[sassypup]

Ok, it started when she was a wee baby, Zoe was traumatized by our neighborhood kid Natalie. This little girl was about 2 years old. She would come up to us while we were taking a walk and would yank at her tail and would literally slap the poor dog! I was upset at this but couldn't yell at my neighbor's dog. I just picked Zoe up and say no, be gentle and I even tried to teach her to pet gently but it didn't help. She would continue to yank at her legs and tail. Zoe used to love all people, adults and kids. Now, she just trembles at the site of a child. Eg. we were waiting at the vet and was just so charming and friendly to all adults and pets in the lobby. A kid comes in, she runs under the chair and starts trembling so badly that the woman next to us said 'is she ok?'. SHe is frightened and traumized by that terrior Natalie. Now on walks, when we run into Natalie, we run ourselves and turn the other way or I'd pick her up.

My husband and I said what are we going to do when we have kids in a few years? Will she live in this anxiety state? What can we do to ease her fear. She will happily approach an adult and lick them but will back away and hide and even scream when a child comes near. Help?