Overcoming the Fear of Dogs in Children

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Fear of dogs can feel overwhelming - for both children and parents.

Some children freeze.

Some cry.

Some avoid parks, friends' houses or family gatherings.

And while the fear feels very real, it doesn't have to stay that way.

We offer a structured, evidence-based 10 session program designed to help children gradually build confidence and feel calm around dogs - at their own pace.

A Child-led, Pressure-Free Approach
This program is completely child-led.

We work with the individual child and are guided by their needs, comfort levels and choices.

Children are never pressured to do anything they are not ready for.  So children feel in control throughout the process.

How the 10- Session Program Works

The program includes:

• 7 online sessions (education, confidence-building, preparation)
• 3 in-person session (gradual, supported real-life exposure)

This structure allows children to build understanding and confidence before interacting with dogs in person.

We move step-by-step, building knowledge first - because confidence grows from understanding.

Cognitive Behavioural Techniques (CBT)

Fear often develops because the brain has learned to associate dogs with danger.

CBT helps us gently reshape those thought patterns.

Together, we:

• Identify fearful thoughts
• Replace negative beliefs with realistic, balanced ones
• Understanding dog body language
• Explore dog personalities and similarities to humans

When children understand what a dog's behaviour means, uncertainly reduces - and so does fear.

Children are encouraged and rewarded for completing small tasks and games throughout the program.

At the end of the program they will receive a certificate of achievement.

This program follows the structured KAD (Kids Around Dogs)® protocol and is delivered by an approved professional.

Areas covered: South Sydney and surrounding areas.

If your child is ready to feel calmer and more confident around dogs, we'd love to support them.