of dogs.
we have been seriously thinking about getting a boxer pup for about 12 months now but fear that it wont be fair on her, but other two kids reckon she will be okay as she wont notice it growing and by then she will be okay. I really want to get one (preferably female=smaller) but dont know what to do. Advice welcome

before considering getting a puppy that you MAY have to part with if your daughter is still affected you could try contacting Pro Dogs & asking for some help by using one of their Pets as Theraphy dogs to help your daughter control or even eliminnate her phobia.

I used my first cavalier to help a young boy who had been bitten by bought his grandmother's Westie & an uncle's labrador. His parents both thought he could not go through life being frightened of dogs & so we used our boy who was very laid back & gentle & obedient. It wasn't an instant cure but after a term of school visits once & then twice a week he was able to touch a dog correctly & a year or so later I saw him at a local show with his mum & dad & a delightful little rescued mongrel that they had found as a tiny puppy Made my day

i was considering asking our gp if he knew of anywhere we could take her. What is pro dogs and how do i access them?
Thanks for advice by the way

Forgot they are now a separate organizations try this link for pets as theraphy site

I think the best cure for a child who is scared of dogs is by getting a dog,i speak from experience,i have seen it over and over.
If you dont nip this in the bud now your daughter will never be cured of this phobia,show her the joys of having a dog :)
This man that walks in the park where we walk our dogs and alot of others do to,he is terrified of dogs and has been since a young age,whenever he sees a dog within 50 feet of him he just freezes and screams "get that dog away from me" Why he walks in a place that is frquented by lots of dogs i dont know,i have never got close enough to ask :rolleyes:  you dont want your daughter growing up like that?
Then you get the mothers with kids,the mums hate or are scared of dogs and they instill this fear into their kids,these people so overeact it does get annoying after a while i have 2 little shih-tzu's who wouldnt hurt a flea,i have tried explaining this to these people hoping to help them but they are so over run by their fear that they dont think rationally.

If you do decide to get a boxer make sure you take him to obedience a.s.a.p as you probaly know they can be very boisterous,i have never seen a placid boxer :D
I wish you and your daughter the best of luck,and hope to hear puppy stories from you soon ;)

christine

I think Moonmaiden's suggestion is the best solution to this problem.

By bringing a pup into the home before your daughter is confident about dogs you would be forcing the issue, and it could possibly have the effect of reinforcing the child's fear.

Puppies bounce, bark and bite (mouth), a combination which could well outweigh the 'cuteness factor' and aggrevate the already present  trepidation.

This would be unfortunate for your daughter, your family, and the puppy.

I agree with Christine, I did exactly that, I just got the pup, gave it lots of thought first,
but honestly didn't think of all the other options, but that said I'm very happy I just got it.
she was still scared, even of this 7 week old pup, but in a couple of days they'd grown quite
attached.
the pup is now 4 months old, and HUGE, but when he tries to mouth she handles it very well,
sometimes not so well, by pushing him away, but she's getting there, and no longer
shows any fear of dogs, not ours nor my brother's, she was afraid of all dogs before, including his.

thats been our experience, I'm not saying this works everytime with every kid as I have no other
references.

MoonMaiden,there is more than ONE way or your way to tackle this problem,others beside yourself have given great advice!

Sorry I'm not replyng to this thread as there are others far better qaulified than myself who have decided to get involved

If that's aimed at me I've never said that.  Your advice would be greatly appreciated by many and from what I've seen has been previously.  You knew nothing about what my dog had done with PAT dogs etc.  I still don't understand why you think that the person involved wasn't listening especially when she had said that she was going to get in touch with the PAT Association.

I had a family who were desperate for a dog but one of their daughters had been bitten by a strange dog in the park when very young and was now hysterical around dogs.  They asked if they could "try" a puppy and got a curt reply from me!!  But I suggested that if they were prepared to make the journey (about an hour each way!) on a regular basis, then I would do what I could to help.  So before my pups were born they started coming for a cup of tea, and I would let one of my quiet bitches in.  To start with I thought there was no hope because the little soul was frantic, but each week we made a little progress.  With weekly visits, after 6 weeks she arrived, sat on the floor and shreiked "let them ALL in now please" and all you could see was 4 hairy bums wagging and the top of the little girl's head!  It bought tears to her Mum's eyes!!
When they took their puppy, I had no doubts that he would be OK, because as a family they had put sooo much effort in, and this now 7 year old little girl takes a keen role in their dog training classes!

