petrified of dogs - what to do?

[sunchild77]

Last autumn, My friends DC 4 had a nasty experience with a neighbour's large dog (looks like a big white alsatian, no idea what kind) He was playing on his own in the street and the dog got out, bounded up to him, both paws on his shoulders and knocked him over. He was terrified.

He refuses to play out in the street in front of his house now, and screams and clings to mum if a dog goes past at the park, if they visit friends, the friend's dog needs to go upstairs. You get the picture.

Its a real shame, as the summer is coming up and he wont play anywhere other than his back garden, he's totally lost his confidence.

ANy advice folks? mum has tried to get him to pat friendly dogs etc but he is just too scared

Thanks

That shouldnt say DC4, just DS.

Slow exposure to very friendly, very calm dogs. i.e one that just will just lay still while your friends ds is in the same room. The gradually move closer to the dog?

Perhaps contact PAT and see if they'd be willing to help. My nephew doesn't like dogs but loves the PAT dog that sits outside the local library sometimes.

do you/your friend know anyone with dogs? you need to find calm dogs, middle aged ones are best, that will ignore him. then you can start by just getting him used to the possibility of being near a dog, then start to introduce a bit of friendly interaction. the key thing really is finding the right dog and owner to do this with.

The dog that knocked him over is never out of its house. Never walked or exercised, other than its back garden, poor creature.. I think the dog probably just wanted to play. But it is a big dog and frightened the life out of him

Ive never heard of PAT so off google. Thanks

at those dog owners. maybe you could find a mn-er dog owner to meet this little boy? I'd volunteer my lab...but he wouldn't necessarily be a good start. he's well trained and doesn't jump up. but he does bark sometimes and is too excited by the prospect of people to ignore them. he has to bring them a present, whilst wagging his whole body.

I'd offer up the services of my dog but unfortunately he is of the 'bounce all over you wagging his whole body' variety

My mums black lab would be an ideal candidate though, if you are anywhere near Teesside.

I am utterly convinced she is mute. I have never heard her growl or bark once. She never, ever jumps and is a very submissive dog so always waits to be called before she approaches you. Unless you have food.

I'm in Scotland but one of mine is brill with scared kids. She won't approach without being called and she's extremely quiet and patient. Tolerated 16 nursery children prodding her last week without complaint. It's so important that this boy isn't pressurised into going near dogs until he's ready and feels less threatened. Therapets could be just the thing, good suggestion.

Oh Fuck ~ where are you? We are just outside edinburgh

I'm in the Highlands ... any holidays planned?!