My Child Is Afraid Of Animals: What To Do?

For many children, the experience of having a pet is irreplaceable, while others miss it out of fear. Help them overcome their fear of animals so that they can benefit from the diversity of nature.

Not all children react the same way when they see a dog or other animal. Some want to stroke it and are very attracted to it. While others prefer to stay away from it and express fear in front of animals.

There is no specific reason that could explain this phenomenon. Sometimes this can be due to a previous bad experience, or because they have been taught that an unfamiliar animal can be dangerous. There are also children who feel intimidated by the strange figure of the animal.

“There are children who are more active and adventurous, others who are calmer and less open to new experiences. They feel more stress in the face of the new and the unknown, ”  explains Dr. Tracy Dennis of the Department of Psychology at Hunter University in New York.

Although fear is a defense mechanism that keeps children in a safe area, it is better to  teach them to be careful and respectful rather than fostering fear of animals. Because it prevents them from having a rewarding experience with them.

How to overcome the fear of animals?

To take this step between fear and respect, we offer you some recommendations that parents can follow to guide their children.

Trying to understand the fear of animals

Fear is irrational. Therefore, forcing children to forget this fear of animals will not help them eliminate it.

It is better to try to  understand what scares them and look for a strategy to help them cope. For example, if your child is afraid of dogs because of their size, don’t suggest that they approach a large one. When they are in the presence of a quiet small dog, approach first and then encourage him to follow you under your protection.

Teach children to approach an animal

Children may approach with excessive emotion or clumsiness and frighten the animal. This often causes a violent reaction which will make the child even more afraid.

It is therefore preferable to accompany them at each step and to choose carefully the words to be used. For example, it’s best to  avoid fear-inducing phrases  like “Be careful not to get bitten” or “Don’t get too close, it can be dangerous”. Instead, use positive reinforcement, such as “slowly approach the animal, be kind to him”.

In addition, start by teaching the child to always ask permission from the owner of the animal to know if it is possible to approach it. Then, it is better for the dog to feel the child’s hand before he strokes it. This is because dogs and cats feel more confident after sniffing someone who is new to them.

Try to distract the animal by stroking its head. Then invite the child to touch it on one side, preferably not from the tail so as not to frighten the dog. Also be aware that the animal’s face can be intimidating for the child.

Avoid puppies to overcome the fear of animals

This is because young animals are more unpredictable than adults. For them, the game may consist of biting, scratching or jumping over people. What, for the animal, can mean a gesture of confidence, joy or tenderness, can seem to be a hostile gesture for the child.

Learn the language of animals

Pets have their own way of communicating with people. Learning this language and teaching it to your child can be helpful in facilitating a meeting.

For example: “The open mouth with the lips back, the tongue hanging out and the face relaxed is an invitation to interaction,” says Linda Case, author of the book Guide to Understanding Our Two Best Friends.

Learn good manners

Like puppies, children sometimes have unpredictable reactions. This fear can turn into excitement once the first encounter with the animal is successful. Indeed,  through this emotion, the child can react by frightening or disturbing the animal. Explain to him that he must not push, pull the hair or grab the animal by the tail.

Do not bring pets home

Many parents think it’s a good idea to have a pet in the house. Over time, the child and the animal can get used to each other. However,  they will spend many days of unnecessary stress.

Instead, wait until your child is ready. Some parents keep the animal in a room until the child starts to feel confident, but this is also not recommended. He can become aggressive because he understands that his role is not to socialize.