Will getting a dog help my children overcome their fear of dogs?

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I have two kids who are 2 and 4. They are deathly afraid of dogs, I mean absolutely terrified. If they see a dog DOWN THE ROAD that is even on a chain and it is barking they still freak out and run inside. The main problem is my 4 year old. He is so scared of dogs that it's almost ridiculous. My daughter who is 2 is also scared of dogs but I believe it's only because of her big brother being afraid of dogs. When he is not around to show fear, she is interested in dogs and even pets them, but doesn't want to be put down or I guess in a position where the dog could get her. The main problem is when they come at my kids, playful or not if they come running at my kids that's when they really get scared. Or bark loudly at my kids. If they are far away and playing or doing something funny like chasing a toy my son will laugh and laugh but if they get near that's when he gets scared. He has no reason to have this fear but has had it since before the age of 1. I am wondering if I get a dog, maybe one that is a little older past the puppy stage like 2 or 3 that is calm and not all jumpy, but still plays, and is very sweet and loving, if it will help my children over come their fear? At least to some degree? Has anyone has experience with this? Also if you could recommend and good bread for this? I am shelter currently has at a Puggle, and a beagle lab mix that I have been looking at pictures who are both 2-4 years old and cute! Thanks for any help

Answer
No no no no. Your kids should feel safe in their own home. That means no dog until they are ready for it. Further, kids age 2 and 4 are NOT a good home for the dog either. The younger child especially is at the age where kids can be absolutely abusive to a dog (or any animal) without understanding the consequences. That's why THOUSANDS of toddlers are bitten every year....

Here is a website with some good ideas for you to try:
http://pets.webmd.com/dogs/features/helping-your-child-overcome-a-fear-of-dogs?page=2

EDIT:
In 2011, there were 43,989 dog bites reported for kids age 4 and under. And I'm betting at least that same number went unreported.... http://webappa.cdc.gov/sasweb/ncipc/nfirates2001.html

BTW, "cute" should be the LAST consideration. Wait until your youngest is 5 before getting something like a Lab or Golden Retriever, or a cross of those. That will give you lots of time to work on your children's phobias.

Do you know what you are getting your kids for Christmas this year (2011)?

Kawaii

If so, what? Please also include ages of your kids and gender. I'm planning out a Christmas gift idea list for my 3 year old boy and my 6 year old girl, and would like to see what every one else's kids are into. Thanks!

Answer
well i have a 4 yr boy and a 5 yr girl and they want a puppy as there "big present"
we are thinking of that because we dont want to get them a wii or nintendo ds until they are older so they can take care of them!
they want matching pjs
my daughter wants a toy kitchen set, a selena gomez cd, some disney movies
my son wants a jeep those cars where he drives it, and a remote control car and airplane
good luck

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