GOLDEN VALLEY, Minn. — In a state with dog owners aplenty, this isn't easy to admit: I'm afraid of dogs.
Now, hear me out. I like dogs. I do. I'm totally relaxed around the ones I know. In fact, my sister's dog, Yoshi, is the cutest little thing. And now that I'm a homeowner, I'm even considering adopting a dog.
But I'm not comfortable in certain situations involving dogs. Perhaps you can relate.
For some years growing up, the neighbors on both sides of our house had dogs. Sometimes, they were outside at the same time. I remember being afraid to go into my own backyard because they barked as soon as they realized I was there.
To this day, a peaceful walk in the neighborhood can quickly turn scary when a dog rushes up to its fence, barking and growling.
Let's face it, some dogs bite. Back in grade school, a dog bit a girl in the face. I didn't see it happen but I saw the scar and felt concerned. And then it happened to me when I was studying in Germany for a year in high school.
A few months into my exchange year and about a week into living with a new host family, I was riding my bike when a dog jumped up and bit my butt. I biked the rest of the way home. Here's what happened when my host mom opened the front door.
"Ein Hund hat mich gebissen," I said. "Did I say that right?"
My host mom replied, "You did. Show me where."
I showed her, and then we went to das Krankenhaus, the hospital, where I learned I didn't need stitches and I didn't get rabies. At this point, we were in contact with the dog's owner, too.
These are the experiences that stick with a person, right?
According to Dr. Christopher Vye, a psychologist from the University of St. Thomas, fear or phobia of dogs actually doesn't always stem from a traumatic or negative experience with dogs.
He says some people grew up with adults telling them to be careful around dogs, creating a sense of fear even though nothing bad has happened. Others may become afraid after hearing about other people's bad experiences.
Vye says the difference between fear and phobia is severity, with phobia affecting one's ability to function, including behaviors like avoiding situations just because a dog could be there.
So what's the best way to, frankly, get over it? Vye says you could try getting to know a chill dog first. You know, a dog who has been there, done that, and isn't going to bark or jump on you. Although puppies are cute, they may not be the best option for you as their behavior may be unpredictable, Vye said.
At the Animal Humane Society, staffers are happy to help you with the process. They know each dog's behavior and can always bring the appropriate dog into a visitation room for you to get to know as long as you first explain your hesitations and needs.
Over time, you might feel more comfortable around new dogs, but it's important to approach them the right way. Liv Hagen, Shelter Behavior Services Manager at the Animal Humane Society Golden Valley location, says to always ask the dog's owner for permission to pet. Once they give you the OK, she says to kneel down to the dog's level and pet it under the chin.