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What Every Dog Owner Needs to Know About Fear Periods: The Ultimate Guide

dog fear periods

When it comes to raising a joyful and well-adjusted dog, there are certain things that every dog owner needs to be aware of.

One of these is the fear period – a sensitive time in a young dog’s life when they are prone to experiencing fearfulness. In fact, even the best-behaved dog can sometimes go through a fear period.

It is when they tend to become a little more anxious and reactive than usual. You see, fear periods can be confusing for many dog owners, so we’re here to clear things up!

In this blog post, we will take a closer look at fear periods in dogs.

We’ll cover what they are, why they happen, and how you can help your dog go through one effectively.

What are fear periods, and why do they happen?

So, what exactly are fear periods?

A fear period is a normal part of development for puppies and young dogs.

They typically occur around 8 to 11 weeks old and again at around 6 to 14 months old.

During these times, puppies and young dogs may startle more quickly and be more reactive than usual. They may also seem more clingy or fearful of new people or situations.

Now, you must be asking why do these periods happen?

There are a few different theories about why fear periods happen, but the most likely explanation is that it has something to do with the changes in brain development.

During a puppy’s first few months of life, their brains go through many changes as they learn about and adapt to their environment.

It’s thought that fear periods occur during times when the brain is particularly active in processing information and making connections.

What are the signs of fear in dogs?

signs of hear in dogs

How can you tell if your dog is going through a fear period?

There are a few different signs that you might notice if your dog is going through a fear period:

– Startles easily or is more reactive than usual

– They seem more clingy or fearful of new people or situations

– A lot of times, they may try to hide

– Or you may also notice them shaking and may have a change in appetite


If you notice any of these signs in your dog, it’s good to keep an eye on them and see how they respond to different situations.

What can you do to help your dog get through a fear period safely and effectively?

The most important thing is to be patient and understanding.

Remember that this is a normal part of development for puppies and young dogs, and it will eventually pass.

Here are a few different things you can do to help your dog through a fear period:

Dog Fear Phases/ Puppy Fear Periods

During 8-11 weeks:

– Try to expose your puppy to as many people, animals, and situations as possible
– Socialization classes can be helpful
– At this stage, don’t force your puppy into anything they’re afraid of, but instead let them approach new things at their own pace
– If you have other pets at home, continue to provide positive reinforcement when they interact

6-14 months period:

– Review basic obedience commands
– If your dog is still afraid of certain things, slowly and patiently expose them to these things in a positive way
– Avoid scolding or punishing your dog, as this will only make them more anxious

How long do fear periods last in dogs?

Fear periods usually last for between a few weeks to a few months.

Generally, most puppies will outgrow their fearfulness by the time they’re around 14 months old.

However, it’s essential to keep in mind that every dog is different.

Some may go through their fear periods relatively quickly, while others may take longer.

When should you seek professional help?

If you’re concerned about your dog’s fearfulness or if they seem to be having a hard time adjusting, it’s always a good idea to seek professional help.

A behaviourist or veterinarian can give you more specific advice and guidance on how to help your dog through its fear period.

scared puppy

Conclusion

Fear periods are a normal part of development for puppies and young dogs.

By understanding what they are, you can help your dog through this difficult time.

If you need some help with training your dog, consider signing up for dog obedience classes.

In fact, you can check out our different packages right here.

That’s a wrap!

Do you have any tips on how to get through a fear period?

Please share them in the comments below and help out a fellow dog owner!

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