What To Do During Puppy Fear Period
What does a puppy’s ‘fear period’ refer to?
What to do during puppy fear period. Dogs often pass through the puppy fear stages without any necessary care, however, a pet parent’s response to an adolescent dog’s fear can help prevent lasting behavioral issues. End on a positive note with lots of treating/praising. Here are some tips for helping your dog through a fear period.
For example, during the second fear period (four to six months), it is common for puppies to start barking at the trash can if it’s moved to a new place. A fear period is therefore a stage during which the puppy or dog may be more apt to perceive certain stimuli. If a pup is scared to leave its crate, ignore her!
During a fear period, your pup is more vulnerable to feeling traumatized by bad experiences. Allow him to retreat and try again from a distance where he feels comfortable. If you choose for this option, be sure that the breeder is serious in his or her socialisation efforts.
Try to avoid frightening the puppy during this time, since traumatic experiences can have an effect during this period. This is to do with the fear imprint period (see below) and teaching him impulse control. That will just make him more scared, and that is counterproductive.
It is important to be upbeat and excited about new things and encourage your puppy to feel the same way. This fear period is normally more marked in male dogs. This is when puppies would learn under the guidance of their mom, which stimuli are threatening and non.
Things like vacuuming can still be accomplished, but just do it one room at a time while your pup is 8 to 10 weeks old. A fear period is a time in your puppy’s life when frightening things can have a significant impact on their mental development. Don’t force your dog to approach something that he fears.