I love my kids, and I love all their associated quirks.  One specific quirk though has been a little concerning, emphasis on the little – because in the bigger scheme of things it’s not really a big issue.  It’s their fear of dogs, specifically my son.  Although I don’t really mind it, I don’t want him to be in constant fear of something that can potentially bring him a lot of happiness, even in his adult life.  Now don’t get me wrong my son particularly has a lot of “quirks” and what other might consider bad habits.  From biting nails, to never being able to sit down, dancing 24/7 and interrupting me anytime I talk.  He’s also deathly afraid of all insects – which to me is probably a bigger issue given that it disrupts his enjoyment of nature and the outdoors. 

Fear of dogs however has had some particular personal impact, since his uncle got a pet dog of his own that he considers more than a pet.  We have a large family and many of them have pets both dogs and cats.  But because his uncle takes any fear of who he considers as a furry child very offensive, I wanted to ease the issue slightly.  I’m not saying it’s my son’s fault, but I also don’t want him to panic and be completely stressed around dogs, especially his uncle’s. 

I’ve scoured the net to pick out some tips, which might be helpful, and here are a few that worked for him.  He’s at a much a happier place now and has not only gotten over his fear of dogs but seeks them out to play with them (within reason).

• Showing him dog related movies – this normalised to him the relationship with dogs, and it also indirectly gave him pointers on how to handle and touch dogs, even if every dog is different, this helped ease some of the “unknowns” to him – especially if little babies are shown alongside those dogs.

• Take them to a “dog café” – much like a cat café, he would not be obligated to pet them but the relaxed atmosphere coupled with us being there with him and talking about other things – with dogs in the background – further showed him that co habituating with dogs is easy and stress free.

• Going through a game plan every time we visit his uncle – this includes if he feels threatened or uncomfortable – what are some queues or words he can say, without offending his sensitive uncle or the dog, that trigger our involvement.

• Being around other animals in general – whether a zoo, dog park, pet store or other friends homes with different pets shows him that all animals can be unpredictable, but generally docile.  This gets him to be more comfortable with other creatures, including dogs.

• Talking to his teacher to see if they will have a “take a pet” activity – this helps him understand the connection with animals generally, and what pets mean to their “furry parents”.  So his more tact and diplomatic in uncomfortable situations.  This is a general life lesson and not just with pets.

• Taking it easy and realizing there is no rush or pressure – so everyday he gets closer to a pet is a win, or just to be in their presence – he’s not obligated to pet them or be near them.  Although despite his fear he was always curious and sought dogs out – even if he was too scared to touch them.