Fear Not!

Spring is here and as more people crowd the streets to enjoy the fair weather, along with them come dogs of every shape and size. This can be a big drag for kids who have a fear of dogs. And for their friends and relatives. We asked the authors of a new book, Monsters Under the Bed and Other Childhood Fears; Stephen W. Garber, Ph.D., Marianne Daniels Garber Ph.D., and Robin Freedman Spizman to give some tips to help those trying to overcome this very common fear.

My little brother always screams and runs when he sees a dog, no matter where we are. I get embarrassed, because I'm not afraid of dogs. How can I get him to stop?
Your little brother needs your help, and maybe your parents' help also. You must understand your brother is not trying to embarrass you. He cannot help his reaction to dogs. His fear is real. Tell your brother that you would like to help him get over his fear. If he is willing, here are some steps that might help.

Begin by reading some fictional books about friendly dogs to your brother.
Good choices might be Clifford the Small Puppy by Norman Bridwell or Where's Spot? by Eric Hill. In both of these books the dog is cute, fun and friendly, but not threatening. You can also ask your librarian for suggestions.
After your brother is comfortable looking at and talking about Clifford and Spot, show him pictures of real dogs in a nonfiction book.
Begin with pictures of little, cute dogs. Later look at other breeds. Continue looking at the pictures only as long as he is comfortable doing so. You might have to repeat any of these steps over several days. As you look at pictures of dogs, talk to your brother about what makes you know the dog is friendly - that his ears are down, or that his tail is wagging. Point out the friendly things the dogs are doing.
Find the sweetest, most lovable, well-trained dog that you can.
Hopefully a friend of your family's has a pet that fits that description. Tell your little brother you do not want him to play with the dog, you just want him to watch you playing with the animal. He may watch through a window at first. Keep the dog on a leash and simply pet the dog and play with it. When your brother is comfortable, ask him to come outside and watch from a distance. Over a period of days, he can come closer.
Ask your brother to let you know when he is ready to stand near the dog and then pet it.
But do not force him to do anything he doesn't want to. It might take a number of experiences like this to help your brother become comfortable with dogs.

REMEMBER TO BE PATIENT. The use of imagination, information, observation and controlled exposure can help your little brother overcome his fear of dogs and can be used to tackle other fears as well.

Stephen W. Garber Ph.d., is a practing psychologist and director of the Behavioral Institute of America.
Marianne Daniels Garber, Ph.D., is an education consultant also in practice with her husband.
Robyn Freedman Spizman, mother of two, has published widely on enhancing children's learning and creative motivation.

Monsters Under the Bed and other Childhood Fears is published by Villard Books.

- first published in the May/June 1993 issue of ZuZu

illustrations courtesy of the Brooklyn Friends School

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