Many children develop a fear of dogs, often due to a lack of exposure, a frightening experience, or simply picking up on parental anxieties. While a healthy respect for animals is important, an extreme fear of dogs can pose risks—not just in terms of missed opportunities to interact with friendly pets, but also for safety reasons.
When a child panics at the sight of a dog, their instinct may be to run, potentially putting themselves in danger by bolting into the road or falling in an attempt to escape. It’s important to help children manage this fear so they feel safe and confident in environments where dogs are present.
3 tips to help your child manage their fear of dogs safely
- Stay calm and reassuring – recognise and acknowledge their feelings, stay relaxed and offer reassurance without forcing interaction. If a dog approaches, teach them to look away and stand still as a statue (hands crossed across their chest), and as difficult as it may be, to stay calm until the dog has gone or you can rescue them.
- Teach safe behaviour – Teach your child how to behave around dogs, such as avoiding sudden movements, not running away, and understanding canine body language. Dogs are attracted to exciting things (shouting, running, jumping) – encourage your child to be still and calm, and a dog will lose interest very quickly.
- Controlled exposure – Observing a friendly dog with its owner at a distance your child is confident with can help them feel more comfortable over time. Talk positively with them about what the dog is doing and how it might be feeling.
Dogs Trust has a great information booklet about building confidence around dogs – download it here.
If your child is struggling with a fear of dogs, professional guidance can make a world of difference. Get in touch to discuss how I can help.