Cynophobia

Cynophobia is a disproportionate and consuming fear of dogs.

What Is Cynophobia?

Many people have experienced feeling uneasy around a poorly behaved or growling dog. But cynophobia is a generalized fear of all dogs, regardless of behavior or circumstances. Some people exhibit more fear around certain types of dogs—such as large dogs or certain breeds that seem particularly scary—but will still be uneasy around all dogs. Next to fear of snakes and spiders, cynophobia is the most common animal phobia. Symptoms include irrational fear around dogs, refusing to go to places where dogs might be, or taking excessive precautions around dogs.

What Causes Cynophobia?

Most people with cynophobia have had an early, traumatic experience with a dog, such as being bitten or witnessing a family member being attacked. The phobia usually begins in early childhood and can be shaped by parents’ fears. A parent who is afraid of dogs or who regularly warns children about dogs might activate a child’s imagination, inadvertently creating a phobia. In some cases, the cause of the phobia is unclear.

How Is Cynophobia Treated?

Like other phobias, cynophobia can be effectively treated through a combination of therapy and relaxation techniques. Some people also find that hypnotherapy is helpful. It is particularly important for people with this phobia to have positive experiences with well behaved, friendly dogs. In the early stages of treatment, general exposure to dogs can backfire if the person with the phobia has a frightening experience.

References:

Fries, W. C. (n.d.). Helping a child overcome a fear of dogs. WebMD. Retrieved from http://pets.webmd.com/dogs/features/helping-your-child-overcome-a-fear-of-dogs

Last Updated: 08-4-2015