Scared of dogs but want one....

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DoubleSix said:

It's the barking that gets me, I can be totally fine around a large quiet dog but a growl or bark and I'm fixed to the spot, it's an odd sensation to literally be paralysed by a noise. My GF says it doesn't help at all as they can sense the fear. This really helps me as you can imagine.

Edited by DoubleSix on Thursday 2nd August 16:30

I was just the same. If a dog barked at me while e.g. while I was out running, my legs would turn to jelly and I struggled to carry on!

That's possibly one of the main things that's changed for me since getting my own dog. She's a silly big thing, a complete mongrel which in itself can be disconcerting to someone who doesn't like dogs, and she makes some funny noises, including some big woofy barks. The difference is now that I know *her*, I can associate a big doggy bark with a silly big dog, and I'm no longer fearful.

I think getting familiar with the inlaws' dog is be a great idea. If you're in an environment you and the dog are comfortable with, that should help. And might you be able to throw a ball for him in their garden? That'll ensure you're his new best friend, and you can see how lovely it is having the undivided attention of a lovely great doggy!