IS your child afraid of dogs? If so, this new campaign could help.

The Dog’s Trust, is today (weds) launching its ‘Managing fear of dogs’ campaign after research by the charity showed that a third of children in the UK were afraid of dogs.

The Trust found that while more children are afraid of wasps, bees and spiders, over a third (37 percent) of UK parents think that their children are fearful of dogs. With 33 percent of 2-14 year olds coming into contact with a dog every single day, this could be problematic for families when they are out and about this summer, especially as 25 percent of parents say their child’s fear of dogs affects their daily life.

Maria Gill, from the Trust said: “Children may not always know how to react when they see a dog, particularly if they are unsure or frightened. Sometimes they can run away or scream which is a normal reaction for a child who is scared but this may be confusing for a dog. As the UK’s largest dog welfare charity we have a responsibility to educate parents, children and dog owners on behalf of the dog, particularly during the summer months when dogs and children are more likely to be out and about enjoying the sunshine together in public parks and beaches.”

Top tips if your child is afraid of dogs:

  • Discuss why your child is afraid of dogs and how severe this fear is. If the fear is severe, you may want to consider speaking to a psychologist or GP directly.
  • Speak to your local Education and Community Officer and arrange a workshop by visiting bedogsmart.org.uk Sit down and talk to your child to think through their worries about what might happen if they were to encounter a dog.
  • Children can pick up on fear from those around them so model positive behaviour and talk positively about dogs and the many helpful roles they play.
  • Develop a stepped approach to engaging with dogs – for example select books with pictures of dogs in them for book time, watch films where the leading star is a dog, move on to spending time with a friendly dog who is quiet and calm.
  • Try using role play - using small figures/toys to act out situations that your child finds frightening, and practice what they might do in that situation instead Explain to your child that not all dogs are the same, just like people. Just because one dog might have misbehaved, does not mean all dogs will.
  • Understand that dogs see the world differently to humans and that running away or screaming can be seen as an invitation to play