Coping With Cynophobia or the Fear of Dogs

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsCauses of CynophobiaWhat a Fear of Dogs Can Feel LikeDo I Actually Have a Phobia?ComplicationsTreatment for Cynophobia

Table of ContentsView All

View All

Table of Contents

Causes of Cynophobia

What a Fear of Dogs Can Feel Like

Do I Actually Have a Phobia?

Complications

Treatment for Cynophobia

It may surprise the dog-lovers among us, but cynophobia, or fear of dogs, is a relatively commonspecific phobia. Althoughsnakeandspiderphobias 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. Aphobiaof 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!

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

Common reactions include:

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

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:

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.

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.

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 assystematic desensitizationand 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,medicationsmight 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.

How to Face Your Fears When You Want to Tackle Them Head-On

6 SourcesVerywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Rentz, Timothy O.; Powers, Mark B.; Smits, Jasper A. J.; Cougle, Jesse R.; Telch, Michael J. (2003).“Active-imaginal exposure: examination of a new behavioral treatment for cynophobia (dog phobia)".Behaviour Research and Therapy. 41 (11): 1337–1353.doi:10.1016/s0005-7967(03)00041-xGiraudet CSE, Liu K, McElligott AG, Cobb M.Are children and dogs best friends? A scoping review to explore the positive and negative effects of child-dog interactions. PeerJ. 2022 Dec 19;10:e14532. doi: 10.7717/peerj.14532Taffou M, Viaud-Delmon I.Cynophobic fear adaptively extends peri-personal space.Front Psychiatry. 2014;5:122. doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2014.00122Zhang Y, Kuang J, Xin Z, Fang J, Song R, Yang Y, Song P, Wang Y, Wang J.Loneliness, social isolation, depression and anxiety among the elderly in Shanghai: Findings from a longitudinal study. Arch Gerontol Geriatr. 2023 Jul;110:104980. doi: 10.1016/j.archger.2023.104980Kozlowska K, Walker P, McLean L, Carrive P.Fear and the defense cascade: clinical implications and management.Harv Rev Psychiatry. 2015;23(4):263–287. doi:10.1097/HRP.0000000000000065Rentz TO, Powers MB, Smits JA, Cougle JR, Telch MJ.Active-imaginal exposure: examination of a new behavioral treatment for cynophobia (dog phobia).Behav Res Ther.2003 Nov;41(11):1337-1353.Additional ReadingAmerican Psychiatric Association.Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders(DSM–5). Fifth edition. Arlington, Va.: American Psychiatric Association; 2013.Jerud AB, Farach FJ, Bedard-Gilligan M, Smith H, Zoellner LA, Feeny NC.Repeated trauma exposure does not impair distress reduction during imaginal exposure for posttraumatic stress disorder.Depress Anxiety. 2017;34(8):671–678. doi:10.1002/da.22582

6 Sources

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Rentz, Timothy O.; Powers, Mark B.; Smits, Jasper A. J.; Cougle, Jesse R.; Telch, Michael J. (2003).“Active-imaginal exposure: examination of a new behavioral treatment for cynophobia (dog phobia)".Behaviour Research and Therapy. 41 (11): 1337–1353.doi:10.1016/s0005-7967(03)00041-xGiraudet CSE, Liu K, McElligott AG, Cobb M.Are children and dogs best friends? A scoping review to explore the positive and negative effects of child-dog interactions. PeerJ. 2022 Dec 19;10:e14532. doi: 10.7717/peerj.14532Taffou M, Viaud-Delmon I.Cynophobic fear adaptively extends peri-personal space.Front Psychiatry. 2014;5:122. doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2014.00122Zhang Y, Kuang J, Xin Z, Fang J, Song R, Yang Y, Song P, Wang Y, Wang J.Loneliness, social isolation, depression and anxiety among the elderly in Shanghai: Findings from a longitudinal study. Arch Gerontol Geriatr. 2023 Jul;110:104980. doi: 10.1016/j.archger.2023.104980Kozlowska K, Walker P, McLean L, Carrive P.Fear and the defense cascade: clinical implications and management.Harv Rev Psychiatry. 2015;23(4):263–287. doi:10.1097/HRP.0000000000000065Rentz TO, Powers MB, Smits JA, Cougle JR, Telch MJ.Active-imaginal exposure: examination of a new behavioral treatment for cynophobia (dog phobia).Behav Res Ther.2003 Nov;41(11):1337-1353.Additional ReadingAmerican Psychiatric Association.Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders(DSM–5). Fifth edition. Arlington, Va.: American Psychiatric Association; 2013.Jerud AB, Farach FJ, Bedard-Gilligan M, Smith H, Zoellner LA, Feeny NC.Repeated trauma exposure does not impair distress reduction during imaginal exposure for posttraumatic stress disorder.Depress Anxiety. 2017;34(8):671–678. doi:10.1002/da.22582

