A fear of animals is common in children, often exhibiting around the age of 3. It may be caused by a specific incident or it could be a biological instinct. Kay Loveland, a psychologist who uses animals in her practice, told "The Asheville Citizen-Times" that kids fear dogs more than other animals. The prevalence of dogs makes this fear both understandable and more problematic. Steps to assist children overcome this fear can be applied to any animal, however. The process takes time, so approach the task with patience, knowing the child will not defeat this fear in a day, week or even a month.
Step 1
Discuss the fear with your child. Ask him to describe the fear on a 1-to-10 scale to determine the approach and pace to take. Ask if a certain event -- like an unknown dog running toward him -- was the first time he remembered being afraid of the animal.
Step 2
Read books or watch shows that feature animals in a positive light. Stories where a dog is the hero or a mouse is a friendly character show the child that animals are inherently good.
Step 3
Teach your child about the animal he fears. Describe how and where mice live or how dogs communicate through barking and body language. The more information your child has, the less likely he is to view the animal as a scary unknown.
Step 4
Act out situations with stuffed animals. Have your child "be" the dog, making the stuffed animal behave in a way that frightens him. Your reactions can demonstrate the appropriate behavior in the situation.
Step 5
Observe animals in natural settings. Go to a dog park and sit far enough away from the dogs for your child to feel safe, but close enough to see the animals interact with each other and people. Discuss the dog's activity to clarify why it behaved as it did.
Step 6
Visit a friend or family member with a calm, gentle pet. Do not force your child to pet or interact with the animal until he says he is ready. Allow the pet to act naturally, keeping it away from the child until he is comfortable. If visiting a dog, have your child ask it to sit or lie down. This gives him a sense of control over the situation. Make more visits, if practical, until your child is comfortable around the animal.
Step 7
Take your child to an animal shelter and ask to spend time with a friendly animal away from the kennels. This gives your child a positive experience with a "strange" animal. Take treats with you and have your child toss them to the animal, getting closer as he feels more comfortable until the animal takes the treat from his hand.
Tips and Warnings
- Adjust your own behavior to avoid reinforcing the fear -- don't make disparaging comments about the animals and control your own discomfort if you have one. Acknowledge any positive progress your child exhibits toward the animals, no matter how small. Provide a safe environment for your child when you encounter an animal; avoiding the animal only reinforces the fear.
- Distinguish between a fear and a healthy respect for animals -- particularly dogs -- that your child doesn't know. Seek professional help if your child's fear is the result of an actual attack or if the fear persists and inhibits your child's behavior.
Things You'll Need
- Animal books and shows
- Stuffed animal
- Dog treats
References
- Doctissimo; Children and Fear of Animals; Dr. Lyonel Rossant, et al.; July 2010
- "The Asheville Citizen-Times"; Fighting a Fear of Animals; Pam J. Hecht; February 2011
- KidsHealth: Anxiety, Fears and Phobias
- Baby Center; How Can I Help My Preschooler Get Over Her Fear of Dogs?; Kristi Alexander
- Pets First: Helping Your Child to Overcome a Fear of Dogs
