My Grandmother on my mom's side is like that... most of her children learned the behavior from her.

My father had to take my mom by the hand and DRAG her over to his shepherd and make her stay there with the shepherd until she calmed down. This shep was one of the gentlest creatures alive mind you. (He end up being my nanny )

I'd say find a REALLY FRIENDLY, REALLY CALM, and REALLY CLEAN dog and get your friend to try to agree to meeting it. And assure her that she won't be alone.

I say have them take one thing at a time though and don't think about getting a dog until the kid is about three years old. Having a new baby AND a new dog could be a bit much to handle at one time. Especially for the mother as she's afraid of dogs. No need to stress her out while she's pregnant. Her husband should respect that.

Quote Originally Posted by Taz_Zoee
I have a friend who is deathly afraid of dogs ...... well, ALL animals basically. When she was young she saw her mom get bit by a dog and it's stuck with her all her life.
I so want her to not be afraid of them. She is pregnant and her husband wants to get a dog when the baby arrives. So it can grow up with the baby and be there to protect them and the house. I was thrilled when she told me this, but she was NOT.
Does anyone have a fear like this? Or know of a way to help someone cope with this?
And I mean if she see's or hears a dog she would climb a tree, jump on a table or whatever she needed to do to get away from it!