Apparently when I was younger I was hysterical at the sight of dogs.  My mum and dad brought a puppy.  I have hardly ever been without a dog since.  Some 40 years later with 2 newfoundlands and a springer my mum wishes she hadnt bought that first puppy!

You may find that your daughter will be more scared of a puppy than a well behaved adult.  Pups have not learned any manners and jump up, scratch, bite and are generally very undisciplined whereas as adult will often stand quietly.

I would ask the local vet if they know of anyone locally with well behaved Boxers that you could visit or go for a walk with

Hi guys,

I have seen the situation resolved twice now, once by getting a puppy and once by using a Pets as Therapy dog.  I think that it depends on why your daughter is scared.  If she has had a nasty experience, maybe been chased or bitten by a dog in the park etc, then perhaps meeting a very friendly, laid back dog, or a PAT dog would introduce her gently to dogs, before you get your puppy. If you want to go down this route, then contact the PAT head office-they are compiling a list at the moment of dogs that would be expecially good with phobias (mine's one of them!).As someone has already pointed out, a puppy can be a much more scary prospect than a well behaved adult dog.
My own son, Rhys, who is now nearly 9 years old, was not happy around dogs, when we got Isla. He was about 3 1/2 years old then and sat on our sofa with his legs curled up underneath him and panicked every time she looked at him- she was only very little, but he was truly scared of her. Luckily enough, she was an easy puppy, very quiet in the home and very gradually, he came to get used to her. I say 'got used to her', I think that he didn't really 'bond' with her for probably nearly a year.
But doing it this way is not without its problems. Rhys loves our dogs now, but I have to admit, he's still a bit scared of Kester, who's just starting the 'Kevin' stage.  He sees his dogs as family, but is still not too relaxed around other dogs outside the home.
I have decided that what he needs now is to learn that 'other' large adult dogs are non-threatening.  I have arranged for him to meet up with another one of the instructors dogs, a large Australian Shepherd who is the most laid back individual I have ever met:) Hopefully, Oscar will change his mind about other big dogs.
Getting a puppy SHOULD be a wonderful, exciting experience for the whole family, and I think that you're very sensible to ask for some advice first. Well done for wanting to help your daughter with her phobia, I know it can be difficult to understand when the rest of your family obviously loves dogs.
Which ever way you chose to go, I am sure that in the end your daughter will grow to love your new pup, although it may take a little longer.
Good luck with your daughter, let us know how it goes.
Ali :)

I have a PAT dog. Don't know where you live but if you live inthe Manchester area I would be more than happy to bring her for the family to see.

perrodeagua
We live in Liverpool, but would be happy to come to you if the distance is too far for you
Thanks for your kind offer

I'm not far from Liverpool (about 2miles) but alas mines a great dane so would probably put her off for life! :(
Do you not know a neighbour with a little dog she could just pet?

Sorry people this is not just a case of getting any dog to be petted

It takes very careful handling depending on why the child is frightened of dogs

That's why I suggested getting in contact with PAT dogs as it needs to be a very carefully controlled situation & the dog must be very obedient, so that he/she does not react to the child & so the child can approach the dog in their own time & in their own way, which is why it took a whole term to get the little boy to be comfortable in the same room as the dog let alone go to the dog

I just made the suggestion of a neighbour because it would be something she could see constantly rather than every so often (i presume that's the case with a pat dog not everyday?)
Perhaps see it on the way home from school etc, i'm not saying just walk upto any old dog and pet it, but it would be very time consuming to have to make arrangements to find/see a pat dog not in the area(I imagine). A kind neighbour/relative i would have thought would be another option.