Rentz, Timothy O.; Powers, Mark B.; Smits, Jasper A. J.; Cougle, Jesse R.; Telch, Michael J. (2003).“Active-imaginal exposure: examination of a new behavioral treatment for cynophobia (dog phobia)".Behaviour Research and Therapy. 41 (11): 1337–1353.doi:10.1016/s0005-7967(03)00041-xGiraudet CSE, Liu K, McElligott AG, Cobb M.Are children and dogs best friends? A scoping review to explore the positive and negative effects of child-dog interactions. PeerJ. 2022 Dec 19;10:e14532. doi: 10.7717/peerj.14532Taffou M, Viaud-Delmon I.Cynophobic fear adaptively extends peri-personal space.Front Psychiatry. 2014;5:122. doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2014.00122Zhang Y, Kuang J, Xin Z, Fang J, Song R, Yang Y, Song P, Wang Y, Wang J.Loneliness, social isolation, depression and anxiety among the elderly in Shanghai: Findings from a longitudinal study. Arch Gerontol Geriatr. 2023 Jul;110:104980. doi: 10.1016/j.archger.2023.104980Kozlowska K, Walker P, McLean L, Carrive P.Fear and the defense cascade: clinical implications and management.Harv Rev Psychiatry. 2015;23(4):263–287. doi:10.1097/HRP.0000000000000065Rentz TO, Powers MB, Smits JA, Cougle JR, Telch MJ.Active-imaginal exposure: examination of a new behavioral treatment for cynophobia (dog phobia).Behav Res Ther.2003 Nov;41(11):1337-1353.

Giraudet CSE, Liu K, McElligott AG, Cobb M.Are children and dogs best friends? A scoping review to explore the positive and negative effects of child-dog interactions. PeerJ. 2022 Dec 19;10:e14532. doi: 10.7717/peerj.14532

Taffou M, Viaud-Delmon I.Cynophobic fear adaptively extends peri-personal space.Front Psychiatry. 2014;5:122. doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2014.00122

Zhang Y, Kuang J, Xin Z, Fang J, Song R, Yang Y, Song P, Wang Y, Wang J.Loneliness, social isolation, depression and anxiety among the elderly in Shanghai: Findings from a longitudinal study. Arch Gerontol Geriatr. 2023 Jul;110:104980. doi: 10.1016/j.archger.2023.104980

Kozlowska K, Walker P, McLean L, Carrive P.Fear and the defense cascade: clinical implications and management.Harv Rev Psychiatry. 2015;23(4):263–287. doi:10.1097/HRP.0000000000000065

Rentz TO, Powers MB, Smits JA, Cougle JR, Telch MJ.Active-imaginal exposure: examination of a new behavioral treatment for cynophobia (dog phobia).Behav Res Ther.2003 Nov;41(11):1337-1353.

American Psychiatric Association.Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders(DSM–5). Fifth edition. Arlington, Va.: American Psychiatric Association; 2013.Jerud AB, Farach FJ, Bedard-Gilligan M, Smith H, Zoellner LA, Feeny NC.Repeated trauma exposure does not impair distress reduction during imaginal exposure for posttraumatic stress disorder.Depress Anxiety. 2017;34(8):671–678. doi:10.1002/da.22582

American Psychiatric Association.Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders(DSM–5). Fifth edition. Arlington, Va.: American Psychiatric Association; 2013.

Jerud AB, Farach FJ, Bedard-Gilligan M, Smith H, Zoellner LA, Feeny NC.Repeated trauma exposure does not impair distress reduction during imaginal exposure for posttraumatic stress disorder.Depress Anxiety. 2017;34(8):671–678. doi:10.1002/da.22582

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