Child's Fear of Dogs and Cats...

Yep, got that with my 6 yr old. One of his friends has a tiny fluffball of a dog, so he's getting a little better, but he's still uncomfortable with larger dogs (I also had this fear well into adulthood). As for cats, he's still really skittish with them. He freaked out at a horse show - not afraid of the huge horses, just the small barn cat "who might come near him". I'm hoping he'll grow out of it.

I'd blindfold her and put her in a room with a puppy and/or a kitten. You can't beat the unconditional love and licks a puppy can give. And a purring kitten....what's better?

Dad, in his concern, pretty much enhances the fear by keeping her away from dogs. He could teach her, by squatting down and making friends with a dog, that some just want to be your best bud. And he could also teach her that some breeds need to be avoided, and others...well just to be careful.
Dad could be instrumental in turning this around. There are too many dogs and cats in the world to have a phobia. Reverse this or your daughter faces a lifetime of fear every way she turns, because there's a dog or cat in every direction.

my son was super terrified of bugs and insects in the house this early spring. His is now four years old... I figured I would need to do something as summer was approaching because hey, bugs are everywhere, right?

First, we did begin to ignore the tantrums and reactions (he totally freaked out with tears and all, to the point I thought he was injured!) So we would ask: Are you hurt, bleeding, etc. and the answer was always "No". So I said gently, "Then why are you doing this? Insects are helpful to us." (as much as I hate them too! LOL~)

Second, we purchased a big book (and it was on sale!) at B&N on insects. He actually LOVED IT!. We also made a big deal over a butterfly one day, and now he ADORES butterflies to the point that we purchased the 'Bugville' kit. (That was cool, until I had baby caterpillars all over the place, so that went outside quickly!).

I found that these little steps helped. He's all about bugs now (such a boy!). I have to stop him from bringing them in with his 'jelly jar' (his bug container).

So this is my experience with a fear. Similar in a way, and it is able to be overcome. I suggest perhaps books, stuffed toys (or puppets as they can be used later for fun!) and then a trip to the pet store with you, her and dad so she feels safe and less stressed about it.

Good Luck! :)

This may be something you don't want to hear. but our children pick up our fears...and if you jump or scream or act afraid of something..THEY WILL TOO. Or if you show a dislike for something they will too. I have MANY examples...but I am telling it is true. Your husband keeping your daughter away would make ANYONE think they are BAD...

I have a cousin who sees a bee and SCREAMS and swings her arms and acts crazy..her son sees it then they come to my house and he is an exact replica of her...but louder... and the bee was no where near him..

My sis in laws sister..HATES ANIMLAS...HATES DOGS... Won't pet or go near my sis in laws dogs... Her daughter SCREAMS when she sees when she sees these dogs...can't be in the same room with them..

I however..teach my kids NOT TO GO UP TO DOGS, but if we are at someones house who has dogs, I start by talking to and petting the dog...they've never been afraid of them, because I show no fear in them..

It is just a phase, but it's one that needs to be moved out of so to speak. It's natural to be afraid if something tramuatic happened with a dog or a cat; a friend of the family's daughter was nipped on the face by their own dog and it scared the little girl so much, that the parents had to get rid of the dog ... sometimes, little kids and animals don't mix. Maybe now would be a good time to introduce a kitten into the house. If your daughter feels like she's "in charge" of something, that will help loosen the grip of fear. I was almost five when I got my first cat as a kitten, and it was awesome. There are a ton of kittens that need to be adopted out ... a good store to go to is Petco believe it or not ... an organization called Planned Pethood goes in there every Saturday and has a cat and dog adoption; but they have several cats and kittens on display for you to look at. Maybe seeing a kitten in an enclosed thing where they can't get to her will help. Good luck!

Hi C.
I really sympathize - my five-year-old is absolutely terrified of dogs and freaks out if there's one near him. I believe he'll grow out of it when he's older and bigger and the dogs' size seems relatively small. My 11-year-old hated dogs too and is fine now. I just try to protect him from dogs coming near him and if I'm in a park and there's a dog running around near the playground I ask the owner if they could put it on a leash. My son has many wonderful qualities and I figure if this is his only hang up at five he's doing pretty well!

If I were you, I'd begin talking with her about pets. Tell her about pets you have had, and do it on a daily basis. read stories about pets, watch movies about pets, and there may be some stories about children getting over their fear of pets. Take walks where you might see dgs fom a distance, and talk about hoe fluffy they are, etc...how funny it is when they jump, or how cool it is when they fetch...When you think she feels pets are a normal part of most people's lives, maybe have her meet a totally kid friendly dog that your friend has...that is used to kids. take it slowly, but I feel that it is your opinion and feelings that will effect her the most.

Dear C., Unfortunatly, your husbands reaction of protecting her has taught her that there is truly a reason to fear the dogs. It has backfired. Instead of protecting her from the dogs, show her by your example that dogs are not fearsom and that they can be friendly. When she sees the adults she loves being loving and petting the object of her fears she will learn to trust your judgement, and her fears will lessen. Repeat, repeat, repeat. The more she is exposed the better. It won't go away over night, but you cannot keep catering to her fears or they will keep getting worst. Try contacting a pet therapy program to see if there is a place that offers programs where kids read to dogs. These dogs are trained to be around children. (Ask any vet in your area.) Good luck.

Hi C.

I read that a way to help the fear is to let your kid see their mom playing with/petting the animals from a distance or watch from a window.

Ummm....I think I'd avoid blindfolding my child! LOL We have big dogs, but our 4yo is afraid of small animals...go figure. Also, think of how BIG that animal is to your little one and imagine the fear then! I think I'd pay a visit to the animal shelter. In fact, make a habit out of taking a weekly/monthly donation to them...they are always needing supplies and just think of the lessons you would be teaching your kids!!! Find one that has a new puppy or kitten that is more relative to her size. You can usually sit down and play with the animal for a while. She'll gradually learn that animals can be great fun. We teach our kids to always ask the owner before they pet any animal, even if the animal looks super friendly. This teaches them the fact that sometimes it's appropriate to be cautious, but not terrified.

~L.

here's another me, too. Our dog of fear happens to be our neighbors, and I think it is made worse because our thoughtful neighbor knows my daughter is afraid, so she yells at the dog to get away whenever we are both outside.This totally communicates the wrong thing, like her dog is out of control and needs yelling at, which its not. My daughter running away of course makes it worse, cause then the dog wants to chase.
We have tried to emphasize that the dog doesn't want her. Watching friends play with dogs really helps. We spent time at my folks house, and their dog just lies around all day, so its easy to forget the dog is there. We also watched dogs do tricks, like aplaying fetch at the parkand stuff