DS, 3.5, is very afraid of dogs.

[Anonymous]

It started just as being afraid the dog was going to bark and startle him. Now he won’t get out of the car if he sees a dog on a leash a block away. Someone at preschool pick up was just holding a small dog and DS didn’t want to walk past them. I feel like his fear is escalating and he’s starting to be afraid of squirrels too!

I don’t know what to do.

[Anonymous]

Just keep exposing him. Do you all have a friend or family member that has a dog and could come over sometimes to play with him?

[Anonymous]

Following. My 2.5yo is the same. Small dog yipped at her loudly and because it was right on her level, freaked her out.

I'm just continuing to emphasize and demonstrate that we always ask before we pet dogs, but most dogs are nice.

Friend with a very gentle but large dog helped her slowly warm up to petting him. That helped a lot. She told him to sit and demonstrated petting him first, then encouraged DD to pet.

[Anonymous]

I had a friend who used to bring her kids over to my house where had an old, quiet, gentle dog. It took them awhile, but they ended up being very comfortable with her.

Maybe reading him books featuring happy, friendly animals would help, too.

[Anonymous]

Time to get a dog

Just kidding. My dd used to be very scared. We just tried to expose her as much as possible.

[Anonymous]

My dad and brother have been uncomfortable around dogs their entire lives. It started out as fear and now they’re tolerant but nervous around them. Keep exposing your child. It may be a phase if it might last longer.

[Anonymous]

I was afraid of dogs as a child and it continued into adulthood. The fear did not go away until I got a dog. I got used to dog movements, sounds….and could be around other dogs. I got a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and it is a very loving dog.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It started just as being afraid the dog was going to bark and startle him. Now he won’t get out of the car if he sees a dog on a leash a block away. Someone at preschool pick up was just holding a small dog and DS didn’t want to walk past them. I feel like his fear is escalating and he’s starting to be afraid of squirrels too!

I don’t know what to do.

Does he have an allergy where his windpipe closes around them? Do you have an obnoxious neighbor so asinine that the bitings were "just being friendly"? If so call Animal Care and Control. I worked with seeing eye dogs and make products for dogs, but some dog-owners in the DMV are downright IMMORAL in their behavior. Don't be so quick to think your son is the problem. Rabies is no joke.

[Anonymous]

My Dad always used to talk about the year my sister was afraid of everything at around that age. She's a twin and my other sister didn't go through this at all.

So, dogs, cows, the dark, the waves at the ocean, etc.

She grew out of it. I think PPs have given you a lot of great advice. Hopefully this too shall pass.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I was afraid of dogs as a child and it continued into adulthood. The fear did not go away until I got a dog. I got used to dog movements, sounds….and could be around other dogs. I got a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and it is a very loving dog.

That didn’t work for me. I’m afraid of all dogs except my own. I will literally walk blocks out of my way to avoid walking past a dog.

[Anonymous]

Pandemic baby? I think normal socialization stopped for many kids and as a result they are more anxious.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Just keep exposing him. Do you all have a friend or family member that has a dog and could come over sometimes to play with him?

this. Preferably someone with an older smallish or med size dog that’s calm.

[Anonymous]

Be prepared to lie to all the, “my dog is friendly” jerks out there, say “he’s allergic not afraid!” The asinine dog lovers absolutely will make it their mission to rid him of this fear! My girls out grew their fear but it was a long 10 years!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Pandemic baby? I think normal socialization stopped for many kids and as a result they are more anxious.

How would the pandemic have effected the kids outside? My 3 yr old doesn’t have any pandemic anxiety since we spent allour time outdoors.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I was afraid of dogs as a child and it continued into adulthood. The fear did not go away until I got a dog. I got used to dog movements, sounds….and could be around other dogs. I got a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and it is a very loving dog.

That didn’t work for me. I’m afraid of all dogs except my own. I will literally walk blocks out of my way to avoid walking past a dog.

I think you need CBT