MorahRach: I am a frum woman and i am not afraid of dogs, provided they are not off their leash in a public area. I dont get scared by animals noises, ie: barking, growling…, if they are behind fences or on a leash. I love petting zoos/farms, i love horsback riding. I know i am not the exception and that there are many more like me. Whether or not one is frum or not, or whether one is male or female doesnt affect ones fear of animals.
Being afraid usually stems from a past experience. If a child (or adult) gets startled by a dogs bark, chased by a dog, etc.., could make one afraid of dogs for life.
Or one can just not like dogs (or people) due to always getting barked at.