April, 2025 – Parenting expert and Licensed Clinical Social Worker Stefani M. Cohen is proud to announce the release of her two companion books: Overcoming Your Child's Fear of Dogs and How to Face My Fear of Dogs. These groundbreaking guides offer a comprehensive, step-by-step approach to helping children and adults face and conquer their fear of dogs.
Overcoming Your Child's Fear of Dogs is a must-read for parents, caregivers, and therapists. Drawing from over thirty years of experience, Cohen has developed a proven protocol called the Overcoming Fear of Dogs (OFOD) method, which utilizes exposure therapy through live dogs to help children gradually diminish their fear and gain self-confidence. By carefully introducing children to dogs in a controlled, gradual way, Cohen’s method empowers kids to feel safe and comfortable around dogs, boosting their emotional resilience and self-esteem.
"Fear of dogs, or cynophobia, can disrupt a child’s life and lead to social and emotional challenges, whether it’s avoiding playdates, sleepovers, or public spaces, children with this fear often suffer from isolation. My method aims to give children the tools they need to face their fears, build coping skills, and gain control in their interactions with dogs."
Stefani M. Cohen
The companion guide, How to Face My Fear of Dogs, is designed for children. It provides engaging activities and exercises to help kids actively participate in their journey to overcome their fear. Using fun, interactive content, the book encourages children to develop mindfulness, relaxation techniques, and an understanding of how to read dog body language. With this guide, kids will learn how to assess when it is safe to interact with a dog and when to keep their distance, while also building the confidence to take charge in these situations.
"These books are a true labor of love," says Cohen. "They were inspired by my own experience with my daughter Becky, who was afraid of dogs. Through trial, error, and research, I developed the OFOD protocol to help her, and now, I’m thrilled to share it with the world."
For more information on the books, visit Overcomefearofdogs.com
About the Authors: Stefani M. Cohen is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker specializing in child development, mental health, and parenting. She lives in New Rochelle, NY with her husband and dog, Winnie Bear, and has helped countless children and families worldwide.
Cathy Malkin, a Humane Educator, brought her expertise of teaching animal safety to two chapters in Overcoming Your Child’s Fear of Dogs. She emphasizes the healing power of positive, safe experiences with animals.
Cohen’s daughter, Becky Schliessman, is a teacher in Ardsley, NY. Having overcome her fear of dogs, she currently resides with her husband and three children, all dog lovers. How to Face My Fear of Dogs would not have been possible without her.