How to Face My Fear of Dogs
Many children are afraid of dogs. The fear can range from mild to debilitating. The fear of dogs is also known as cynophobia and is often misunderstood. It does not usually get better without some intervention. When a child has a strong fear of dogs, it is important to address this fear as soon as possible.
If your child is afraid of dogs, you know firsthand how much this fear can interfere with social and emotional development and everyday activities. They avoid sleepovers and play dates where a dog is in residence. They often refuse to go to a park in case they might encounter a dog. Some children will even endanger themselves by running into the street to avoid a dog.
Facing the fear of dogs is ultimately easier than living with the fear.
Based on decades of experience as a licensed psychotherapist, parenting coach, and mother of a child who was afraid of dogs, I developed an expertise in helping people of all ages overcome their fear of dogs.
How to Face My Fear of Dogs provides a kid-friendly vehicle for kids to explore their fear of dogs and to find ways to feel safer with them. This book can be used on its own, but is designed to be a companion to my previous book Overcoming Your Child’s Fear of Dogs: A Step-by-Step Guide for Parents. The book includes colorful and easy to understand informational graphics as well as many interactive opportunities for kids to personalize their bravery journey.
Used together, these books replicate what I might do if I was working with you and your child directly.
This guide can be used by children of all ages. Parental support is recommended up to Grade 3.
The activities and information in the book will help your child:
- Recognize and understand more about how they became afraid of dogs.
- Identify and understand the emotional and physical feelings that accompany their fear of dogs.
- Use coping mechanisms for their anxiety, such as mindfulness and breathing exercises.
- Learn different ways to face the fear of dogs and feel brave and empowered.
- Learn about dogs and some important ways to stay safe with them.
My ultimate goal is to enable children to feel comfortable around dogs so their lives aren’t disrupted by their fear. This activity guide provides an easy and fun way to begin the journey of feeling safe with dogs.
about the book
When a child has a strong fear of dogs it is important to address this fear as soon as possible. There is much to gain when children are able to overcome their fears. They develop self-confidence and self-esteem and feel empowered. Children who face their fears learn coping skills and self-control, two of the biggest predictors of success later in life. In addition, they learn to speak up and ask for help.
By using the method in this book children will become more aware of their feelings and learn to express them clearly. Mindfulness and relaxation exercises are included in the book to help this develop. Anxiety and fear create the feeling of being out of control. My method helps kids feel in control and “take back the leash” when interacting with dogs.
Most children do not outgrow this fear and they need to have supervised brief and positive experiences with dogs in order to feel safe and in control when interacting with them. Dogs are everywhere these days and it is impossible to avoid them. Kids who are afraid of dogs suffer socially and emotionally. They avoid sleepovers and play dates where a dog is in residence. They often refuse to go to a park in case they might encounter a dog. Some children will even endanger themselves by running into the street to avoid a dog.
Children are afraid of things they don’t understand and this book provides education for parents and children about dogs. The book includes information on how dogs communicate as well as how to “read” dogs and know when it is safe to interact with them and when it is best to stay away. My ultimate goal is to enable children to feel comfortable around dogs so their lives aren’t disrupted by the fear of them.
While the book is designed for parents of children aged 5-12 my method can be used with older children and adults.