Phobia Cure For Comic Relief
One of the most common phobias is fear of dogs. That's pretty much everybody, if you think about it. It's just one of those things that comes to most people like clockwork. However, there are ways to break out of this aspect if you feel like you're doomed to a life of chasing cats and running away from mutts (or even worse, being eaten by one).
Most of the time, people will go to practics that are owned by people who may or may not have a dog, but will most likely provide them with some sort of therapy. Even if that's the case, it doesn't mean you can't get help for your fear. Here are a few ways you can cure this phobia.
Before you rush off to one of those "dog therapy" places, be forewarned that they can sometimes be a little... overbearing when it comes to their methods. In fact, you do have the right to walk out at any time.
1. Have a dog yourself.
You can't be too careful when it comes to that phobia of yours, but this may be the best way to cure it altogether. Get a dog and treat it like your own personal guard dog... or better yet, your personal therapy partner! Go around and pet it a lot (within reason), take it out on walks and give it lots of affection... maybe even play with it.
2. The candle trick
This one is pretty simple. Get a candle, light it and put it in the furthest corner of the room you want to be petrified of. Place a second candle in that corner so that the flashlight of your eyes gets half-blinded when you try to see what's going on with the first. If you get desperate enough, go ahead and touch one of the candles, but be careful; they may not be as sturdy as they seem...
3. Prescription only
If a quick suggestion to cure your phobia isn't enough to make you go away, then you should probably go ahead and seek out the help of a professional psychologist. Just remember: don't ever tell them where you're from or why. If they're one of those "kooky" psych doctors, be afraid... be very afraid.
4. Pretend it's fake
This is another very simple suggestion... but it works. Just go to a place that you feel is terrifying to you and act nonchalant as if it's just another day in the park. Pretend they're selling hot dogs or something... and then... eat one!
5. Hold your breath
If you get too close to a dog, hold your breath and shut your eyes tightly until it's gone... or at least until the dog lets go of you.
6. Look away
If you see a picture of a dog or watch one on TV, just look away! If you can't see it, then how can you be afraid of it?
7. Set up traps
This is a little bit more dangerous and not at all appropriate for younger children, but if you want to get rid of your fear right now and right here... set up some traps! Catching monsters under the bed works great... why not try catching evil dogs under there too?
8. There's no time!
If you're in a situation like a dog is chasing you and all you have is time to react (or run away, if you're lucky)... forget about curing your phobia! Just run! Forget the past and future; only remember the present. Run for your life right now... because if you don't, it may be too late.
9. Just look at it
This one takes a lot of courage on your part, but if you can pull it off... which I doubt... go ahead and look at that dog like you're cool and everything... then it will be gone.
10. Get another dog
The last suggestion is a little bit controversial, I know. You don't want to get your dog all excited and nervous, but if you do it right, there's no chance of a phobia coming back; in fact, it may be more beneficial for the animal. Go ahead and work with your pet on giving him/her lots of praise (and maybe kibble too). Don't worry about the other aspects of the situation; animals are very intelligent and can learn a lot from humans. Just give them compliments and lots of praise as if it's another treatment for your fear.
And one more thing... remember, don't ever tell anyone that you're scared of dogs. If they know that they're afraid of dogs (general population or not), they may try to exploit you (and all their friends). With that in mind, be careful... and remember, it's just a phobia.
By the way, this is only going to help if you're afraid of dogs; more specifically of dogs in the neighbourhood. If you feel like you're threatened by different breeds or animals, then this isn't the article for you. In that case... run like hell!
ARTICLE END
"What's wrong with me?" "Why can't I shake them off?" "I feel petrified...
Conclusion:
It's a very common phobia, derived from the animal, but the best way to cure oneself of it is with counselling or even getting therapy sessions. It's not because one fears dogs, but it's mostly because of frustration and annoyance. Often times when people are over-taken by dogs or even see them out of their routine and walks, they will be angry and frustrated at their fate.
Dogs in general are indeed for protection for us humans and especially for our household members.