June 20, 2025, 4:10 am | Read time: 3 minutes
Not everyone likes dogs—some are even afraid of them. Yet, ironically, these individuals seem to exert a magical attraction on four-legged friends. Is it all just imagination? No, there’s actually something to it, as dog trainer Katharina Marioth reveals in an interview with PETBOOK.
Dog owners of sociable or more intrusive pets know the situation: You meet a neighbor or friend on the street, and the dog runs straight to the person who is afraid of dogs. Often, people who don’t like dogs seem to have a magical attraction to the animals—but why is that? PETBOOK asked dog trainer and canine behavior expert Katharina Marioth.
“The Dog Feels Invited”
PETBOOK: Katharina, why are dogs often drawn to people who don’t like animals or are even afraid of them?
Katharina Marioth: “It’s due to our body language. People who are afraid watch dogs very closely. They stare at them to control the situation—similar to how one might watch spiders when afraid. For the dog, this means: ‘You’re addressing me, you want contact.’ It feels invited.”
So, from a dog’s perspective, is eye contact more of an invitation than a warning signal?
“Exactly. Dogs interpret our eye contact as initiating a conversation. If we then back away or make ourselves small—perhaps out of insecurity—the dog doesn’t see it as a defense but as an invitation: ‘Ah, someone wants contact.’”
Also interesting: Why Cats Often Approach People Who Don’t Like Them
“Dogs Can Actually Smell Our Fear”
What can someone who is afraid of dogs do to attract less attention?
“Ideally, avoid eye contact and present yourself a bit more upright and confident. Those who become fidgety, breathe hectically, raise their hands, or generally show stress send additional body language signals—which dogs interpret not as fear but as emotional excitement or a call for help. And then they come even closer to ‘comfort’ you.”
It’s often said that dogs can smell fear or stress. Is that true?
“Yes, it’s scientifically proven. Dogs can perceive hormonal changes—such as cortisol or adrenaline. And in tiny concentrations, long before we show physical signs of stress ourselves. This is no longer body language but an olfactory process. Dogs can actually smell our fear.”
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Someone Is Afraid of Dogs? How to Behave Correctly as an Owner
Even if you find your pet wonderful and assure others, “He won’t hurt you”—some people are afraid of dogs. As a dog owner, you must respect that. To prevent uncomfortable situations, you should not automatically allow your dog to run up to every person. Ask first if the contact is desired.
If it’s known that neighbors or family members are afraid of the dog, keep him on a leash and initially prevent contact. This should only occur when:
- the person who is afraid wants it themselves, and
- the dog is in a calm, relaxed state.