A fear of dogs is a strong fear of dogs that can make walks, visits and parks feel stressful. When the fear is extreme and gets in the way of daily life, it is called cynophobia. Some caution around dogs you do not know is wise. The good news is that a fear of dogs that holds you back can often ease with slow, safe, step by step practice.
This post is general information, not medical advice or a diagnosis.
What is the fear of dogs called?
The fear of dogs phobia name is cynophobia. Researchers use this term too. For example, a 2003 study by Thomas Rentz and colleagues was titled as a study of “cynophobia (dog phobia)” (see Sources).
Mayo Clinic lists dogs among common animal phobias, which are one type of specific phobia (see Sources).
Caution or a fear of dogs phobia?
Being careful around a dog you do not know is sensible. Not every dog is friendly, and it is fine to keep your distance.
A fear of dogs phobia is different. Mayo Clinic describes a specific phobia as a strong, lasting fear that is much greater than the actual risk. It also notes that a fear is not a specific phobia unless it seriously disrupts your life (see Sources).
You might be dealing with more than caution if you:
Feel intense fear even when a dog is calm, leashed or far away
Feel panic when you think about dogs or see one on TV
Avoid parks, sidewalks or friends’ homes because of dogs
Change your plans often to stay away from dogs
Why am I so scared of dogs?
Much is still not known about what causes specific phobias. Mayo Clinic lists a few possible causes (see Sources):
A bad experience. A scary moment with a dog, or seeing one happen to someone else.
Hearing about bad experiences. Stories or news about dog attacks can start a fear.
Learning from family. Children may learn fears by watching how a family member reacts.
Temperament. People who are more sensitive to anxiety may be more likely to develop a phobia.
Some people cannot remember where their fear started. That is okay. You do not need to know the cause to start feeling better.
Why avoidance keeps the fear going
Avoiding dogs brings quick relief. That makes sense. But over time, avoidance can make fear stronger.
Mayo Clinic notes that avoidance is the most common way people cope with phobias, and that by doing so, their anxiety typically gets worse (see Sources).
Each time you cross the street to avoid a dog, your brain learns “That was close. Good thing I got away.” It never gets the chance to learn that you can stay calm and safe.
If you worry for days before visiting a friend with a dog, our post on anticipatory anxiety may help.
How to get over fear of dogs, safely
Learning how to get over fear of dogs usually means facing the fear slowly and safely, in small steps. Safety comes first at every step.
Make a ladder of steps. List situations from least to most scary. For example:
Looking at photos of calm dogs
Watching short videos of calm dogs
Watching a calm, leashed dog from far away in a park
Standing a little closer while the owner holds the leash
Being in a room with a calm dog you know
Keep every step safe. Only practise with calm, friendly dogs that the owner knows well. Make sure the owner agrees, the dog is leashed or under the owner’s control, and you can step back at any time. Never approach a dog you do not know.
Start small. Begin with a step that feels a bit uncomfortable but doable.
Stay with it. Try to stay until the fear starts to ease, instead of leaving at the peak.
Breathe slowly. Slow breathing can help your body settle.
Repeat. Practise each step a few times before moving up.
You set the pace. Moving up the ladder slowly is better than rushing.
Fear of dogs treatment: what research says
The main fear of dogs treatment that research supports is exposure, which means facing the fear in planned, gradual steps.
In the 2003 Rentz study, 82 people with a dog phobia had one of three short exposure treatments. People in all three groups improved. The study also found that using “safety behaviours” during treatment was linked with less improvement (see Sources).
A 2021 study by Lara Farrell and colleagues looked at 8 children aged 8 to 12 with a fear of dogs. It used one session of exposure in virtual reality. It was a small case series, not a large trial, but the children’s fear dropped after treatment and at a one month follow-up (see Sources).
If you have another specific fear, our post on needle phobia uses a similar step by step approach.
When your child is afraid of dogs
Many parents ask what to do when their child is afraid of dogs. Here are some gentle ideas.
Take the fear seriously. Say, “I can see you’re scared. That’s okay.”
Stay calm yourself. Mayo Clinic notes that children can learn fears by watching how family members react (see Sources).
Go slowly. Use small steps, like looking at pictures of friendly dogs, before seeing a calm dog from far away.
Keep it safe. Only practise with calm dogs you know, with the owner’s OK, and with you close by.
Praise effort. Notice every brave step, even small ones.
If your child’s fear is strong or lasts a long time, counselling can help. Ask about ages and options during your free consultation.
If you are thinking about suicide or hurting yourself, call or text 9-8-8 now. If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 911.
How counselling can help
Counselling can help you or your child understand the fear and face it at a safe pace. A therapist can help you:
Build a step by step plan that puts safety first
Notice and challenge scary thoughts, like “The dog will bite me”
Learn ways to calm your body
Practise facing the fear in real life
Cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) uses thinking strategies and behavioural strategies to help you expand your comfort zone. Learn more about our CBT counselling.
We offer counselling at our Kitchener-Waterloo, Cambridge and Ottawa offices, and online across Ontario. Every clinician on our team is registered with their college.
Common questions about the fear of dogs
What is the fear of dogs called? It is called cynophobia.
Why am I so scared of dogs? A bad experience, stories you heard, family patterns or your temperament may play a part.
How do you get over a fear of dogs? Usually by facing it slowly and safely, in small steps, often with support.
How can I help a child afraid of dogs? Stay calm, take the fear seriously, go slowly and keep every step safe.
Can therapy help with cynophobia? Yes. Research supports gradual exposure, and CBT can help you plan it safely.
Billing and your first step
We accept Health Spending Accounts (HSAs).
We can direct bill many insurers. Coverage depends on your plan, so check with your insurer before you start.
If a fear of dogs is shrinking your world, book a free 15-minute consultation and we can help you take the first small steps.
If you’re in crisis: if you or someone you love is in immediate danger, call 911. If you’re thinking about suicide, call or text 9-8-8 any time, day or night.
Last reviewed: October 2026
Sources
Mayo Clinic. “Specific phobias: Symptoms and causes.” https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/specific-phobias/symptoms-causes/syc-20355156
Rentz TO, Powers MB, Smits JA, Cougle JR, Telch MJ. “Active-imaginal exposure: examination of a new behavioral treatment for cynophobia (dog phobia).” Behaviour Research and Therapy. 2003;41(11):1337-53. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14527532/
Farrell LJ, et al. “Virtual Reality One-Session Treatment of Child-Specific Phobia of Dogs: A Controlled, Multiple Baseline Case Series.” Behavior Therapy. 2021;52(2):478-491. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33622515/