I am also a dog lover with a slight fear of dogs (certain breeds mostly). For example, my friend has 5 Dobermans (no joke) and I just find the appearance of that particular breed a tad intimidating, they're just so lean, muscular, and serious-looking. Then when they bark it is such a dominant and loud sound that I almost flinch. I know that probably sounds kinda odd, seeing as how one of my dogs looks almost like a purebred German Shepherd (obviously a powerful breed as well), but maybe television has drilled into my head that GSD's are heroes and Dobermans are villains, er something. Rottweilers, Pitbulls, and Akitas I also find intimidating, among a couple other breeds. I remember there was an episode of Dog Whisperer once (and I don't want to start any arguments on why everyone loves or hates Cesar, I'm just bringing this up to make a point) about a woman with panic disorder who got exposed to Cesar's pack, particularly his Pitbulls because she too was a dog lover with a fear of dogs, like Pitbulls, and after enough exposure to Cesar's powerful yet extremely friendly dogs she overcame her fear with time. I know I personally always had issues with social phobia type stuff, and I don't mean just giving a speech or something that everyone kinda fears, but simply leaving the house used to be rough for me. I don't know how severe your anxiety is, only you do, but go see a local dog trainer and start exposing yourself to friendly chihuahuas then work your way up to exposing yourself to happy go lucky English mastiffs. I do know when I am scared around certain dogs I swear they can tell...