Why are some people afraid of dogs?
Dogs can be gentle and sweet, loyal and good-natured. But, dogs also have some annoying qualities that could certainly strike fear in the heart of a dog phobic person. These can include – • Loud barking, be it gruff or shrill • Growling ominously • Biting • Jumping up • Quick movements and running so that you can’t always see where the dog is located • Big dogs that have the potential to knock you down • A licking dog and tries to slurp your face, legs, hands or face If you have been in a traumatic incident that was caused by contact with a dog, these are perfectly valid reasons for you to be afraid of any dog. But, we’re talking normal fear here… not out-and-out panic! When ‘normal’ fear of dogs turns into a phobia of dogs, your instant, automatic response when you see a dog is panic, anxiety, or some other type of phobic response that is intense and fearful for you. This is when you know you need help with your phobia of dogs.