The neighbour situation isnt possible as one side of me has a 'loud' Rottweiller and the other side is a GSD which i think where her fear stems from. They seemed to find it quite amusing when their dog was a pup, to allow it to run,barking to the seperating wall if we were in our garden. As our daughter was only 2 at the time this became quite intimidating for her but even when i pointed this out to them they made no effort to put a stop to it.
I have emailed PAT today so hopefully i will hear from them soon, as even if we dont get a dog of our own i hope we can get this fear sorted out as even a trip to the local park can end in tears if any dogs come close especially if they are not on a lead.
I feel quite positive about the situation after hearing from so many of you, when i spoke to her about maybe going to visit people with friendly dogs she got really excited (but in reality it always ends the same way :-{ )
thanks for all your advice
michelle

Michelle
I would just like to say well done for taking action and helping your daughter.A child that is afraid of dogs is,I'm afraid,more likely to be bitten since they run and scream and get the dog excited. So by approaching the problem with your daughter you are not only allowing yourself the pleasure of owning a dog but also making her more safe!
Well done,Archer

It's the quality of the dog that is very important & I'm sure you will succeed.

Cavaliers are very good for this type of situation because of their physical appearance(long hair like ears, large eyes etc) & also their temperament being a spaniel they are quite a gentle dog & very patient usually

We started off with a terrified little boy too frightened to walk past a room with a dog in a crate in it to him being able to walk into the room with the dog sitting(well lying upside down snoring usually :))on a chair next to me & him approaching the dog correctly with no eye contact & offering the back of his hand for the dog to sniff

the addition of child/dog friendly treats was a key point & he ended up being able to share candy mice with my boy.

We then graduated on to my dog & a sllightly bigger dog & in the end used a very large golden retriever It's a case of softy softy all the way

My boys are currently being used as therapy for a friends 3 kids, who ranged from wary to scream.  The Mum decided that it was getting daft & as the Hooligans have their own child, she asked if I'd help

So far all is going well.  The older girls now walk past with a gap (which is getting smaller) & the baby has stopped screaming!!

There are some good suggestions on here & offers of help.  I hope you get the problem sorted soon.

Julia & Hooligans

Hi sorry for the delay.  I would happily come down to you but unfortunately would only be able to do a weekend day.  Unfortunately I've got an AGM etc. this weekend and then I'm in Spain next weekend but I would happily come and see you the weekend after.  My dog is called Dilita, she's 12 years old, so quite calm and she's a Spanish Water Dog.  Children usually like the breed as the first thing they say is that they've got no eyes, it's always a conversation point with all children as they have a wooly coat that covers their eyes, they look like a cross between an Old ENglish Sheepdog and a Poodle.

Coming to my house isn't an option as I have 4 dogs :d

You can give me a ring on 0161 291 2302 during the day or 0161 902 0974 during the evenings, I should be around tomorrow night.  Or you can contact me via my e-mail   spanishwaterdogs@supanet.com

Regards.
Diane

Why not pop to your local rescue center ask them if they have any really quite pups , exsplain whats wrong ,and ask if they would be willing to come to your house to see reaction of your little one  , they would have to come to yours anyway as they do homechecks. anyway if you get one it must be a pup as your girl will soon grow to love the little one even when its fully grown , hopefuly her fear of dogs will go :)

Please do not rush this process, you will need to take a pace forward & sometimes a pace backwards

Just any dog is NOT the right way to go about things & the smaller the dog the better(hence cavaliers make a good starter)even if the child is frightened of small dogs

I hope the PAT people reply to you

does anyone have the email address of the PAT people as i havent had a reply, but im not sure if i mailed the right department!

Diane
i will phone you soon, hubbys birthday yesterday so i forgot until today and its too late now - i will take you up on your kind offer though. Ive spoken to my daughter and she keeps asking when the kind people are coming to visit with the dog so hopefully a step in the right direction, in fact walking through the town centre today an english bull terrier pup walked towards us and usually she would cower behind me but she just tensed slightly and carried on walking, commenting on how lovely it was and that he had only sniffed her!!
Fingers crossed!!!

Try their webite here

As you are not taking my advice regarding how to overcome your daughter's phobia I'll wish you the best of luck & leave this thread

Actually Moonmaiden she is listening.  My dog is a Patdog, yes she's medium sized, but she's 12 years old and extremely calm.  Oh and by the way SWD's have worked with phobic children a friend of mine takes hers to see someone who is much worse than this and it worked wonders.  I'm not stupid and know how to go about it and there's no way I would push anything.

