ds (5) TERRIFIED of dogs. would local dog shelter let us meet a few do you think?

[juicychops]

ds used to like them but now goes mad even when the tiniest of dogs walks past us. he walked right into the main road yesterday cos he was so scared he didn't think about the traffic - luckily there wasn't any cars going past at that moment although i did go mad at him as it scared the life out of me!

do you think the local dog shelter would let us go up there to meet and stroke a few dogs? i know if would be wasting their time a bit but do you think they would mind that or would they be angry at me even suggesting it?

anyone else done this? obviously i wouldn't want to shove ds into the kennel of a massive dog or anything, just give some little dogs a stroke to see that there isn't anything to be scared of

There is no harm in ringing them and asking. I do know that lots of Shelters won't rehome dogs to families with young children (been researching this as would like a dog) sometimes up to 12 years old, so they may be funny about letting a 5 year old near the dogs?

Also my DS has this dog fear (have to admit I have not handled it well so far as it irritates me as I love dogs) and we took him to look at some gorgeous puppies with a view to buying one and he stood shuddering by the door and wouldn't go near them. Needless to say there wasn't much point in buying one!

Do you know anyone who has a puppy - even a neighbour or someone at school you don't know well? Would be worth asking if DS could meet a dog who is already used to children, and most pet owners would be happy to try and help.

I can't help feeling a dog shelter would not be a good environment - there's bound to be a lot of barking isn't there?

A calm older dog would probably be better than a pup - DD adores dogs but sometimes doesn't like pups jumping up and they have scratchy little claws and like chewing!

I wonder if somehow you can find someone who has a dog they take visiting residential homes and hospitals?

My dd2 was terrified of dogs because a big dog jumped up on her when she was about 3 or 4. She is fine now, and we even have a dog of our own. It was terrifying for her at the time, because the dog had huge teeth and was exactly at the level of her face. Even boundy licky friendly dogs can be a bit of an ordeal for little children.

By the time dd2 was in Y1 at school she had grown out of her fear of dogs, but she would still be nervous of a growling large dog - but so would I!

Yes I second an older dog. Little puppies tend to love jumping up at children. A well trained older dog, perhaps one learning to be an guide dog would be better.

i dont really know anyone who has a dog. in the summer i was with an old friend who had a big old dog and ds was fine with him but she's moved away now. ds's rear seems to have got really bad really quickly and i dont remember anything happening regarding a dog that could have triggered this fear.

i understand your points about dog home not being the best environment so maybe il give that one a miss.

hopefully he will grow out of it. it just gets on my bloody nerves!!

I've got a sensibly sized (i.e. small) cheery looking dog who is very good indeed with children. I'm often approached by people asking if he can be introduced to their small children. Is there any chance you can do similarly while out? Only I cannot imagine a nice person and dog refusing.

You could ask them, but they do tend to do a lot of barking - especially when you go in for the first time

Google pets as therapy, I think they could help.

PAT dogs would love to help you. The owners are used to visiting people and the dogs have been tested to be sound. GThe other thing to do is maybe contact a local dog club most of the owners would love to have their dogs petted and will bore you to tears with the dogs antics!

Where abouts are you I have two PAT dog that would love to meet your son! A very soppy lab who will not jump up but just gently wag his tail!

I agree with the PAT dog idea. They will also have a dog they can match to your situation.

A shelter's not a great idea, some of the dogs may not be used to children and if your child gets upet/hysterical/starts crying it could nd very badly.

ho everyone the PAT sound brilliant!

minimu, im in Dartford, Kent if your anywhere near there?

I took my boys to a dog shelter once, as it happened to be on the walk home from school. The dogs all barked and ran around like crazy, they were so pleased to see us.

When mine were afraid of dogs I took them to pony club where there were also Newfies every weekend for a while. They quite quickly became at ease with the environment and were happily shoving the dogs out of the way and going off to brush their ponies. I was quite impressed and amazed.

In Hants so a bit too far away. Also just checked with PAT Co-ordinator and we are not allowed to go to private homes . However try a local dog club you will find people there who would be able to meet and greet with your son.

Dartford Dog Club may be able to help. I don't personally know anyone at the club but worth a try.
The Arrow Riding Centre, Darenth Park Avenue , Dartford, Kent Monday nights

Dd2 adores dogs. Absolutely loves them to a point that is bordering on obsession, but when we went to a pound to collect our terrier, she was carried out of there crying with her hands over her ears. Not a good place to start off I'd think.

PAT sounds like a great idea, though.