There are children who love animals from a very young age and are not afraid to approach a dog or pet them. However, others are very afraid of them, so much so that some cannot even look at them.

Parents worry when their children have certain fears and panics in life. And if your child is afraid of a dog, it is concerning because you don't know how to react.

The reactions of those who are afraid are immediate. Some children try to cross the street when they see a dog or hide behind their parents.

When this situation occurs, parents should act normally because it is important to remember that a child's learning process is always based on imitating adults. Therefore, your reaction will be a reference for your child.

It is always advisable to speak with a veterinarian or specialist who can help you with some advice.

Victoria Muñoz, a veterinary technical assistant and dog groomer at Green Can, told us about her personal experience as a mother and her son's fear of dogs. "My son was very afraid, more than fear it was panic, and as you can imagine, it worried me, because I love animals. In addition, my son has ADHD, which means attention and hyperactivity problems. Therefore, his reaction was very scandalous, and he also had several scares with dogs," she confirms.

"When my son was 10 years old, I decided to get a small dog so he could start to interact with it. In this way, he gradually lost his fear, realizing that it didn't do anything," Victoria declares.

"My son told me he was afraid of being licked, because he had never experienced that sensation, and today, I can say that he is no longer afraid of 98% of dogs. Before, however, he couldn't even go near them. I would bring him to the clinic where I work, and he wasn't able to touch any dog," she adds.

Victoria has detailed her experience, where she has achieved the challenge of her son losing his fear of dogs, a professional and personal accomplishment.

These are complicated situations, as can be seen, but above all, talk to a professional to get the right advice and procedures.

Tips to help your child overcome their fear of dogs

Here are four tips that Victoria Muñoz put into practice and as a professional recommends to all parents in the same situation:

1. Don't exaggerate the situation

When your child is afraid of a dog and exaggerates it, you should not match them or transmit that fear to them. You just have to try to normalize the situation.

2. Don't force them

If your child doesn't want to approach a dog, don't force them. The more you force them to do something, the worse it is. Let them act little by little.

3. Try to bring your child closer to a trusted dog

Try to be in environments with trusted dogs, whether they are friends' or family's. Make your child feel free and comfortable, and let them see the dogs' behavior, so they can gradually gain confidence.

4. Teach them how to normalize the situation

When they get nervous, try to calm them down and normalize the situation above all else. Be careful with your words and how you express yourself.

Having a dog is wonderful, and a child interacting with a dog from a young age is even more so. The child-dog relationship generates many benefits for the learning and education of young children. Therefore, if your child is afraid of dogs, try to help them overcome it, as the benefits are very great.

If you have had a similar experience, tell us about it on social media and share it to help other ARISTOPARENTS.