that the dog is ok and likes you, maybe you can pat it etc and it will wag its tail and think you are cool. Now you have the scent on you of a dog who likes you. Next time when you see another dog, that dog will smell the friendly dog scent and think you are a cool person and like you too.
Try to keep still and let the dog come to you. If you run they think you want to play and chase you for fun. Very few people get attacked by dogs. If they do you'll become a very rich person because you can sue the dogs owner, how's that. Stay calm & smile and eventually your fear will go away, try not to stress about it too much. I am sure dogs think you are great fun to be around.

Answer 11

play with a nice one because if you have a mean dog you think that in you head that all dogs are like that and it would be hard for you to get over you fears.

Answer 12

Do you have any family members or friends that have a dog? Because if you do go to there house and just play with it and get to know it. If you are scared of a dog that's barking I found this article that describes the different types of barks and what they mean....

http://www.seefido.com/html/dog_barking_control___why.htm

Dogs are very smart and can sense your feelings, they know if your scared of them or are going to harm them. The only reason a dog will bite or attack is if they feel you are going to harm them in some way. The only time you need to be scared of a dog is if one is growling, staring at you, bearing its teeth or running towards you.
I searched the internet and i found this article that might help also.
Good luck!

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/15223582/#storyContinued

Answer 13

Learn dog body language and understand about dog rules in introduction. Cesar Millan's information on introduction.
Do not look directly at the dog, do not speak to the dog and do not touch the dog. They come up to sniff (good dog etiquette) do not pat the dog!!! Most dogs will not accept being patted with out being introduced and some will not accept it even after introduction.

http://channel.nationalgeographic.com/se…

http://www.cesarmillaninc.com/newsletter… for his newsletter and blog.

Get the book "Be the pack Leader"
there is also the first year and second year DVD's and even the 3rd season if finances allow
The leadership (owners lessons in being good leaders) there are three of them.
http://www.cesarmillaninc.com/

Cesar Millan yahoo Dogwhisper fan group http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DogWhisper…

There are a few programs where people are very afraid of dogs and Cesar shows them that one energy can make the difference in the dogs attitude toward them.

Once you understand dogs better you will not be afraid.

What will help as well is Australian Bush Flower Essences Emergency Essence for high fear levels and Confid for more confidence. You have to decide at what level you are at.

7 drops of dosage Emergency Essence in water bottle, shake and sip during the day. More often when the fear level is higher. The confid you can take 7 drops first thing in the morning and the last thing at night.

Source(s):

"Australian Bush Flower Healing" by Ian White
ISBN-10: 073380
Yahoo email group discussing Australian Bush Flower Essences
http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/ABF…