I Want A Dog But I’m Afraid Of Them
Call Today!
Sam Basso
PHOENIX , AZ AREA: (602) 708-4531
OR, if you are out of this area, inquire about a telephone or e-Lesson
Email: [email protected]
There are a number of people who want a dog, but are afraid of dogs.
What should you do if you are in this situation?
ARE YOU THE TYPE: You should examine if you are the type of person that should own a dog. In other words, will you be able to provide the type of home environment for this dog throughout its entire life? If you don’t have the time, if you don’t have the space, if you don’t have the commitment to let the dog live indoors with you, if you don’t have the love that a dog needs… then don’t get a dog.
GOOD REASON: Do you have the right motivation to get a dog? Dogs are living creatures with feelings and needs. That has to also be balanced out with your needs. Let’s say you need a protection dog because you have a stalker. The dog would be capable of alerting you to an intruder, or even to help defend you in a fight. Or, you are just wanting some more companionship. Or you, or someone you live with, need a service dog because of a disability. It is important that you have a good reason.
GET OVER YOUR FEARS: If you are asking… then you aren’t ready. A dog is going to pick up on your emotions. If you are afraid of dogs, then your dog will pick up on that, too. Dogs get wary of people that are afraid of them. Dogs “know” that animals that are afraid of them can attack, so fear in others puts them on guard. So, if you are afraid of dogs, you might just turn your dog into being afraid of you. You might just create the very thing you fear: a dog that is aggressive towards you!
WHAT TO DO NOW: So, my suggestion is that so long as you are afraid of dogs, then you aren’t ready to have a dog. I would suggest an alternate way of meeting your needs for now. And then, if you really want to get over your fear, then get involved in the dog world. You could start by being a volunteer with a rescue group or animal shelter. The more you are around dog people, and dogs, your knowledge of behavior will increase, and you’ll be able to discern friendly dog behavior from unfriendly dog behavior. With enough time, you’ll know if and when you are ready to have a dog of your own. And no dog will adopted by you, only to be given away or neglected because you made a mistake.
Sam Basso is a professional dog trainer and behaviorist, in the Phoenix/ Scottsdale metropolitan area. He’s known for being fun, kind, intelligent, and humane. Sam Basso has a unique personal touch. He has appeared on his own TV show, been a guest radio expert, gives seminars, publishes a dog related blog, does rescue volunteering, and is active in promoting animal welfare and fair dog laws.
