Why are some people genuinely frightened of dogs?

[WanderingStar26]

Not a TAAT but kind of inspired by one.

I adore dogs, I have my own dogs, I work with dogs, and my hobby revolves around dogs. I had dogs growing up and with the very odd exception, I’ve never felt any fear towards any dog.

But I understand that some people are terrified of them, and I’m really interested to understand why? Is it an instinctive fear, which now I think about it would make sense as dogs are descended from wolves, or is it based on a past negative experience? It seems to be more children that have an obvious fear, so do people grow out of feeling scared, or just learn to conceal their fear as they get older?

I’m not talking about just not liking them, I realise dogs aren’t for everyone, but an actual fear. My dogs are tiny and not at all aggressive but I still don’t let them approach people unless the person wants them to. I’m honestly not trying to mock or judge, just genuinely intrigued to know more about this fear and whether it’s rational or irrational, and whether it’s something people can overcome. It must be hard to live with either way as dogs are everywhere!

They can bite. Jump up and make me fall. No thanks.

You'd think.

I think dog owners love dogs so much it seems frankly myopic.

A lot of us don't really care for them. For me I'm wary and distrustful of dogs, they put me on edge.

They are unpredictable, even if they don't bite, they bark or can jump on you and pin you down in excitement.

I don't think anything will change that for me, because it's truthful of the nature of dogs.

You might become less fearful or them or more tolerant but I think some fear of dogs is not a bad thing at all. I'd cross the road to avoid any aggressive dog and that's probably a good move.

Because some dogs are aggressive and there is no way of telling which ones.