Fear of dogs

[solly33]

I will be moving within the next 4 weeks and have only just found out the neighbours have a dog. This dog approaches everyone in a most friendly way but I DONT want it near me.I have been told it likes to sit on what will be my front lawn. Whats the best way of telling the next door neighbours KEEP THE DOG AWAY FROM ME in a nice friendly way. I am having nightmares thinking about this dog jumping up at me everytime I go out or come in.There is no such thing as a 'it wont hurt you' dog,have a look at my Son's stomach where he was bitten by a nice quite dog. HELP

[wildwood]

There is only one way. You need to approach your neighbour and tell them that you do not want the dog on your property. You don't need to make up any story. If your son has been bitten that is enough reason to demand that they keep the dog away from your place. If they don't understand your situation then they fall into the bad-dog-owner category and stronger action is required. Don't let the neighbour's dog prevent you from enjoying your new place.

I don't want you to do anything you don't want to.... but it may be worth looking into working on overcoming your fear. Maybe your new neighbour is one of those helpful people who will slowly get you used to the dog.

[solly33]

Thanks Wildwood. I had made up my mind to just approach the new neighbours and ask them nicely to keep their dog off my property. I just dont like animals and the thought of this dog jumping up at me makes me cringe.I would never ever hurt an animal but I just could not touch one. I am probably more of an animal lover than those who keep animals..I feed the birds regularly,buy the squirrels nuts but I cant touch a cat or dog. I think I am dwelling on this dog business more just to take my mind off the stress of the buying/selling house process.

[divegirl]

Hi,

I agree with everything Wildwood says, including, most definately the part about getting help to overcome your fears! It sounds to me that you have far more than an 'average' dislike of animals. The fact that your son was bitten is a terrible thing to have happened and you have my greatest sympathy, but in saying that....do you really want him to grow up with this awful fear? Please consider getting some help, not all animals are to be feared. I wish you well with your move and hope that you will be happy in your new home!

Lisa x

[lankeela]

Unfortunately even the most friendly of dogs will pick up your vibes if you show that you are fearful of it. This does not mean that it will bite you, but it will be wary of you and and probably make you even more nervous. Why not drop the neighbours a little note before you even get there, and explain the situation, this would be much more likely to get them on side than turning up and demanding that they keep the dog away from you.

It is a fact of life that at some time you will probably meet this dog on your way in or out, and I think it will make your life very difficult if you do not try to do something about it.

I also hope for your son's sake you are not transferring your fear of animals to him, as loving and caring for a pet is one of the best ways of teaching children to respect all forms of life, especially other humans.

[leelapops]

There was a similay posting here about a neighbour's dog pooing on somebody's lawn. I was just curious as to why someone would think it OK for their dog to be in someone else's space? Are some dogs allowed to roam free all over the neighbourhood? Or are we anti-social in our dog relations round here?!

Other than that (rhetoric, really) question, I would agree with the above.
Good luck and warm wishes for your move.

Lisa x

[solly33]

Many thanks to all of you who took the trouble to answer my question and you have all made me feel a little bit less fearful now. I do believe the dogs sense my fear and hopefully the neighbours will be understanding.

[jules77]

I can understand your dilemma, when such a terrible thing happened to your son, but this is so sad, I hate to see children frightened of dogs. Reading between the lines it sounds like you have perhaps always been afraid of dogs even before this accident and as the others say, dogs pick up on your fears - you need some help and support from someone about this. Mind you I am none too keen on snakes, and if I found out my new next door neighbour kept them, I wouldnt move house!

[Bigeye74]

Why are you not seeing someone to try a get over your fearfulness? I'm sure your doctor can put you in touch with someone to help. IMHO you are putting yourself through more stress by not sorting it out. And what would happen if you found yourself in a position where you had to be strong but couldn't.

[lankeela]

I think what makes this seem irrational to many of us is the fact that you say you could not even touch a cat. This is more than a fear of being bitten by a dog. What if a neighbours cat comes in your garden or on your fence, you could end up being a prisoner in your own home.

Maybe if you have thought about getting help before, now is the time to do it - a new home, a new start.