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Behaviour/development

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Original poster

Suddenly terrified of cats and dogs

4 replies

Daffodilly · 12/08/2009 15:44

DD is 2.9 and always loved cats and dogs, but suddenly terrified. Nothing happened as far as I know - and she is with me all the time.

Any advice on how to handle? Should I encourage her to stroke them or just pick her up and reassure with no pressure to do more?

It is proving to be a bit of a pain when we visit people with animals as she is really nervy and panics if they even walk past her chair. Just don't understand why the change!

OP posts:

Are your children’s vaccines up to date?

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MamaKaty · 12/08/2009 16:35

Perhaps it could have been something another child said or something she saw on tv - perhaps even being around another child who was frightened of animals?

Don't force her to stroke animals etc, but perhaps by spending some time with people who have well behaved animals she might realise that she doesn't need to be scared! When you to visit people with animals allow her to sit somewhere out of reach (ie. on your knee if needsbe) while the animal is quietly nearby without jumping or chasing - if the animal isn't well enough trained to do this then I'm sure people won't mind closing their animal out of the room while you're there.

I'm sure this will pass so just be gentle with her and try to keep her calm when in those situations.
Good luck

Original poster

Daffodilly · 12/08/2009 21:46

Thanks MamaKaty - I'll just hope this passes...like so many other things!

OP posts:

Concordia · 12/08/2009 21:49

DS got this about the same age. before that he used to love them. I have just tried to stay a bit neutral but it was a real pain for a while, walking enywhere provoked hysterical screaming and running away and weird looks from innocent dog walkers. He is gradually calming nad is not so bad as he was. I have just been telling him that the dog / cat is going for a walk too. i have no idea where he got it from.

OmicronPersei8 · 12/08/2009 21:50

No solutions but DD, 3.4y, is also suddenly terrifed of dogs (although one jumped on her and I'm sure that sparked it off). I always say ooh what a nice doggie, look at its pink lead etc when we pass one, she just freezes then tries to climb me. I'm hoping it will pass - it's a bit sad really as she used to love them and 'dog' was her first word.

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