The fear of dogs, commonly known as Cynophobia a word derived from the Greek “kyon” (dog) and “phobos”(fear), can turn into disruptive behavior or fear for most people. While it is typically common in children, Cynophobia can spread across someones lifetime and haunt them for years.. This fear like most, is usually derived from some kind of traumatic situation, from ones childhood, either being attacked by a dog or barked at by a dog.
With 42.5 Million households in the U.S, having dogs, it is easy how one would be deterred from going outside or taking a walk to the park.
According to an article written on Wikihow.com there are several steps one can take to help releave the stresses of Cynophobia.
1. Evaluate the situation. Why are you afraid of dogs? What happened? Think it over in your mind.
2. Remember: Dogs aren’t out to get you. They are man’s best friend. Say this to yourself at least five times a day, EVERY day. Once you start saying it, you will start believing it.
3. Make a goal list. Write steps down such as “pet a puppy,” “hold a puppy,” and “walk a puppy”. Right now though, you have a while to go, until you reach these goals.
For most dogs are mans best friend but when researching the facts of how many people get attacked by a dog each year, it is almost stunning. It is estimated that two percent of the US population, 4.7 million people, are bitten each year.In the 1980s and 1990s the US averaged 17 fatalities per year, while in the 2000s this has increased to 26. 77 percent of dog bites are from the pet of family or friends, and 50 percent of attacks occur on the dog owner’s property.
So what does this mean for students? Well if you walk to school one should be aware of its surroundings. If one is to be attacked by a dog it is advised to not turn and flee, instead stand your ground and avoid eye contact is possible.
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