How is it true that dogs are able to sense your fear?

For one thing, dogs live by body language…that is the main way they communicate with one another. When a person is fearful, their body stiffens, and their movements become more jerky…eyes will being to dart back and forth…hands will shake, etc. Dogs also have an incredible sense of smell. If a human is very fearful, the brain kicks out adrenelin…the body may begin to perspire…all of which the dog can pick up on, too. It is the combination of these two things that tell a dog you are afraid. So…yes…your mother is right, dogs DO sense fear…they use their sense of smell, and their sense of sight.

If you are afraid of a dog…stand STILL, do not run…fold your arms close to your body…do NOT scream (“stand like a tree”)…DO NOT look the dog in the eye…avoid eye contact deliberately…by turning your head in the opposite direction of the animal…very slowly try backing away. If the dog seems intent on holding you there…then stay there until his interest in you begins to diminish, or someone comes to help you.

(You CAN fool them by standing still…there is no body language to read).

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