I was bitten by a dog when I was in high school, and for a long time was afraid of dogs. I worked as a letter carrier for 4 years and never was bitten, although more than a couple tried.

I was bitten by my neighbor's dog a year ago on Memorial Day. It was a severe bite on the back of my hand and since being a senior my skin is thin and stitches wouldn't hold. I own a Lab and we walk a lot but I was afraid of others dogs--first time in my whole life that I am so afraid of dogs.

Your poll could use two more options:

No, but I always steer clear of dogs.
Yes, but I have now learned how to be careful with dogs I don't know.

Yes I have been bitten But No I do not steer clear of them. I have three rescued dogs and they are great, However I have learned how to approach and how to introduce new dogs to my dogs. Most bites are preventable with a little knowledge.

I was bitten as a kid but never really had a fear of dogs but am always cautious.

I haven't been and I'm a pet sitter and have worked at an animal shelter. Knock on wood. My boyfriend has been bitten once by a lab really bad on the leg (it was his friend's dog) and snapped at by a Chihuahua while petting it at a tourist attraction in Mexico. I think I'm more nervous around Chihuahuas than Pit Bulls.

I honest feel that there are some people who "radiate" fear/hate/intrepidation/unease of dogs (or other animals) and that the dog picks up on this; making them anxious (and thus more apt to "defend" their personal space, their yard, their home, their parent/master/owner.)

I was bitten by a dog in high school. The dog latched onto my leg. Luckily I had jeans on but it wouldn't let go. I punched the dog in the top of its head. Seems word has spread among to dog community and now dogs are afraid of me.

I never got bitten by a dog, but one time an elephant wiped his trunk on my pants.

As a groomer, I have been bitten a couple of times. The worst was a schnauzer who nearly took my thumb off. All 4 canine teeth punctured my thumb & I ended up in the Cleveland Clinic. I wasn't even grooming him. He got out of his cage and ran right for a German Shepherd who was on the floor. I grabbed him to protect him from the Shepherd and he turned around and bit me. Instinctively, you just want to protect the dog.

I completely agree with Peter! This poll needs more options. I have been bitten by a dog in Lakewood, I required plastic surgery. But, I am NOT afraid of dogs.

I agree as well. I've been bitten by a dog before but that doesn't mean I'm not careful with them or that I don't like them anymore. It's presumptuous and a bit insulting.

Points well taken readers. I toyed with just yes and no, but that didn't feel right either. Appreciate your feedback.