The “Building Confidence around Dogs” booklet provides tips and advice for the whole family on how to become more comfortable around dogs.
Contents:
- Introduction: The booklet begins by acknowledging that many people in the UK have dogs as pets, with an estimated 12 million pet dogs. It recognises that not everyone is comfortable around dogs and that some may even be scared, which can significantly affect their daily lives. The guide aims to help both adults and children build confidence around dogs and learn how to stay safe when near them.
- Understanding Fear: It explains the concept of fear as a protective mechanism that triggers the ‘fight-flight-freeze’ response in the presence of perceived danger. The booklet describes how this response works and how it can lead to anxiety when the fear chemicals in the body do not have a real threat to counteract.
- Managing Fear of Dogs: The guide addresses the common phobia of dogs, known as cynophobia, and emphasises the importance of managing this fear for safety. It provides help and advice for the whole family on dealing with a fear of dogs.
- Causes of Fear: Several reasons why someone might be afraid of dogs are listed, including past negative experiences, learned behaviour from others, the behaviour of playful dogs (like barking or jumping), cultural differences, and the influence of the media.
The booklet is designed to be a practical and supportive resource for those looking to overcome their fear of dogs and includes sections specifically focused on supporting children.
FREE PDF DOWNLOAD OF ANXIETY/FEAR OF DOGS: TIPS AND ADVICE FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY ON HOW TO BUILD CONFIDENCE AROUND DOGS
