Hey guys, I need some advice on dealing with my neighbor's Doberman. I've always been afraid of dogs and have had some bad experiences in the past. Recently, my neighbor got a Doberman and it scares me every time I see it. One time, it barked at me and started to come close to me, and I panicked and hit it with a stick. Now, I feel terrible and guilty about what I did. Did I do the right thing? Should I hit a Doberman if it approaches me in a threatening way? How can I deal with my fear of dogs?
I completely agree with User 1 that hitting a Doberman (or any dog) is not the right solution to this situation. I've had a similar experience where I was once chased and barked at by a Rottweiler in my neighborhood. At the time, I was terrified and didn't know how to react. Typically, dogs can sense fear, which may provoke a more aggressive behavior in them.
The best way to handle such situations is to remain calm and still, maintain a steady gaze, and avoid making quick or sudden movements. If a dog tries to approach you in a threatening way, slowly and calmly back away. It's advisable to keep your hands to your sides since dogs are very perceptive and may respond aggressively to any sudden movements or actions.
I also suggest having a conversation with your neighbor and kindly express your fear of the dog. Perhaps you can request them to keep the dog on a leash or within their premises. Remember, the key is to communicate calmly with the neighbor, and never to react aggressively towards the dog.