Toothful Tales

What creates a fear of dogs? Is it innate? Parental influence? Negative childhood experiences? I’m sure choice “C” can have a profound impact on the relationship one has – or doesn’t have – with dogs. A scary run-in with a dog during childhood could certainly lead to a lifelong fear of dogs. Or maybe not. I had my very own traumatic childhood experience with a dog that left me with a physical scar, but thankfully no emotional ones. I was young, probably about six, and visiting my Grandmother in New York. I thought her downstairs neighbor’s German Shepherd was adorable, and I couldn’t resist petting it under the chin as we passed it in the courtyard. Scritch-scritch-scritch-BITE! The bite caught my wrist. None of us have a clear recollection of the event, but I remember that it was sudden, painful and scary. And that it warranted a trip to the doctor for a shot. Now, that episode could have left me afraid of dogs for life (or at least afraid of GSDs), but judging by my career path it didn’t. I had no post-bite “I don’t like dogs” period during my childhood … the event left no impression but the small scar I still bear on my wrist (I think it looks like a shark tooth): I’d be interested to hear some of your dog bite stories. Were you afraid of dogs afterwards? Does the sight of the breed that bit you still impact you? (Is anyone out there? When I ask you for stories it means that I truly am curious … c’mon, share with us.)