Why is my four year old afraid of the dog

Will relate a story of my own when I was around four at the babysitters place. Yet it could happen just about anywhere. Perhaps preschool.

One of the first babysitters I remember having, let me be a free soul of a tot. I got into trouble a lot there as well because of that.

Yet I was allowed to play in their front yard with other kids near my own age. While playing in the yard, I forget why I cross the street, yet I did. It wasn't something that I was allowed to do, yet I did so anyway.

Across the street the neighbor had a big German shepherd. I didn't even know the dog was on that property, much less that it was lose.

So as soon as I got to the tree across the street, I was bitten right in the mouth. Had the sores for years.

The thing is the babysitters never even knew. I was too scared to tell them, I was where I shouldn't be. Yet for many years I was afraid of large dogs. Not small ones. The next babysitter had a dachshund which I played with often.

It might be just large dogs in general. Like I was afraid of for years. Yet I was more afraid of getting into trouble than saying what had happened with the dog. Crossing the street was strictly forbidden!

That's how kids think. Perhaps she is scared of more than just the dog. The other thing, to her mind, could be worse by her thinking.

Perhaps she saw a similiar dog in a film or even on the news. Perhaps he has unintentionally hurt her in some way, or maybe it is just that he is so big. Or maybe she has heard him bark and it would sound very different to your dog.

Since she is four, i am assuming you can talk about it, ask her why the dog frightens her, but please dont force the issue. Give her time.

I would also suggest searching for books and films which have dogs that look similar that are good and friendly.

It might also help if your brother can teach the dog tricks.

I have Staffordshire Bull Terriers. Well , at the moment i only have one , but i usually keep two, and i always have black or very dark brindle dogs, which some people find more intimidating for some reason. As if a yellow or white dog couldnt bite every bite as easily as a dark coloured one.

But i have found that by teaching the dogs a few tricks, as well as basic good behaviour, many children and even adults who normally dont like such dogs often warm up to them. It breaks the ice and shows them in a different light. Children especially love getting in on the game, giving the dog commands and watching them do tricks. Plus they can always tell the dog to sit if it is coming too close. This gives the child a sense of control. Even dressing the dog up in silly outfits can help a child get over their fears.

Definitely respect her fear. If you want her to be comfortable with your brother's dog, you can ask her if she will sit in your lap while you pet the dog. ONLY if she says yes, sit on the floor with her, near the dog, and YOU pet the dog. Don't try to force her.

A mastiff is quite large, and their face can look frightening. Their jaws are also capable of locking, just like those of a pit bull, however, their temperament is so different that it is unlikely. IF a mastiff did ever attack a small child, (very unlikely), their jaws could break bones.

4 years old bro. Give her some slack. Thats a big fucking dog. Im nearly 30, id be a bit wary myself of a dog that weighs more than me

Maybe because he's taller than her. 🙈

You could make the dog lay down, then let the little girl pat him so she knows he's safe. 😊

That's a really big dog if you're only 4

Maybe a dog that looked liked the mastiff but her or something like that, that caused her to get scarred

she is just scared. nothing wrong with that.