Coping With Cynophobia or the Fear of Dogs

What to do about one of the most common animal phobias

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Updated on September 12, 2023

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Dog laying outside in the grass — Neti Phunitiphat / Getty Images

It may surprise the dog-lovers among us, but cynophobia, or fear of dogs, is a relatively common specific phobia. Although snake and spider phobias are even more prevalent, we are far more likely to encounter dogs in daily life, so there are many more opportunities for the fear to manifest. We can hardly step outside without running into a dog within minutes—and often large breeds like German Shepherds. A phobia of dogs can be devastating, limiting contact with dog-owning friends and relatives, and curtailing normal activities.

You may not remember a time before you were afraid of dogs, but that doesn't mean you are destined to be afraid forever. There are many strategies that can help you overcome your fear.

At a Glance

But everyone loves dogs, right? The answer is most definitely no!

Animal phobias represent one of the more common specific phobias people experience.
Dogs and cats—by far our most popular pets—are the source of fear in 36% of people who seek treatment for an animal phobia.
It may feel like the last thing you'd ever want to do, but exposure to dogs in a safe, controlled environment managed by a mental health professional is often the best way to help lessen your fear and learn coping skills.

Causes of Cynophobia

Like most animal phobias, fear of dogs is most commonly caused by a negative experience with a dog, especially during childhood. Both children and dogs are naturally curious, and you may have been jumped on by an overexcited puppy or growled at by a large watchdog as you approached a fence.

A large dog can make a major impression on a small child, even if no actual attack occurred.

The negative experience need not have affected you directly. Many parents warn children about approaching strange dogs. A child's fertile imagination combined with an incomplete or even erroneous understanding of dog behavior could lead to a full-blown phobia of dogs. If a friend or relative was attacked by a dog, or a parent harbored an unhealthy fear, the risk of developing cynophobia is increased.

What a Fear of Dogs Can Feel Like

Like all phobias, the fear of dogs can vary dramatically in severity from person to person. You might fear only large breeds. You may be uncomfortable around live dogs but be perfectly content to view dogs in photographs or TV shows. Likewise, the symptoms of cynophobia can also vary.

Common reactions include:

Attempting to hide
Disorientation
Freezing in terror
Nausea
Running away
Shaking

You may even begin to cry. Anticipatory anxiety frequently occurs in the days leading up to a known confrontation.

Do I Actually Have a Phobia?

A fear of dogs does not always equate to a full-blown phobia. A specific phobia diagnosis like cynophobia requires several factors including the following:

The situation almost always provokes immediate fear
The anxiety you feel is out of proportion to the actual danger
You avoid any situation where a dog might be present
The fear and anxiety you feel causes significant distress or impairment

Additionally, the fear or avoidance behaviors must last for six months or more, and is not better explained by a different mental health condition.

Let's be honest, though, if you're afraid of dogs, you probably aren't too concerned about whether or not it technically classifies as a phobia. You just want to know what you can do about it, right? Nobody wants to live their lives in fear, and dogs are such common pets that it's worth exploring your options for dealing with this fear.

Complications

Because dogs are so popular as pets and companions, avoiding them can be nearly impossible. You might find yourself limiting contact with dog owners, even to the point of avoiding family gatherings. You may be unable to enjoy outdoor activities such as walking in the park, hiking, or camping since many outdoor enthusiasts bring their dogs. Over time, your normal routine may become extremely restricted as you attempt to prevent any accidental contact with a dog.

This increasing isolation can lead to depression and other anxiety disorders. Some people might become more and more unwilling to leave their homes.

Treatment for Cynophobia

Like all animal phobias, the fear of dogs responds well to treatment. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is one type of treatment that can be effective. Cognitive-behavioral techniques such as systematic desensitization and flooding are designed to help remove the fear and encourage more helpful coping skills.

Although these techniques are traditionally performed using live dogs, active-imaginal exposure may be done. If you are given this type of treatment, you will be encouraged to act out positive behaviors such as approaching and petting a dog. Instead of interacting with a live dog, however, you will vividly imagine the dog.

If a friend or loved one is afraid of dogs, it's important to be empathetic to their situation, even if their fear makes no sense to you. No matter how cuddly or loving your own pooch may be, don't try to force them to interact with your dog. Only trained professionals should be the ones to direct this kind of exposure.

If your phobia is severe, medications might be used in conjunction with therapy. Certain medications can significantly reduce your anxiety, allowing you to focus on therapeutic techniques.

Although cynophobia can be serious, it is extremely treatable. With a bit of work, there is no reason you must continue to cope with symptoms on your own.

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