-- Posted by xobeautifulgirlox at 8:23 pm on Dec. 10, 2008 A very good friend of my moms, as well as her coworker, asked my mom if we can watch her dog. I am so afraid of dogs. It has really become a big fear. Whenever I see them on the sidewalk I am walking, I go to the other side of the sidewalk, I am just so freightned. She is asking us how we would welcome it. I told her, if its small, then maybe I can handle it, but still, I think I'd go downstairs and close the door on me. And if its a big dog; a wolf, then no way, I am going out of the house. How do I handle this fear, so it doesn't get in the way of my life... -- Posted by Malachite Morning at 11:24 am on Dec. 11, 2008 Hey there, Well, usually fears such as this stem from a traumatizing event, such as a dog bite, or a troubling childhood experience. I know that they can seem threatening even when it's a small dog, or a dog with a sweet disposition. Start by watching shows or movies portraying these animals as "man's best friend". Old Yeller or... Lassie for example. Really take in how heroically these dogs are acting during this on-screen time. Maybe try exposing yourself to dogs in a safe environment. If you see someone with a dog on a leash, instead of going to the other side of the side sidewalk, go up to them. Take a few deep breaths, close your eyes, and think, "I can do this". Walk up and introduce yourself. Give them a compliment such as, "You have such a beautiful dog." I know it may just seem like you're flattering them, but this will also build up your confidence, and really show you that sweet disposition that dogs have. Last and certainly not least, get to know your furry friends. Go online and look up articles on the behavior of dogs. Maybe go to school, or to the library and take some books out. Children's books are good too. I believe Old Yeller is a book... also, Where The Red Fern Grows is a good book to read. Really get to know how gentle they are. Even the notorious 'bad boys' of the gang. I used to have a Rottweiler, her name was Sadie. All I would hear whenever people went to meet her is how 'mean' or 'unpleasant' Rottweilers are, but to me, she was the greatest family dog I'd ever had. She would sleep with us, and go on walks, and fetch... you name it, she was there doing it with us. This applies to smaller dogs being mean as well. My friend has a small dog, and again, it's one of the best family dogs someone could have. I hope this helped. Feel free to message me if you need any further assistance. =)