How to Help Your Child Overcome A Fear Of Dogs

Dogs are everywhere in our society. This only makes having an unhealthy fear of dogs harder for a child. It also makes them more susceptible to dog bites. Fear encourages fear. A fearful animal is more likely to lash out.
I've outlined an approach you could take to help your child overcome his or her fear of dogs.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. 

   First, you must address why your child is fearful of dogs.
   
   Have an age appropriate discussion with your child regarding that reason(s). If it was a dog aggression or overly assertive dog, point out to your child that the incident could be traced back to irresponsible ownership and that the dog was not behaving as dogs with responsible owners would have reacted. Unless, of course, it was pure provocation on the part of the child, in which case, you must educate your child why his or her behavior was inappropriate and what the dog may have been feeling at the time (after you discuss the child's feelings, of course!)

2. 

   If you're able, take the child to the home of someone with a litter of young puppies at around 6 wks old (before they are too terribly hyper) and ask permission for your child to interact one on one with ONE puppy (without the mother or any other adult dogs around at all). Again, point out how this puppy has all the potential in the world to be someone's best friend someday if the person who takes them home loves them and takes care of them correctly. If this is an experienced and reputable breeder, ask for their input as to what proper ownership may entail and reinforce what could happen if the wrong owner were to raise up the puppy.

3. 

   Take your child to a dog obedience class. Be sure to get prior permission to attend and let them know why you wish to attend. Chances are, some of these very well trained adult dogs will have owners who would be more than happy to slowly introduce your child to how wonderful a dog can be.
   
   Allow the child to observe at first with no pressure to interact until the child shows signs of interest in progressing. Even if it takes a couple visits to the class before your child feels comfortable.

4. 

   Look up other dog related classes such as agility or freestyle dance classes. This will allow your child to again experience adult dogs who are very much in tune with their humans and well trained, while at the same time, the dogs are having a really good time and the owners and other people are relaxed and really enjoying this interaction. This will help boost your child's confidence level.

5. 

   Read books such as Where The Red Fern Grows to your child. (or rent the movie). Be sure to read or watch them before sharing with your child. Be sure it is a positive experience and shows the bond that is possible between a dog and a person, especially if that human is a child.

6. 

   Teach your child the proper ways to handle themselves when approached by dogs and how to properly interact with any dog, stranger or not. Perhaps even have the people from the various dog activities you attend share this with your child and then quiz the child later, perhaps when telling Dad all about your fun day "Hey, Timmy, tell Daddy what that lady with the puppy told you about how to properly hold a puppy. Maybe Daddy doesn't know yet." Here is where maybe even a life sized toy would come in handy.

Tips & Warnings

• Never, ever, ever expose a fearful child to untrusted dogs, untrained dogs, hyper dogs or situations where dogs are not under complete control (such as dog parks, etc).
• Never encourage your child to approach ANY strange dog without first asking the owner's permission (only granted the owner has said dog on leash).

Resources

• Ironwood Kennel - Coonhounds (Our's)
• DaPoochie Cavaliers (My Mom's)
• Lil Tails Cavaliers (My Sister)
• Grand Paws Newf Farm - Newfoundlands (My Brother)

[emilywhitby1]

on 6/14/2009 This article is full of great advice--my brother-in-law has a large dog, and my boys are terrified of it. It's important to not be afraid of dogs, but also to know the proper way to act around dogs. Thanks for the help!

[LNAngel]

on 5/30/2008 I'm going to pass this on to my neighbor. Even though my 3 dogs are so sweet, she's terrified!

[Gracie1402]

on 5/2/2008 I gave this one 5 stars and "dugg" it! My daughter is fearful of large dogs she doesn't know and often the owner will pretty much take it upon themselves to help her "get over it" assuming she is acting like a baby about because she is 10 years old; this does not help I assure you. This is great advice! Thank you!!

[SharonW]

on 4/30/2008 Thanks Janet, another great article! It is so important that children don't hold onto irrational fears. My son's best friend has always been scared of dog. We have had to slowly introduce our dog to him so he can still come over to play. It has worked and now he is not longer scared of our dog which will hopefully help his fear of dogs in general.