Exposure and response prevention, a type of CBT. Easy fix if the therapist knows what s/he’s doing.

DH hates dogs so we’d never get one and DS was afraid of all dogs until he was about five. Now he loves them and wants one. And we did nothing to bring this about.

My kids were terrified of dogs. I asked our pediatrician what to do and he said at that age - nothing. As far as fear goes, it isn't a bad one. A lot of dogs are not good with preschoolers and a lot of dog owners aren't good about judging how their dog will do with a small child. I would try to expose him to extremely old calm dogs. Odds are this fear won't last forever. Would he enjoy something like the puppy bowl on tv?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I will literally walk blocks out of my way to avoid walking past a dog.

I will walk blocks out of my way to pet a dog.

While dog sitting a giant poodle, I also hosted a boy and girl as overnight guests. They were so afraid of dogs that the girl ran into a bedroom and hid in the closet. A few hours later, both kids were happy petting the poodle. Kids just need enough exposure to nice dogs.

No. Not in my son’s case. He hated being startled by a dog’s bark which included our own old dog. He could have had more exposure! My son is five and still avoids and hates dogs.

Anonymous wrote:I will literally walk blocks out of my way to avoid walking past a dog.

I will walk blocks out of my way to pet a dog.

While dog sitting a giant poodle, I also hosted a boy and girl as overnight guests. They were so afraid of dogs that the girl ran into a bedroom and hid in the closet. A few hours later, both kids were happy petting the poodle. Kids just need enough exposure to nice dogs.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote: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!

Most dog owners are just fine. I don't see my mission in life to cure anyone of fear of dogs. I will help you if you tell me but honestly I would rather cross the street and give you space.

They don't care about allergies either...ask me how I know...

Honestly I think being afraid of dogs is actually pretty reasonable considering how much harm they could do to a small person.

Anonymous wrote: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!

Most dog owners are just fine. I don't see my mission in life to cure anyone of fear of dogs. I will help you if you tell me but honestly I would rather cross the street and give you space.

Mauled by a dog in a previous life.