Man's best fear | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Student Life

Man's Best Fear

How I have overcome my fear of dogs

73
Man's Best Fear

Most people are fond of dogs, I am not. When one is around I get tense and would rather not be in that situation, but I have a basis for this fear. From early childhood, I have had my fair share of run-ins with dogs and the outcome was me running away or getting chased. "He's nice, he's never bit anybody", I can't count the number of times I have heard this statement. Should I not be fearful of a pit bull biting my ankle? I suppose not if the owner has trained their dog correctly but most of the time that is not the case. My dislike of dogs has transformed recently however into indifference and acceptance.

I can remember my first encounter with a dog, I was 5 years old and the dog was the size of a football. This did not stop me from freaking out and running behind my mom for cover as the dog ran up on me licking me until I was almost in tears. Call me a wuss and I'd agree what could have a wiener dog puppy have done to me other than nibble on my shoelaces. This was only the beginning and was nowhere near the end of these encounters. During a winter camp when I was 12 I'd get chased down a snowy road by a black lab. I believed my life was in danger although the dog was just trying to play with the tennis ball in my hand.

You might be reading this and wonder when is there going to be a "bad" experience. These were traumatizing instances at the moment but laughable now in retrospect, but they are not the only stories. Recently I got bitten which could have bolstered my dislike of dogs but I gave them another chance. The dog that bit me is now fond of me even though I am worrisome whenever I'm around it.

As time has progressed I have become more open to dogs. Puppies have always been a safe alternative because they usually do not attack you with more than a couple licks to the cheek. Being around them more often and becoming comfortable with being around them has helped me. The realization that not all dogs want to chew my leg up for lunch has changed my perception and appreciation for each new dog I meet. Do I want a dog? No. Do I believe they are a great companion and can relieve stress? Yes. In time I may change my mind but if you are struggling with a fear of dogs I understand. Once you overcome the fear you can enjoy them and realize what they have to offer.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Drake
Hypetrak

1. Nails done hair done everything did / Oh you fancy huh

You're pretty much feeling yourself. New haircut, clothes, shoes, everything. New year, new you, right? You're ready for this semester to kick off.

Keep Reading...Show less
7 Ways to Make Your Language More Transgender and Nonbinary Inclusive

With more people becoming aware of transgender and non-binary people, there have been a lot of questions circulating online and elsewhere about how to be more inclusive. Language is very important in making a space safer for trans and non-binary individuals. With language, there is an established and built-in measure of whether a place could be safe or unsafe. If the wrong language is used, the place is unsafe and shows a lack of education on trans and non-binary issues. With the right language and education, there can be more safe spaces for trans and non-binary people to exist without feeling the need to hide their identities or feel threatened for merely existing.

Keep Reading...Show less
singing
Cambio

Singing is something I do all day, every day. It doesn't matter where I am or who's around. If I feel like singing, I'm going to. It's probably annoying sometimes, but I don't care -- I love to sing! If I'm not singing, I'm probably humming, sometimes without even realizing it. So as someone who loves to sing, these are some of the feelings and thoughts I have probably almost every day.

Keep Reading...Show less
success
Degrassi.Wikia

Being a college student is one of the most difficult task known to man. Being able to balance your school life, work life and even a social life is a task of greatness. Here's an ode to some of the small victories that mean a lot to us college students.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

6 Signs You're A Workaholic

Becuase of all things to be addicted to, you're addicted to making money.

512
workaholic
kaboompics

After turning 16, our parents start to push us to get a job and take on some responsibility. We start to make our own money in order to fund the fun we intend on having throughout the year. But what happens when you've officially become so obsessed with making money that you can't even remember the last day you had off? You, my friend, have become a workaholic. Being a workaholic can be both good and bad. It shows dedication to your job and the desire to save money. It also shows that you don't have a great work-life balance. Here are the signs of becoming a workaholic.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments