Overcoming the Fear of Dogs in Adults

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Fear of dogs is more common than people realise.

For some adults, it's mild discomfort.

For others, it can trigger intense physical and emotional reactions.

If dogs cause anxiety, avoidance, or panic - you are not alone.  And you are not "overreacting"

With the right support and structure, fear can be reduced.

I offer a 12-session, structured program using the KAD (Kids Around Dogs)® protocol to help adults build confidence and feel safe around dogs.

Understanding the Fear of Dogs

Fear can show up in different ways

 Common symptoms may include:

• Panic
• Heavy breathing
• Crying
• Screaming
• Running away from dogs
• Increased heart rate
• Palpitations
• Nausea or stomach aches
• Dizziness

What Causes a Fear of Dogs?

Fear can develop for many reasons, including:

•  Being bitten or chased by a dog
• Witnessing a negative incident
• Growing up around adults who feared dogs
• Cultural beliefs
• A lack of understanding about dog behaviour

Sometimes the cause is obvious.

Sometimes it isn't.

Regardless of how it began, fear can be addressed in a safe and structured way.

This program follows the structured KAD (Kids Around Dogs)® protocol and is delivered by an approved professional. 

The  program includes:

7 online sessions

5 in-person sessions

(Total: 12 sessions)

The protocol provides clear guidelines, while also being tailored to your personality, experiences and comfort level.

There is no pressure.  Progress happens at your pace.

How the Program Works

Fear often persists because the brain has learned to associate dogs with danger.

Throughout the program, we use Cognitive Behavioural Techniques to:

• Identify unhelpful thought patterns
• Replace catastrophic thinking with realistic understanding
• Learn how dogs communicate
• Understand dog body language and stress signals
• Build practical coping tools

Weekly tasks or small challenges are introduced to gently build confidence.  These are structured, achievable and supported.

The online sessions focus on education and understanding

The in-person component allows your nervous system to recalibrate safely - replacing fear with experience and predictability.

What Makes This Different

This is not "just exposure"

It is structured, guided, evidence-based support that combines education, cognitive techniques and gradual real-life experience.

The KAD protocol provides a framework - but your individual needs and comfort levels are always prioritised.

By the end of the program, many adults experience:

• Reduce panic responses
• Increased understanding of dog behaviour
• Greater confidence in public spaces
• The ability to stay calm when encountering dogs
• A sense of control rather than avoidance

The goal is not to make you love dogs.

The goal is to help you feel safe and in control around them.

 If fear of dogs is limiting your daily life, support is available.

You don't have to manage it alone.

Areas covered: South Sydney and surrounding areas.