8 y.o. dog 'phobic'

[LordOfTheFlies]

DD has never been comfortable around dogs to the extent she will step into the road rather than walk by one.She's never been bitten or threatened by one(everyone asks if she has).She's gradually improving,doesn't scream now but will 'admire' them from a distance.Tried to ask her (gently) what she doesn't like and whats the worst that will happen?Turns out she doesn't like them breathing on her!!No fears about biting etc.Explain to her a car can do more harm than a dog! I'm not a dog lover or hater so I don't pass on any bad vibes and my 11y.o.DS is a dog magnet, he loves them.Any advice? I talk to dog owners about their dogs in the park so we can say "Oh look there's Rover" and try to get her a bit more interested in the dogs themselves not slavering great hounds LOL!

My DD (aged 6) is the same. Just doesn't like them. Do you want a dog? If not then I wouldn't worry about it; think dogs (and cats) are like Marmite - you either like 'em or you don't

Whether you want a dog or not i'm guessing you still want to sollve the problem to prevent your DD jumping into the road when one approaches?

My friends 5yo DD also was a bit dog phobic, again no real fear but she's a mini-clean freak so i think she thought they were a bit dirty (which of course they can be but not all are). Her 3yo sister loves dogs.

We have a beautiful very child friendly Springer Spaniel, my friend asked if she could use our dog (and her youngest DD) as a bit of therapy for the eldest one.

They came to our home first to meet our dog in her environment followed by us visiting their home.

Not sure if it completely solved the problem but at the second visit she was giving our dog cuddles and now talks about her a lot.

So what i'm suggesting is that you find a friend with a dog who has a known track record with children that can be easily controlled should your daughter get upset and ask them to arrange a meet up.

You're right Smoggii,I want her to be safe-it gets to the stage days out to parks and beaches can be a challenge.If she sees a dog on lead she's okay but watches it like a hawk.Steps out the way if it goes past her.Luckily most owners are good enough to hold or put the leads on their dogs.If ones comes up behind her or out of a garden/barks from behind a gate she panicks(understandable because it's out of the blue).If she's met a dog a few times she'll talk to the owner but won't pat it-usually my DS is all over it(obviously we check it's child friendly and wants a pat!!)Our neighbour has a lovely childproof dog but she won't go near.I asked her and she says she doesn't want to.Do they grow out of this?she's getting slowly better but I don't know whether to push or ignore.BTW a dog isn't an option for us due to work.Loads of people have said get her a puppy-poor puppy I think!!

Have you tried contacting PAT (pets as therapy)? They might have a lovely dog your dd can meet.

I have a teeny tiny Whippet who all kids love. I have never once met a child who is afraid of her. Children on the school run who shy away from my fluffy terrier throw themselves at Whippy dog. My nephew is utterly horrified (to the point where he will make himself physically sick from screaming) of all dogs, including my terrier. He will happily play with Whippy dog. I think it is because she looks like a tiny puppy and she wears clothes , plus she is very amusing.

PAT might know of similar dogs in your area.

She won't even go near the guide dogs who are collecting for charity outside Tesco and they are on their best behaviour.DooinMeCleanin I harbour a not-so-secret crush on 4 greyhounds in our local park and she won't entertain them though my DS is practically wrapped in them.I did thibk of taking her to Battersea Dogs and she says she'd like to go but the noise would be overwhelming.Do you think our local greyhoubd rescue would let her go there or would they object to their hounds being used as my DD 'therapy'?

I know greyhounds are HUGE but the ones we see are laid-back ,don't jump on us and don't do the licky/breathy/slobbery thing that she seems to be freaked by.

Yes my Whippet is the same. She will launch herself at me with gusto and follow me about the house nipping my bum if she thinks she is not getting enough attention, but she seems to just know that she needs to be calm with children and strangers.

Your local Greyhound rescue would be happy to help I am sure, especially if you offered to help out by walking dogs/a small donation/giving them old blankets or bedding etc.

Not at all PAT dogs are Labs btw. They are many different breeds, I am considering putting Whippy forward for it when she is older. I believe they need to be a year old.

I don't expect her to like dogs if she doesn't like them.If she just ignored them I'd be happy.Could just do without the hysteria and having to pre-empt any DD/dog encounters that would have her running onto a mainroad (without putting the fear of god in her).I nearly skinned my dad when we were sneaked up on by two training labs in a shopping centre which she wasn't expecting and he said "Oh they're nice dogs they won't bit you". Had a quick,quiet 'word' that until he said that she hadn't even considered they might bite her.