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Does anybody else fear dogs so much they start to freeze?

hypercolius

I'm really scared of dogs. 

In 2008, I was cycling at rather high speed for a 6-year old when this dog ran out from a corner and attacked me. This resulted in me crashing into a deep ditch and breaking one of my ribs on impact. I still have the scar. 

As a result of this, and other, experiences, I'm really scared of them, particularly since I live across the street from one dog which often also tried to attack me on more than one occassion. One time, the owner saw that and said 'Oh she doesn't like the colour of your jacket'. One time, I just opened my window and that dog was under it instantly, growling and barking. 

Yesterday, one dog was staring at me on a river path, I froze and began scrolling through emails. When the owner walked past me, they yelled at me and knocked my bag over. My disability lanyard was clearly visible. 

I'd be interested to hear if anyone else reacts this way. 

  • in reply to hypercolius

    As someone who copes with life by having dogs and being with dogs, I'd love to be able to help you. One of my dogs lives purely to have strokes and loves. She is a gentle soul. And she loves hig viz jackets after having a ridiculous amount of a fuss from a group of security people when she was a pup!! If meeting her would be of any help to you, please let me know. Generally, it's the fault of the human when a dog misbehaves - at the least a dog that's a problem should be kept on a lead.

  • in reply to Homebird

    There's one which lives right across the street from me. I freeze every time that door opens

  • I think a little clarification is needed. 

    Yes, the 2008 crash was caused by a dog attacking me. Yes, I have had a really large amount of poorly behaved dog incidents, mostly in Russia but some in the UK, the most recent being 1st February. 

    With regards to the out of control dog that lives opposite me, yes I was wearing a yellow jacket, but that doesn't excuse the dog, nor the owner. 

    As for the speculation I 'misunderstood' what happened on Thursday, there really is nothing to say except:

    1) I did freeze

    2) He did yell at me to get out of the way, despite having abundant space

    3) He did knock the bag over

    No, I don't think counseling will help. It never helps me. I very rarely actually encounter well-behaved dogs in the UK, most are snarling and lunging at me. 

  • I love dogs generally but I can understand why people can be nervous or fear them. Irresponsible dog owners are mostly to blame for their dogs poor behaviour. I've lost count of the number of times I have seen a dog on the loose with the owner nowhere in site, whilst the dog wreaks havoc. I was badly bitten as a child in both of my legs by a sheepdog on a farm but it wasnt the dogs fault it was the farmers who terrorised the poor creature, If you know someone who has a dog maybe you could see if you could try and get over your fear? Most dogs in my experience are really friendly and good natured.

    hypercolius said:
    Yesterday, one dog was staring at me on a river path, I froze and began scrolling through emails. When the owner walked past me, they yelled at me and knocked my bag over. My disability lanyard was clearly visible. 

    Also amazed by this as well? I can never get over the ignorance and cruelty of some people.....makes me mad Rage

  • I am sorry that you fear dogs because of your past experiences with them - or for whatever reason you may have.

    I have the same rationale about/regarding humans, to a large extent!

    My reaction to (and interactions with) dogs, is 99% positive.  They seem to understand me, and I them.  It is a language.

    My reaction to (and interactions with) humans is decidedly 50/50, at best!  They VERY rarely understand me, and me them.  It is a language.

    Dogs are non-verbal.  I think my strongest means of communication is also non-verbal.  Perhaps that explains my experience?

  • I have been bitten by a dog when walking along the street. I have also had dogs jump up at me which I don't like. 

    I have worked on coping with this. If they are on a short lead then it is fine, but some people use leads which stretch a long way out and the dog is walking side to side. I watch how they are controlling the dog on approach and if I am satisfied it is ok I walk past making sure I don't look at it. If I am not sure I cross over, take another route or wait where there is plenty of room to pass. 

    Many people are understanding and some bring the dog closer. I have had the odd unhelpful incident though, like when I waited in a wide space for an owner with a dog on a long lead and the owner shouted at me. There are many responsible dog owners, but I wish those who are not confident in controlling their dogs would get help to learn how to.

  • Dogs react towards me as if I was a cat,  so of course I'm terrified. 

  • I've got a fear of dogs and sometimes I freeze. Dogs jumped on me and chased me. 

    Fortunately, some dog owners understand that I get nervous. Try to ignore them. 

    I can't go to certain areas due to dogs without leads on. It is the same with shops, especially if shop workers give dog treats.