Large Dogs are Part of Everyday Life
Dogs are the most popular pet on the planet and more and more people are owning dogs these days. For those with a fear of dogs (cynophobia), large breeds like XL Bullies, Rottweilers, and German Shepherds can seem particularly intimidating. Sensationalised media stories and misunderstandings about these dogs often heighten fear and anxiety. Of course, as of December 1st 2024, XL Bullies are banned from ownership, unless the owner has a certificate of exemption.
However, this does not mean that they have all disappeared. Many people are still keeping them despite the law. Additionally, there are still several other large breeds being kept as pets around the UK. This means that overcoming a fear of large dogs is highly beneficial. The good news is that just because a dog might look large and scary, the chances are very good it is friendly like most dogs and is not a threat to anyone.
Understanding XL Bullies and Large Dogs
XL Bullies, a type of American Bully, are frequently misunderstood due to their muscular build and strong presence. The American Bully was originally bred to be a companion dog, but XL Bullies can weigh in at anywhere between 30-65kg. Yes, they really are ‘XL’. However, when properly bred and trained, they exhibit the following traits:
- Loyal and affectionate – They thrive on companionship and form strong bonds with their families.
- Intelligent and trainable – Many excel in obedience training and enjoy pleasing their owners.
- Calm and confident – Despite misconceptions, well-raised XL Bullies are balanced and non-aggressive.
Like all dogs, it is really how they are raised. not their breed, which determines their character and personality. This is very similar to humans, where how we are raised influences our character and personality to a significant extent.
Why People Fear Large Dogs
Fear of large dogs often stems from a mix of personal experiences and societal influences. A child could learn the fear easily from a parent or another care giver who is afraid of large dogs. Most animal phobias are rooted in the deeper fear of being out of control. A large dog off the lead is not something perceived as controllable so can easily trigger this primitive fear. Some other reasons why people pick up a dog phobia are the following:
- Media Influence – Sensationalist reports of dog attacks create fear. This comes despite data showing that aggression is more about training and environment than breed. As you might have read in our other articles, the truth can play little significance when it comes to generating clicks!
- Lack of Exposure – Despite the ever-growing popularity of dogs (and the current popularity of the Bully breed), many people do not grow up with dogs, let alone large dogs, and may feel uneasy due to unfamiliarity with canine behaviour.
- Negative Experiences – A past traumatic encounter can trigger long-lasting anxiety, making it difficult to trust large dogs. This could be a dog bite, or a dog barking in aggressive way. But please note, this phobia can be developed from an early experience that is PERCIEVED as traumatic to a child, such as a puppy being a bit too boisterous during play. The dog might have had no ill will but for the child, it seems threatening and terrifying if the dog jumps up too much or plays too roughly.
The Importance of Large Dogs in Society
Large breeds have served humans in critical ways for centuries. Dogs ancient ancestors wolves helped us hunt and evolve as a species. They also protected us from predators and each other! This is a role that dogs have continued to play even up to modern times. We have an ancient history that goes back 15,00 to 25,000 years! In modern times there are many other roles large dogs serve such as:
- Service and Therapy Work – Labradors, Golden Retrievers, and even German Shepards provide vital emotional and physical support. These dogs have also become guide dogs for the blind and other disabled people.
- Search and Rescue Operations – German Shepherds, Doberman Pinchers, Rottweilers, and Newfoundlands have saved countless lives in disaster situations. St, Bernards, in particular, has been used in Alpine mountain rescue since the 19th Century. One St. Bernard in the 1800′ s saved over 40 lives!
- Police Dogs: Countless amounts of illegal drugs have been confiscated thanks to the brilliant noses of our large canine friends.
- Livestock Guardians – Great Pyrenees and other breeds are used to protect farm animals from wild predators.
By recognising their contributions, people can shift from fear to appreciation, reframing their perception of large dogs.
How to Respond to XL Bullies and Large Dogs
Encountering a large dog unexpectedly can be overwhelming, but using the following tips can help you stay calm and safe:
- Assess the Dog’s Behaviour and body language – Look for relaxed postures, open smiling mouth, a slow wagging tail, and friendly curiosity. An aggressive dog will show obvious signs of a tensed body, angry barks, ears perked forward, fast-wagging erect tail, snarling, etc.
- Avoid Sudden Movements – Quick gestures can startle a dog of any size, leading to defensive reactions. Use steady and obvious movements to keep the situation friendly and relaxed.
- Do Not Stare – Direct eye contact can be interpreted as a challenge, by some dogs.
- Do not Run away – This triggers a dog’s chasing instinct, usually, the dog thinks this is an invitation to play! The best thing is to just walk very slowly away.
- Stand Confidently – Dogs read our body language well; appearing nervous may make them more curious, but also more on alert. You must act strong and dominant.
- Let the Dog Approach on Its Own Terms – If the owner allows, let the dog sniff you before engaging. This will help it relax and give you more confidence, too.
- Use Calming Techniques – Deep breathing and positive thinking can help regulate your anxiety, which in turn will help the animal to stay calm.
Overcoming Your Animal Phobia with Holistic Therapy
At Creature Courage, we can help you put all these tips into practice and learn how to approach and interact with large dogs safely and calmly. We use a unique combination of education, controlled exposure therapy, and anxiety management techniques to help individuals conquer cynophobia and other animal phobia. Our approach includes:
- Understanding the Root Cause – Identifying personal fears and reframing perspectives.
- Learning Dog Behaviour – Gaining knowledge about friendly versus warning signals in dogs. This allows you to be more confident when you are around dogs. Additionally, we help you build compassion and understanding for dogs to further chip away at the fear.
- Controlled Exposure Therapy – Gradual, safe interactions to desensitise fears.
- Hypnotherapy & Mindfulness Techniques – Retraining subconscious reactions to promote calm and control. We use CBT, NLP and art therapy as well to holistically treat the phobia. The knowledge you gain will not only help you with the dog phobia but additionally help you manage all anxiety in a much better way. This means an overall improvement to the quality of your life.
Almost every single one of our clients experiences a significant, positive shift within just a single session, enabling them to confidently interact with dogs – or even appreciate them – immediately after therapy.
Final Thoughts: From Fear to Freedom
XL Bullies and other large breeds are not inherently dangerous – they are intelligent, affectionate, and thrive in the right environment. By learning about their nature, responding calmly, and utilising proven therapy techniques, overcoming the fear of large dogs is entirely achievable.
At Creature Courage, we specialise in holistic therapy that educates people about animals, to bridge the gap between fear and understanding. Through our exposure therapy and anxiety management techniques, we can help individuals achieve significant phobia breakthroughs – often within a single session!
If you’re ready to break free from cynophobia, Creature Courage is here to help. Our holistic approach ensures you leave with practical tools, a renewed mindset, and the confidence to face your fear head-on.
Book your session today and take the first step toward a fear-free life!
