The relationship of dogs with children entails many benefits and social networks are full of videos where babies and puppies interact in an endearing way. However, there are children who are afraid or phobic of dogs and have a really hard time when they come across one on the street, in an establishment, on public transport, or when they have to visit a relative or friend with a dog at home.
This fear may be due to a bad experience with a furry friend, some aggressive image of this animal in a movie, or it may be unconsciously unfounded by some behavior or comment from their parents. Whatever the cause, it is a fear that significantly conditions the quality of life of the child, since in his day to day he will have to face coexistence with these animals.
You have to differentiate between being afraid or phobia of dogs (known as cynophobia). In the first case, the fear is less intense, the child gets upset or nervous when he meets a dog, but it quickly passes afterwards. However, in the phobia his condition is more serious, he has a very bad time, even with anxiety, crying, he remains blocked…
This is a reaction out of proportion to the actual danger posed by the animal, but the child cannot control it. If you have a phobia of dogs, it will require the intervention of a psychologist specialized in childhood, while if it is fear, we can solve it with some advice.
The psychologist Iratxe López collects in her blog tips to help a child overcome the fear of dogs. First of all, she points out that you have to understand her fear, recognize it and accept it. You have to validate how he feels with comments with which he feels supported and not judged.
We must ensure that we are not unintentionally creating or reinforcing that fear. For example, by telling the child not to pet an unfamiliar dog because it might bite you. Instead, we can teach him to ask the owner of the dog if his pet is friendly and we can meet him.
The psychologist also advises taking small steps, not exposing the child to a dog in a hurry or forcing it, as this would be counterproductive. It should be done gradually, for example by showing him dog movies. Another recommendation is to take him to a park to see how dogs behave and interact from a distance.
When bringing the child closer to a dog, it is better to opt for an adult one instead of a puppy, as they are more restless. Distract the dog while the child strokes it and better to stroke the body first instead of the head, which intimidates them more. Finally, prepare the child in advance for the interaction with the dog, explain to him that the animal will smell him, lick him and can even climb on him, but that they are friendly attitudes.
