Getting over Fear of DOGS

Evaluate the situation. Why are you afraid of dogs? What happened? Think it over in your mind.
Remember: Dogs aren't out to get you. They are man's best friend. Say this to yourself at least five times a day, EVERY day. Once you start saying it, you will start believing it.
Make a goal list. Write steps down such as "pet a puppy," "hold a puppy," and "walk a puppy". Right now though, you have a while to go, until you reach these goals.
Make a visit to your local dog park. Stay in the car, in the parking lot, or anywhere where you can still see the dogs. Stay there for at least ten minutes. Repeat this step at least once a week, (more is always better) for about a month.
Remember that, after your month of visiting the dogs, you should park in the car, and step three feet away from it. Stay out of the middle of the lot, but still stay where you can see dogs walk past you into the park, and dogs playing in the park. Bring a friend, and for at least 10 - 15 minutes talk with them there while observing the dogs. Do this at LEAST once a week (remember: the more, the BETTER!) for a month.
Move closer to the park, and add about five feet. Do this more than once a week, for a month.
Repeat the above step until you are at the gate to the park. Bring a friend and remember, repeat in your head what you keep saying to yourself. "Dogs aren't out to get me. They are man's best friend."
Take a step into the park. Usually, people are less afraid of smaller dogs, so if the park is separated, go into the small dogs section. Bring a friend and observe the dogs. Do this at least once a week (the more the better ,though!) for one to two months.

[edit] TipsLots of people say that if you fear dogs, just get one yourself. This isn't always the answer, as you can become forced into doing things you don't want to do, and you will become even more frightened. It's important to overcome this fear before you think about taking one in.
Don't rush yourself. Take your time. If you want to, go through each step four or five times.
Dogs are quite scary if you are scared. But tell yourself you aren't scared, and maybe ask a friend who has a dog to show you pictures of them together.

Hi.

It's great that your willing to look at this and move on for your daughters sake. Our children sometimes take on our phobias and miss out on a lot.

Someone once told me that fear is

False===Events=====Appearing=========Real.

THIS IS IMPORTANT... What you are telling yourself?.. Are you telling yourself. "Dogs are dangerous.. its going to attack or bite me!! ARHHHHHHHHH!!! CHANGE that to something positive. Dogs are good. I am not afraid of dogs.. EVEN THOUGH YOU DONT FEEL THAT WAY RIGHT NOW..say it anyway over and over, . it maybe silly but it works....

Also, Observe your mom loving on her dog. Watch how the dog is loving, playing with your Mom.

Labs are awesome... They are very sweet and helpful to society.....See if you can go to a breeder or pound, friend, (take someone with you) to see and hold a pup..(outside and away from the other dogs. If you want to, you could explain briefly that are working though a dog phobia.

Good luck!!

I used to be so afraid of dogs. Terrified. Now, I love them with all my heart. All of them. How did this happen? My college aged son brought a big dog home from college during breaks, etc. Her name is Amber. We love her so much. She is so loveing. Dogs are so loving...they really really are! I am not giving you any advice...just hope that one day you may completely change your mind!

You need to watch the Dog Whisperer on National Geographic channel. He did an episode on this guy in your same situation and what a change. This guy was really really phobic but he turned it around with the help of Cesar Millan. Check his website out and read up on it. I'm sure you'll find the info. You just have to go through the fear with calm assertive energies is what he calls it. YOU CAN OVERCOME YOUR FEAR
Have a blessed day.

And being a woman I want to share this with you. Check this out.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EHE1IXk16z8

Interests you? Message me :o)

Ask around to friends and find the most gentle dog you can. meet him in a controlled setting where you can feel comfortable. small doses.

I would suggest a lab puppy. You will fall in love with it at this age because it is a baby, and be able to mother the pup. And when you see your 4 year old with the pup, there will be no fear. The pup will become a member of the family.

Older dogs (even though already trained), will sense your fear, and you will have a problem.

LH, cognitive-behavioral therapy might help! Or another version of therapy. If your fear is as strong as you seem to suggest in your post, I think therapy is your only option! Good luck!

LH
You have gotten such good advice. I grew up loving dogs and have 2 labs. They are family to us. You may want to contact someone in the Delta Society. This organization works with dogs who go visit hospitals, nursing homes and the like. You may want to see if you can meet one of these dogs as they are well mannered and even tempered. Although I love dogs, some that are a bit unruly can even make me alittle unsure, but you have to know how to act around dogs so that they know you are not a threat to thiem as well. This comes with time. Good luck and I hope that you over come your fear as I have found dogs to be such a wonderful addition to our family. They will always love you no matter what kind of day you have had and are great companions.