4 Ways You Can Get Rid of Your Fear of Dogs
Everyone fears something, regardless of how common or irrational that fear may be. It’s a constant that can be triggered by varying events, thoughts, and experiences. From infancy to adulthood, people can experience these emotions at any time of their lives.
Many people share common fears. A few examples include fear of heights, public speaking, or insects. Some also experience fear triggered by seemingly harmless factors like dogs. But have you ever wondered why you feel scared of these things?
Why is Fear a Necessary Part of Life?
Fear is a basic human emotion programmed into your brain and nervous system. More often, this is a feeling triggered by instinct rather than logic. Take babies, for example. When you were born, you often cried whenever you felt unsafe or sensed any danger. It’s a natural occurrence triggered by your fight or flight response.
Fear is necessary to be careful and stay safe when you perceive threats around your environment. It can warn you to be more cautious about taking care of your things. While some people overcome these fears, having them isn’t always considered a bad thing.
4 Tips and Tricks to Successfully Overcoming Your Fear of Dogs
Fear is a natural part of life, but there are times when it can become unhealthy for you. To help you create more balance, here are a few ways you can overcome your fear of dogs.
- Determine what your triggers are
Cynophobia is known as an extreme fear of dogs. But what triggers this fear can vary from person to person. Some people have traumatic experiences that cause it. Others may have fears caused by thoughts that make them think of things like what to do after a dog bite. But the best way to understand your apprehension is to determine your triggers.
- Look for support
Turning to a reliable friend or family member about your fears can help you feel more comfortable and safe around dogs. Share your experiences and feelings with them so that they can help anticipate your reactions when a dog is around and help you manage your fear.
- Try to be around dogs
A way to conquer most fears is to face them head-on. While your fear of dogs is valid, you can try being near dogs if you’re determined to get over it. You can go to a dog park with a trusted loved one and observe dogs at a distance. You can also try being in the same room with a family or friend’s dog while they’re on a leash.
You don’t have to interact with the dog on your first day. You can make incremental steps to get to the point at which you can pet the dog on your own.
- Practice mindfulness exercises
Calming exercises like deep breathing and meditation can help you control your anxiety and stress when a dog is around. Combined with image training, some can experience less severe episodes of fear during an encounter.
- Seek help from a professional
Consult with a psychotherapist or someone who can provide treatments for severe cynophobia. Approaches like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and exposure therapy are the most common methods. Medical professionals may also give you medication to help relieve symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Mind over Matter: Fear isn’t Your Enemy
Cynophobia is a common fear among many people across the world. While it’s more frequent among children, many can also develop this or carry it out through their adult lives. For some, cases can also be quite severe to the point that they can affect your quality of life.
Those with a severe fear of dogs can begin to avoid situations where a dog might be present. Prolonging this habit is unhealthy and should be addressed immediately with the help of trusted people. It can mean limiting how often you go outside, and the time you spend connecting with friends and loved ones.
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