Fear of dogs
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A fear of dogs can be developed in some people. The fact that the dog is a domesticated superpredator and the increasing cases of dog attacks reported in media could be factors for developing a fear of dogs. The abnormal fear of dogs, i.e., a specific phobia related to dogs, is called cynophobia.
A 1992 research of fear of dogs among children and adults [1] reported that actual dog attacks do not make any difference for a person to be fearful of dogs. On the other hand, early harmless exposure to dogs seem to hamper the conditioning which can lead to cynophobia. Small children are more susceptible to acquiring the fear of dogs simply because many things are more frightening to them, and dogs who make loud noises and abrupt moves can terrify many children. Pediatrical psychologists explain how a gradual exposure to dogs may prevent the occurrence of irrational fears of dogs while teaching the healthy awareness of potential danger from unfamiliar animals.
If a person has already developed cynophobia, this may be treated by various methods common for many specific phobias.
[edit] Safety precautions
Originally, dogs were hunters, guardians and warriors, as compared to the now domesticated pet, therefore a certain amount of respect is reasonable, and dogs, especially unfamiliar ones, must be approached with precaution.[2]
- It is not advised to come close to unfamiliar dogs, even if they are small and tied. A large tied dog may reach farther than you may expect, while a small one may feel threatened and cornered (being tied, it cannot escape) and hence can bite in defence. Small children must be absolutely forbidden to approach to unfamiliar dogs (even small ones) without most immediate supervision. Small children may rush to a dog and try to grab it (especially having and experience with a home pet), and thus trigger a defensive reaction from a dog.
- One must be aware of kinds of behavior a dog may perceive as threatening: direct eye contact, touching it over its head, approaching it too quickly, taking from a dog something valuable to it, e.g., a bone or a dog's toy, standing over a dog.
- Signs of dog's agitation include growling, raised hackles, shown teeth, erect or slightly vibrating (as opposed to wagging side to side) tail.
- Don't run away from a dog you accidentally run into: this will trigger the predatory response and most probably you will be chased. Stand still, don't wave your arms, don't make eye contact and turn slowly away.
[edit] References
- ^ Doogan S, Thomas G. V. "Origins of fear of dogs in adults and children: the role of conditioning processes and prior familiarity with dogs.", Behav. Res. Ther. 1992 Jul;30(4):387-94. PubMed
- ^ Scary Dog Situations
