[QUOTE=Phobianna;33405]Hi! First post for me,too; fear of driving and fear of dogs is what brought me here and I already feel quite comfortable My strategy has generally been avoidance, which is obviously not a fear-conquering approach.. Kat, I just got this iphone application that's supposed to work as a dog repellent; would you believe it, I actually can't wait to try it out (though it works within 2 meters and that's not a distance I would normally risk with any dog..) (do you think it might help to have something like that, with you at all times?). The thing is, I find cats equally - though very differently - scary. Is it really possible to have fear of dogs and love of animals in general?[/QUOTE

I have phobias of dogs and slipping on ice, shiny floors, stairs etc. It's not a good idea to put too much faith in "crutches" like a device to repel dogs and if you have to get that close! Much better to face the fear head-on (easier said than done, I know!!!) Only by facing your fear will you overcome it and realise that the fear and the effects and feelings you get when you face the fear will not kill you! They may make you feel awful, embarrassed and stupid but the fear itself will not kill you. I have worked out a plan for dealing with dogs. Just ignore them! Now, if you are dog-phobic (like me) that will sound dumb but it really does work. It works like this - you see a dog coming towards you - look away! Look to the side, down at your feet or at your chest area - anywhere so long as you don't look at the dog. When the dog sees you are completely ignoring it then it will ignore you! Dogs want your attention and if you don't give them any attention they will look for someone or something else. By ignoring the dog you are putting yourself in control of the situation too. Every time I have used this strategy it has worked - I have not had one dog come over to me when I ignore it. Please do try this - it will work for you too.

Chris