The fear of dogs-and the routine calls for them to be muzzled inside society premises-is, frankly, a symptom of a certain kind of urban detachment. I say this not out of cynicism but from repeated experience. Step into an elevator with your dog in most apartment complexes, and you’ll witness a familiar scene: residents gasp, recoil, and exclaim, “Oh my God!” as if the animal should’ve somehow folded itself into a handbag or taken the service lift like a condemned appliance.
They often refuse to enter, even when I say, “It’s okay. He’ll stay calm if you stay calm.” But what’s truly revealing is how nonchalantly staff-delivery personnel, technicians, drivers-step in. They nod at the dog, the dog acknowledges them with the same calm respect, and we all get off at our floors with zero drama. It’s a mature, unspoken understanding-everyone reads the room, and the energy stays chill.
That contrast says something. It’s not just about class, although there’s a definite correlation. It’s more about exposure and comfort. Those who work with their hands, who spend more time in the real world rather than reacting to it through a screen, tend to treat dogs-and animals in general-as part of the environment, not a threat. Meanwhile, many residents, especially in gated communities, seem to absorb their understanding of dogs from news headlines and WhatsApp forwards, where every dog is a bloodthirsty menace waiting to strike.
Let’s get real: dogs aren’t unpredictable killing machines. They read human energy better than we read theirs. Walk into a space calmly, confidently, and a well-socialized dog will mirror that energy. If you’re jittery, loud, or visibly terrified, the dog notices-and may get anxious or defensive. That’s not aggression; that’s confusion. You’ve made the air weird.
So here’s a practical suggestion. When the elevator doors open and you see a dog inside:
- Take a second.
- Make eye contact with the human, not just the dog.
- Ask, “Is he calm?” if you’re unsure.
- If the answer is yes, step in without fuss.
You’re not required to pet the dog. You’re not signing up for a friendship. You’re just not panicking. And in most cases, the dog will see you as a stable presence-maybe even a leader of the pack for that brief moment.
To be clear, this doesn’t let dog owners off the hook. If you bring your dog into a shared space, you’d better be sure it’s leashed, socialized, and under control. That’s your end of the contract. But if that’s in place, then fear alone is not justification to act like an attack is imminent. Dogs aren’t bombs waiting to go off. They’re animals, reading the room-reading you.
Yes, fear of dogs is rational. It’s ancient. But rational fears can be managed. Not through rules and bans and shrieking at the lift, but through understanding, exposure, and basic courtesy. The goal isn’t to turn everyone into a dog lover. It’s to move through life with a bit more calm, a bit less drama-and to let dogs take the lift in peace.