Big dogs can be intimidating to many people.
A phobia of large dogs is a disorder that causes a person to have anxiety or discomfort when in the presence of the animal. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, an average of 18 percent of Americans deal with a phobia of some sort during their lifetime. Treatment of a phobia involves replacing a bad feeling associated with the event with a positive feeling in order to reduce discomfort.
Instructions
1. Think about why you fear the dog. Ask yourself questions as to whether a dog has ever hurt you or why you think the dog will hurt you when it has not hurt anyone else. In most cases, you will realize that your fear is based on a myth and not facts. Replace your negative thoughts with positive thoughts, such as the dog only wants to smell me or I have nothing to fear.
2. Relax your muscles by doing muscle exercises. Tense you muscles for 5 seconds and then release for 5 seconds; repeat a few times. Doing this exercise while you are alone eventually transfers over to your body when you come in contact with a dog, making you more inclined to feel relaxed.
3. Start to expose yourself to dogs gradually. Go to a location where pets are controlled; such as at a friend's house or a pet shelter, and be sure to practice your muscle relaxation exercises before going. Approach someone with a leashed dog that appears to be friendly, and ask if you can pet it. Based on your comfort level, it is important to do this often until you reach the point where you do not feel anxious in the presence of a dog. Complete comfort doesn't occur immediately, but gradually putting yourself in the presence of large dogs under safe conditions eventually allows you to overcome your fear.
Tags: large dogs, with positive, your fear