- My Forums
- Tiger Rant
- LSU Recruiting
- SEC Rant
- Saints Talk
- Pelicans Talk
- More Sports Board
- Winter Olympics
- Fantasy Sports
- Golf Board
- Soccer Board
- O-T Lounge
- Tech Board
- Home/Garden Board
- Outdoor Board
- Health/Fitness Board
- Movie/TV Board
- Book Board
- Music Board
- Political Talk
- Money Talk
- Fark Board
- Gaming Board
- Travel Board
- Food/Drink Board
- Ticket Exchange
- TD Help Board
Customize My Forums- View All Forums
- Show Left Links
- Topic Sort Options
- Trending Topics
- Recent Topics
- Active Topics
Started By
Message
Helping a toddler get over fear of dogs?
Posted on 2/20/26 at 2:20 pm
Posted on 2/20/26 at 2:20 pm
Our two year old is deathly afraid of dogs. If we are outside and she hears the neighbors' dog barking there is a better than 50% chance she goes into full meltdown. If she sees a video on YouTube with dogs she pulls away from the screen.
We know exactly what happened to scare her. She was not quite 18 months old and friends came in from out of town with their two dachshunds. She was curious but shy around them, but she was in her mom's lap on the couch when the two dogs started wrestling/growling/barking on the floor right by them and it scared her and she has been terrified ever since.
She has Spina Bifida with co-morbidities of hydrocephalus and Chiari malformation. From research I know that impacts her executive function and also makes her startle reflex more sensitive, so it may be a bit more difficult getting her over it.
It's not something I want to rush into doing or force her to get over but I don't want her to freak out any time a neighbor is walking a dog while we are playing outside or get upset if dogs are on the screen somewhere.
We know exactly what happened to scare her. She was not quite 18 months old and friends came in from out of town with their two dachshunds. She was curious but shy around them, but she was in her mom's lap on the couch when the two dogs started wrestling/growling/barking on the floor right by them and it scared her and she has been terrified ever since.
She has Spina Bifida with co-morbidities of hydrocephalus and Chiari malformation. From research I know that impacts her executive function and also makes her startle reflex more sensitive, so it may be a bit more difficult getting her over it.
It's not something I want to rush into doing or force her to get over but I don't want her to freak out any time a neighbor is walking a dog while we are playing outside or get upset if dogs are on the screen somewhere.
33
Posted on 2/20/26 at 2:23 pm to PJinAtl
I wouldn’t force her into anything, but maybe start with a small puppy, in a quiet setting. Children change so much that eventually she may get over it with time.
Posted on 2/20/26 at 2:23 pm to PJinAtl
With her issues and her age... I'd say gently swooping her up into your arms and stating "I have you and we are okay/safe" is probably enough for now.
YOU being calm exposure after exposure, time after time, may very well rub off.
Make her feel physically secure, repeat she is safe, stay calm.
YOU being calm exposure after exposure, time after time, may very well rub off.
Make her feel physically secure, repeat she is safe, stay calm.
Posted on 2/20/26 at 2:24 pm to PJinAtl
Lock them together in the bathroom
Posted on 2/20/26 at 2:26 pm to PJinAtl
quote:
friends came in from out of town with their two dachshunds.
this is why i'm not friends with people who travel with their pets.
Posted on 2/20/26 at 2:33 pm to PJinAtl
Maybe try a realistic toy dog? Start out by letting her hold it without batteries. Maybe video yourself holding the dog first? I hope you can make it work.
Posted on 2/20/26 at 2:36 pm to R11
Posted on 2/20/26 at 2:37 pm to PJinAtl
I wouldn’t blame your friend as it is likely due to existing issues. Does she have an OT or therapist you can ask about this? I would start there.
Posted on 2/20/26 at 2:37 pm to PJinAtl
quote:
dachshunds
Those and chihuahuas are always mean AF to kids.
quote:
Lock them together in the bathroom
100% sure your dad threw you in the pool and said "sink or swim"
This post was edited on 2/20/26 at 2:40 pm
Posted on 2/20/26 at 2:39 pm to PJinAtl
You'll have to give her food in the shape of dogs so that gradually she'll no longer see them as a threat but rather as a snack.
Posted on 2/20/26 at 2:40 pm to PJinAtl
It sounds like your situation maybe a little more unique but really it can come with time or more frequent interactions with very docile dogs. When I was a kid I had a huge fear of big dogs, largely stemming from a neighbors dog that barked at me all the time when I was a toddler. But eventually one of my childhood friends had midsized dog that was super calm and I absolutely loved. Since then I've loved dogs of all sizes, except pitbulls, still don't trust them.
Posted on 2/20/26 at 2:43 pm to PJinAtl
adopt a German shepherd
Posted on 2/20/26 at 2:48 pm to PJinAtl
Get her a pitbull and take them both out for a ride in the Altima
Posted on 2/20/26 at 2:50 pm to PJinAtl
Find a puppy for her to play with, also have her watch cartoons with dogs like Clifford or Snoopy
This post was edited on 2/20/26 at 2:52 pm
Posted on 2/20/26 at 2:51 pm to PJinAtl
quote:
She was not quite 18 months old and friends came in from out of town with their two dachshunds.
You should have shot them. The friends I mean.
Posted on 2/20/26 at 2:58 pm to Shexter
quote:
100% sure your dad threw you in the pool and said "sink or swim"
yeah, but it worked didn't it?
Posted on 2/20/26 at 3:00 pm to PJinAtl
My now deceased Border Collie was used to get kids unafraid of dogs. Had a very friendly demeanor and appearance. She was bullet proof with kids. Kids liked her. You need to find someone with a similar dog.
Posted on 2/20/26 at 3:01 pm to PJinAtl
There has been a lot of studies and testing about this. One of the most successful is allowing the child to watch, from a distance with an adult they trust, other kids their age playing with dogs. How long it will take can vary, but this might be a good start.
Posted on 2/20/26 at 3:02 pm to Shexter
quote:
dachshunds
Those and chihuahuas are always mean AF to kids.
the only dog that has ever bitten me was a dachshund. I was a kid, but I got to close to its face and it bit my chin.
Posted on 2/20/26 at 3:04 pm to PJinAtl
Have access to an older golden retriever?
Page 1 of 3
Popular
Back to top
Follow TigerDroppings for LSU Football News