pet dog for the family

Here are two great articles with some useful tips you can try: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/susan-stiffelman/8-tips-for-helping-kids-g_b_6102352.html http://pets.webmd.com/dogs/features/helping-your-child-overcome-a-fear-of-dogs?page=2 Thought you could start with first letting your children observe the dogs from somewhere they feel safe and in control. Go to a park in the evening or a pet shop. Explain to them that the dogs are also afraid of them. When they seemed more comfortable or tolerating of having dogs around the area, see if you have any friends with adult dogs (not puppies) whom you can bring your children over for a visit. Teach your children how to approach and “introduce” themselves to the dog. Let your children interact and play with your friend’s dog if they are ready. If you think they are still not ready to have a dog as a pet, try bringing them to volunteer at shelters. Or if they really can’t get over their fears, perhaps you can consider other pets like hamsters or rabbits. Good luck!