For fear of dogs?

Question

there is a third grade girl, my sister, and she is terrified of dogs...she has been bitten...more like nibbled...and also been jumped on by a puppy when she was 3

so what do we do to get her over he fear. Its really embarrassing too because she screams and runs away even when its on a leash...she is a drama queen too so that doesn't help. oh and getting a dog is out of the question

Answer 1

I was deathly afraid of dogs for over 20 years! So I have some experience in this area! First, don't ever make a person with such a fear feel guilty about it - it shouldn't be an 'embarrassment' - making someone feel guilty about it will only make it worse.
You should let people work this out on there on. Be respectful of their fear - don't try to force them to hold, touch, or pet dogs. Just being near a dog used to make me cry my eyes out. I used to hate it when people laughed at me and tried to MAKE me touch them.
So you're probably wondering how I now have no fear of dogs and am a mommy to a 3.5 year old lab? I can't really explain it exactly. I happened to see some black lab puppies one day and thought - omg how cute and they look so friendly! And I walked right up to one and picked it up and fell in love. I eventually brought my own puppy home one day and I've been a dog lover ever since. I go to dog parks all the time and can be surrounded by hundreds of dogs with no problem - no fear whatsoever.
So the point of my very long story is, that sometimes people have to go through things on there own - it's not something you can force upon someone. Let her be, respect her feelings, and maybe someday she'll be a happy dog lover like myself. Good luck :)

Answer 2

I'm gonna suggest therapy sessions with a pro or gradually introducing her to well trained overly nice dogs. it will be a slow process. You know My fear is dogs and ive gotten better as i grew up i dont run away or scream unless they sneak up on me or use quick motions if i am not friends with the dog. I had never been bitten or jumped on. I almost got my face bit off but i was already scared of dogs by then. I would say just take it slow with her.

Answer 3

I wouldn't get a dog either. A few thoughts.

I might wait till she is a bit older and out of her drama queen phase - not uncommon in 3rd graders - to try and solve this problem. A little maturity may make it easier. As she gets older, a little exposure to calm adult dogs may be better than jumpy puppies. Find someone to introduce her to their 7-year old calm obedient lab or golden that will sit quietly and let her pet them. More experiences like this will go a long way.

Answer 4

Hi, I'm Jairo's Daughter! I just gotta say I have a nephew(sisters baby) and he loves dogs! Your sister has just had bad experiences. Why not show her pictures of cute dogs, videos on the internet and if she runs away from that tell her she is acting dumb because pictures can't bite! i also recomend telling her stories of when she was little and laughing at her becuase she was scared. She will probably start laughing with you indicating she isn't scared anymore. Hope I helped! Bye!

Answer 5

Have you sat down on the floor with a pup in your lap while your sister is in the same area. Maybe if she sees you close to the pup without getting hurt she'll eventually get the same idea. Who knows for sure....if she's a drama queen she may kinda like the screaming thing.

Answer 6

you should first show her some pictures of dogs and if she still runs away and scream, she might need to go see a therapist or something.
if not, just tell her its only a picture and ask for her opinion.
if she says its cute, keep showing her pictures and when you think shes more comfortable, go to a petstore and reassure her theyre in those cages and they cant come out. just have her point out the cutest one and ask her if she wants to touch it and if one of the workers can, ask them to take it out so she can pet it.

hope that helped.

Answer 7

the same thing happened to my niece you have to introduce her to a dog you know is well behaved and ignore her overreactions eventually she will reallize that she is the only one afraid and ther is no reason for it invite her to pet the dog and if she doesn't want to don't make her. eventually with enough exposure to a well behaved dog she will come around.

Answer 8

Next time, just talk to the owner to see if it is a friendly dog. Then talk to your friend telling her that this dog won't bite. Teach her how to pet it and tell her that dogs love to lick people who are friendly. Good luck.

Answer 9

you must get a dog so she can get used on dogs and never fear of them.

Answer 10

I don't think she wants to get over her fear.