I can kind of understand people not liking dogs, that is a decision, but a true phobia is a real issue. If there are people in your family that don't like dogs I would hope they are not transferring this fear onto the little boy. Fear like that is something that can grow into other issues as he gets older and yes, he is going to have to face seeing dogs in other places as he grows up. He does not have to like them but I hope his parents will seek some professional help in getting him past the fear.
As for spiders.....in all the world they are my least favorite creature.
(that I have encountered anyway) I have a grand daughter that is quite insistent that I not kill them though. We have come to an understanding that if we see one outside it can live but if I find one inside it is a goner!
