Has anyone's child experienced a fear of dogs? We just got a Golden Retirever puppy and my son is terrified. How do I help him work through this? I hear dogs are great therapy.
I have a four year old golden. They are excellent dogs for people with disabilities. I found that it isn't that my son is afraid of her, he doesnt like to be touched and the dog likes to be around him and look out for him. I got Bella when she was nine weeks old. We started by letting my son give her treats.
Great ideas, my son is afraid of everyone else's dogs but ours which are big dogs. But in a few months I will need a service dog and was hoping to add some therapy for my son as well into his training. I've been talking about it but not sure how to work his fear of other dogs big or small. He's excited with little dogs but still the fear of going near them. I too could use more suggestions
Thank you.
Great choice with choosing a golden. Puppies are hard because they are so busy and tend to jump etc. My golden was a difficult puppy, but he is so gentle and patient with my daughter, I just love the sweet disposition and caring that he has for her. I use him many times during a meltdown, I can say to my daughter please don't scare the dog, please pet him your scaring him and he loves you. My golden will allow her to lay on him and love and pet him and it is very helpful to transition her from meltdown to calm. Hang in there, and as someone in a previous post stated, try to allow your child to help with the care and desensitize slowly. Good luck!
Great advice
Oh from personal experience watch out for teething time on puppy.