Grandaughter scared of my 2 dogs

I am sorry, but if that was my GD the dogs would go outside when she visited and to kennels if she wanted to stay over. This may not be a popular opinion I know.

Children come before dogs. End of.

Please do NOT ask her why she is scared of them - just keep them out of her way if she is there; and do not treat her as if she has some deficit or problem. She does not.

You ask what you should do:

- leave her be
- keep the dogs out of her way
- stay off the subject completely

She will unfortunately have to learn to how tolerate the presence of dogs, and to deal with owners who have not a care for how others feel about their dogs. It is unfortunate and it would be better if this were not the case (as I am sure responsible dog owners would agree) but you are not helping her by harping on about it and trying to force HER to change. Maybe it is not her that needs to change.

Just give her time and under no circumstances let the dogs get anywhere near her.

I have one large ten year old dog and a middle sized/small 16 month old dog.
We have four grandchildren 4 years down to 8 months, so they're much younger than yours. Is your granddaughter a rare visitor? Ours spend a day a week with us (child care) and are fairly regular visitors. We have a child gate across the utility area, which is where the dogs are fed/sleep etc. When the youngsters are here, the dogs go in there. They're part of the family but there's no risk of a child pulling a tail or more likely, being knocked over by the large dog wagging her tail.
The 16 month old grandchild is fearful of dogs, and doesn't like the dogs too close to her. We re working on building her confidence and also on ensuring the dogs don't harass her. Can you keep your dogs separate by use of child gates, their beds and treats, to allow your granddaughter and the dogs, to get used to being in the same space? It's a slow process and I'm sure you don't want either your granddaughter, or your dogs to get into trouble together.

I’m also 65 and have been scared of dogs all my life though don’t know why.
I’d also recommend keeping the dogs out of her way until such time comes as she shows any interest in them. It’s the kindest way.

Some children can be scared of something and have a hard time putting into words.

If it's a major problem, you might see if she would be willing to consider desensitization therapy. You could start by asking if she would be willing to see a picture of your dogs. Start there. Once she is okay with that, ask if she would be willing to be in the room with the dogs when they are on a lead and under your control. When she's comfortable with being around them, maybe she would like to try having them closer to her, and eventually giving them a treat.

I do have to ask, though, is there even the remote possibility that the dogs have nipped or scratched her? Even small dogs can potentially do a fair amount of damage, and size isn't always consistent with temperament. (I'm not saying yours are, but as an example, some small dogs are downright nasty, while some large dogs can be big, goofy, friendly things that would probably walk up to trouble and lick it all over.) Are the dogs trained? If they're not, they could still be overwhelming for her. If the dogs aren't trained, putting them in an obedience class may be beneficial.

I've been scared of dogs all my life.For a long time I didn't remember why until my mother told me I had been bitten on my eye by a small terrier ,almost lost the eye ,when I wasn't quite 3.I still cross the road to avoid dogs not on leads and I'm 65 .There will be a reason whe's frightened even if it wasn't a bite .So I'd go easy on her,keep the dogs out of her way until she feels she can trust them
I'm fine with the dogs of family but only when they are at a distance and I would have a fit if a dog ever went near the face of my GC ..even to lick them.