She has also stated that she's been in touch with PatDogs and not heard anything and asked if anybody could send her the details which you have kindly done so.

I met her at Crufts two years ago and she is a real sweetie. My Mum is still talking about having one based on meeting Perro's and she usually can't see past her Beardies ;)
                                                                                     Anne

She certainly is a sweetie and her great, great, grandson is following her in her pawsteps!!!

Moonmaiden i think we are getting our wires crossed!
I have contacted PAT but im unsure if ive used the corect email address.
Diane (perrodeagua ) has replied saying she has a PAT  dog and doesnt live too far from me so has kindly offered to visit.
I havent took the kind, yet unsuitable advice to ask a neighbour as i feel this isnt the correct way to approach this situation.
My ulimate aim is for my daughter to feel comfortable or if possible happy to be around dogs even if it results in us not owning one

Dotty Totty,

Really interested in this thread, as my daughter was absolutely terrible with dogs and to some extent cats.

We decided to try and sort this out, as on one walk a dog came out of the front door of a local pub and at the surprise of this my daughter almost ended up in the middle of a busy main road (I was holding her hand but when a 4 year old leaps away from you it takes you by surprise).  Also, by the age of 4/5  she started to realise that she didnt behave like other children towards these animals and people started to refer to her phobia, or locals would kindly cross the road to keep their dogs away from her, as she was so obviously terrified.

We started to read more books/stories about dogs, and started to look at them on leads from a safe distance, or watch them in a field from the car.  I also found some photo's of my pet dog I owned when I was little and we talked a lot about how to look after a dogs.  Then we started to talk about owning our own dog in the future (something I have been desperate to do for years!).  We went to some local fun 'dog shows' and then we visited a couple of Ring Craft classes - to do this I had to phone the class organiser in advance and they arranged for her to sit on a high-up table, so that she could watch the dogs but with some sort of security attached.  By the end of the second Ring Craft class she (and the owner) of a very quiet show dog walked around the class with all the other dogs held by their owners (this got her to the stage where she could hold the lead of a well behaved & quiet dog, but couldnt tollerate them being off lead indoors or outside).

By this time she had started to get a real interest (even though she was apprehensive).  We were interested in a mini schnauzer and I managed to find through various contacts a mature and quiet dog, who had been brought up with three children.  I visited him first and found him to be the most 'chilled' dog I have every met (other kids were present).  So, we took the plunge and made a visit with my daughter.  We couldnt believe our eyes, she was a little reluctant to enter the house and so the dog was put on a lead, I played with him for 1/2 hour whilst she watched and gradually over the period of an hour or so she sat next to me on the floor, dog off lead and she occassionally put her hand out (with me) to touch him as he walked past.

We got our pup some months later, after we had visited a few dogs successfully.  I must admit that during the first week it was very hard - I often played with the pup in the morning while my daughter sat on the worktop eating her breakfast.  Hubby and I tended to take it in turns to look after them in different parts of the room!  Gradually she started to want to come of the work top and then she started to wonder down stairs on her own to be greeted by a crazy pup.  It all worked out well for us and we have had the dog for a year now and since that time my daughter has been involved with pup socialisation classes (10 crazy pups off the lead!).  she is now happy with pretty much all dogs, unless it is large and really takes her by suprise).

Good luck - I really hope Moonmaiden's dog can help (I never though of the PAT dog idea). 

Karen.

My youngest daughter was also terrified, due to the fact that when she was three we arrivied in France she was asleep in her chair in the back, my son opened the door excitied to have arrivied on his hols and in jumped a very excited small yappy type dog on to poor sleeping Imogen's lap. Which woke up and screemed for hours. She and I spent the best part on the holiday in the house as she refused to come out incase it was around. From that day she was petrified. I realised when she was getting no better around dogs after some time and it was growing to a real phobia. Once we had done loads of research we decided that what we needed was a Cavalier, but went for a year old dog rather then a pup as she was happier with this. It took a few months but now adays you dont see Immi without Taffy not far behind. Long story I know but I would recommend a cavalier to anyone. Infact as of Sunday we now have a Havanese as well. Who is just the most adorable dog I have ever ever seen.