Davey’s Brave Friendship: Kids and Parents Beating Fear of Dogs
Book description
“Mom, I’m not going. They have a dog there!”
“Dad, can you hold my hand? I’m afraid a dog might come near us.”
“Can we take a different way? I saw a dog on our usual path.”
Sounds familiar?
These are all things Davey used to say to his parents, but that was before he leaned to overcome his fear of dogs. This charming children’s book tells the story of Davey’s journey with his parents as he gains confidence and learns to beat his fear of dogs (Cynophobia).
For Kids: a delightful and relatable story that carries a universal message-all kids, just like Davey, can conquer their fear of dogs.
For parents: this book shows simple and effective Cognitive Behavioral Therapy strategies for dealing with the fear of dogs, drawing from Dr. Jonathan Kushnir’s extensive experience in guiding children and parents.
Get the book and empower your kids to conquer their fears!
The information contained in this book is provided for educational purposes only. It is not meant to replace professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Any attempt to diagnose and treat a medical condition should be done under the direction of a healthcare provider or physician. For any medical conditions, each individual is recommended to consult with a healthcare provider before using any information or ideas discussed. The author shall not be liable or responsible for any loss or adverse effects allegedly arising from any information or suggestion in this book.
Recommendations
Who is this book for?
- Your child refuses to visit friends or family who have a dog
- Your child grips your hand or hides behind you whenever a dog comes near
- You change your route or avoid parks because of dogs
- The fear is starting to limit where your family can go
What’s inside
- The story of Davey's journey with his parents as he gains confidence and learns to beat his fear of dogs
- A relatable story for kids with the message that children, just like Davey, can overcome a fear of dogs
- Simple Cognitive Behavioral Therapy strategies for parents dealing with a child's fear of dogs
- An approach drawn from Dr. Jonathan Kushnir's experience in guiding children and parents
How to use this book
Read the story together at a calm time, not right after a scare with a dog. Talk about what Davey feels and how he gains confidence. Use the strategies for parents to plan small, gradual steps, and let your child set the pace. Any practice with real dogs should involve a calm dog, its owner, and close adult supervision.
Book details
- Authors: Dr. Jonathan Kushnir, Ram Kushnir
- Illustrator: Nikola Aronová
- Published: April 2024
- Language: English
Frequently asked questions
What age is Davey's Brave Friendship for?
A reading age is not stated for this book. It is written as a picture book for young children to read together with a parent.
Is it normal for a child to be afraid of dogs?
Yes. Fear of dogs is common in childhood, and some caution around unfamiliar dogs is sensible. It becomes a problem when the fear is strong enough that the child avoids places, visits, or activities because a dog might be there.
How can I help my child get over a fear of dogs?
A CBT approach uses gradual steps, starting with easy ones and slowly moving toward being near a calm dog, always at a pace the child can manage. Avoiding dogs completely tends to keep the fear going. Parents help by staying calm, encouraging each step, and not forcing contact.
When a book is not enough
If the fear of dogs is intense, lasts for months, started after a bite or a frightening event, or keeps your child from visiting friends or playing outside, it is worth consulting a child psychologist. Read more about Dr. Kushnir and his online clinics.
Related guide: Books for anxious children