Helping child overcome fear of dogs...

I've never owned a dog so I thought I'd ask you folks for your thoughts on how to address my three-year-old daughter's sudden fear of dogs.

Last weekend we went to a barbecue. When we entered the backyard, I was holding her hand and because I was distracted didn't realize the family's somewhat large but very docile dog came up to DD and was licking her face. She was distressed by it and because I was holding her hand and not aware of what was going on, she couldn't get away.

Since then she has been fearful of my brother's dog (who is also very calm and she has been fine with in the past) and when visiting a friend's house today she screeched every time her dog came near her, melting down once when he wouldn't leave her alone.

I would like to find some proactive way of addressing this because she will have to, at the very least, be around my brother's and our neighbor's dogs on a fairly regular basis. Any ideas?

Helping child overcome fear of dogs...

would she be startled by a smaller dog? My dog is about 10 pounds but she loves kids and usually they respond well to her.

Although your brother's dog sounds like a big mush. Maybe it has to be on her terms. Maybe having her approach the dog instead of the dog coming up to her. Maybe the surprise of the dog is what is imbedded in to her head and that is what she associates it with.

I wish I had a better suggestion for you. hopefully she will get used to her as she gets a little older.

Message edited 8/31/2012 11:53:13 AM.

Re: Helping child overcome fear of dogs...

Thanks for your response. I think you're right, it will need to be on her terms. Maybe I can get her to pet my brother's dog and gradually build up to her being more comfortable again.