Really, really frightened of dogs...

[Elfina]

and it horrid. Reading another thread I saw something about learning to understand dogs' body language. Anyone have any advice on how to tell if a bounding dog is just playing, or will bite you?

Thanks so much lovely dog owners!

[IAmNotAMindReader]

You have to look at the body as a whole and not just head or tail because you get a better overall picture.

The main indicating factor that a dog is not happy with the situation it is in is stiff body language. Every move will look forced and rigid, even a tail wag can be rigid (eg held high and stiff with short fast movements).

The muscles around the face will also be tensed as will the shoulders and rest of the body.

Some may have visible hackles raised (ridge of fur along back). This can signal both aggression and alarm. Both situations may result in a bite.

Unless its a dog with natural bugling eyes like a boston terrier etc being able to see the whites of a dogs eyes is also usually a sign they are not happy.

Most dogs will not go straight in for a bite they will usually exhibit avoidance behaviours such as looking away, turning away.

Excessive yawning and lip licking can also be other signs of stress.

A lot of aggressive seeming dogs are what is called fear aggressive. Their every nerve is terrified so they follow attack is the best form of defence strategies. They will usually exhibit other stressed body language before going all out, growling slathering nut case. By this time however they have lost control of themselves and are running on pure terror.


A happy dog will have a relaxed looking open face (tongue lolling out of the side for example).

Have more fluid overall body movements.

The tail will be more fluid and lazy, unless they are really pleased then it will whip around their bodies 10 to the dozen and they will wag their whole bodies almost.

There are an excellent series of videos linked on here somewhere which demonstrate relaxed and stressed body language in dogs.

[SconessMcFloness]

Some dog training services run courses to help people overcome dog phobias. Where do you live?

[Elfina]

I'm in south London. That you, that's really helpful

[MehsMum]

There are lots of resources on the net about interpreting canine body language ( like www.doggonesafe.com/Resources/Pictures/Poster%201_26_10.jpg this one, for example.

I think Sconess suggestion is a really good one: I don't think anything is as good as experience, and you might find that you'd get less terrified of dogs, esp if you began dealing with something small and soppy and worked up to bigger ones.

[SconessMcFloness]

Try these guys, they might be able to help. www.essexdog.moonfruit.com/cynophobia/4576601584

[insanityscatching]

Before I got Eric I was pretty scared of dogs especially big ones. Even now I wouldn't say I'm comfortable around big dogs but I'm more confident to know whether or not I should be worried because I can spot whether a dog is friendly or not and having our own dog has meant I've met plenty of dog owners, some with big dogs, who have helped me get to know their dogs and to know that they can be trusted.
I picked up on my own dm's fear when I was a child and my own children picked up on mine so having our own tiny dog has been a very positive experience and will hopefully mean that the fear passed between generations will stop now.

[Booboostoo]

Try asking at your local dog club to see if they can help you. If anyone has a very obedient dog they should put the dog in a down stay and you can take your time deciding whether you want to go any nearer or not. Unfortunately a lot of friendly dogs do things that can appear worrying if your have a fear of dogs like run up to you, lick you or even jump up on you, but you may feel more in control with a dog that has been told not to move so that you can approach on your terms.

[nmg85]

I was terrified of dogs and now I have a 7 month old puppy. I decided that I was't going to let it rule my life so started to slowly progress through various stages. 1. Be near a dog on a lead, 2. Be closer 3. Be even closer. 4. Let a dog sniff me (while on lead). 5. Allow a dog off lead be in same room. 6. Touch a dog.

Even when I got my puppy I was nervous but I can now deal with 98% of dogs while out walking.