I Am Afraid of Dogs

Many of us develop fears and phobias, and one of the most common is the fear of dogs. Let's get one thing straight from the start: Fearing dogs does not equate to hating them. In this article, we will discuss the reasons behind this fear, how to overcome it, and why it's important to distinguish between fear and hatred. So, relax yourself, get a cup of coffee, and let's dive deep into the depths of canine fear.

Why do people develop this fear?

The childhood trauma

Like myself, most people's phobia of dogs can be traced back to their childhood experiences. They may have had a terrifying encounter with a dog or witnessed someone else's frightening suffering. These early experiences can have an impact that leaves a lasting impression, causing fear in adulthood.

The role of news

The fear of dogs may also increase after watching movies and news stories that portray aggressive pictures of dog attacks. Exaggerated stories of dog attacks can worsen already-existing anxieties.

Fear vs. Hate

Fear is justified

A straightforward response to a sense of danger is fear. It has much more to do with our survival instinct, which kept our ancestors alive during difficult times. So, if you find yourself shaking in the presence of a dog, just know that it's a natural reaction.

Hatred lacks logic

Hate is an illogical emotion. It can be said that hate is a result of misinformation, discrimination, and a negative view of a certain group, in this example, dogs. Hating dogs out of pure fear is cruel and unethical.

My story with the dog

I've already confessed that my childhood trauma caused me to be afraid of dogs. To cut this lengthy story short, I was playing with a group of street dogs in front of my home when I was 7 years old. I am able to clearly recognize the tiny puppy I was playing with and its mother sitting and observing our activities. When I finally got fatigued and raised a large stone to sit on it, the little dog unintentionally fell off it.

Thankfully, the dog was still alive despite having limb injuries. That particular day, when the puppy's mother began to chase after me while barking, I wasn't so fortunate. I started running away from her when I stumbled and fell to the ground. She grabbed me, got on my back, and began to sniff. She, thankfully, did not bite me.

My father arrived to save me when my little sister saw it from a distance. He carried me into the home, covered me with a blanket, and asked about my well-being. I was traumatized; for many hours, I couldn't talk and was trembling from head to toe. I believed I was completely OK after a few days, but sadly, this was only the beginning of my lifetime of misery.

How has my fear of dogs affected my life and me?

Whenever I was heading to school or going somewhere else when I was a kid and I spotted a dog or, even worse, an entire group of dogs coming towards me, I would either change the street or sometimes go back home. Now that it is getting better, I still hold the other person's hand if I see a dog in front of me when out walking with my mother, friends, or anybody else. I continue to be criticized by my relatives for being a coward.

I'm terrified of dogs, but I'm also scared of loud, unexpected, and unpredictable noises in general. People spark rockets and crackers during the Tihar celebration in my country. There was a lot of noise at that time, even within my own home. So, I'm in my room, wrapped in a blanket, with my hands over my ears. I have a feeling I'm going to have a heart attack. That is how concerned I am about these fears. I'll discuss how this has impacted my social life and confidence in some future postings.

How do I overcome my fear of dogs?

Education: Learning more about dogs is the first step to overcoming your phobia of them. Gaining knowledge of their actions, body language, and safe interactions with them might give you more confidence.

Exposure Therapy: You may overcome your resistance to dogs by gradually exposing yourself to them, ideally in a supervised environment. Working your way up to bigger breeds gradually, begin with smaller, calmer dogs.

Get professional assistance

Consider seeing a therapist or counselor if your phobia of dogs is significant and affecting your everyday life. To deal with your anxiety, they may use strategies like cognitive-behavioral therapy.

The Love for Dogs

Dogs as Companions: It's important to keep in mind that dogs have been our faithful friends for countless years. Millions of people all around the world rely on them for love, loyalty, and friendship.

The Healing Power of Dogs: Additionally, dogs have been shown to provide therapeutic advantages. They help people with impairments, provide emotional support, and even work as therapy dogs in nursing homes and hospitals.

Conclusion 

In conclusion, being afraid of dogs is a normal reaction that can be overcome with education, exposure, and, if necessary, professional assistance. It's important to distinguish between fear and hate, however. Dogs are amazing animals that enhance and assist many people's lives.