fear can be of a person, dog or object. This is to do with the fear imprint period (see below) and teaching him impulse control. Read on. Most of the time, you can wait it out as these fear periods pass. You’re the best judge of what is normal for your pooch and what isn’t. September 24, 2020. Postpone any non urgent surgery or medical procedure. Erin Jones In fact, it can occur anywhere between 6 and 14 months of age. This is sometimes referred to as the 'pre-adolescent' stage. Still, I wasn’t surprised when his owner, Wendy called to say that she thought Spot might have a behaviour disorder. At repeat intervals, between 4 and… 18 months! Fear periods can also manifest as defensive behaviors such as barking, growling or lunging. Below, we’ll explain everything you need to know about fear periods, so that you will know how to care for your puppy during these critical times. You see, all puppies go through a sensitive period of socialization. During the "flight instinct" period your puppy will experience periodic fear periods between 6-14 months. Dogs’ fear periods: when are they? Just after birth, canine – and human – puppies leave the job of danger detection to the parent in charge. Puberty/young Adulthood period (18 to 24 months) This period can be marked by a surge in aggression by trying to achieve higher pack status. Fast forward to a 4 months old Spot and, not only had he become petrified of the vet’s (and started growling at the vet staff, to Wendy’s embarrassment), but he suddenly started to balk at objects he’d seen all his life, like the wheelie bins on the street corner. The first fear impact period occurs when a puppy is about nine weeks old. (dog training school) in The Hague. This initial fear period often goes unnoticed because your puppy is still learning and exploring in a cautious and curious manner. We’ll explain when these happen and what to expect below. During this time, it’s important to take care that puppies aren’t exposed to overwhelming (no crazy costume parties!) The first occurs fairly predictably at around 8-10 weeks of age. While the 8 to 12 week puppy fear period is in some cases hardly noticed by puppy owners, the second fear period appears to have a much bigger impact. Young dogs go through two separate “fear periods” as they grow, which are essentially times when the pup is extremely sensitive to bad experiences. Between approximately 8 and approximately 11 weeks. During a fear period, your pup is more vulnerable to feeling traumatized by bad experiences. Since puppies start shedding at around 11 months and their fur continues to come in until about month 15, it’s a good time to look at your long term grooming choices. Secondary fear isn’t very well defined in the scientific research and there’s some debate about when it occurs (which is likely to influenced by breed and genetics) and if it actually occurs. Most of the really difficult teething phase occurs before adolescence, and … Ever noticed how babies aren’t scared of heights or fire? K9ofMine.com does not intend to provide veterinary advice. The first fear period happens at 8 to 10 weeks of age. Why you shouldn’t lie on an aggression screening form for a dog training school. Types of Dog Growls: What is My Dog Growling About? © Copyright 2021 by K9 Of Mine / Marrsipan Media LLC |. Blog post by dog behaviourist Laure-Anne Visele, The Hague, explaining dogs’ two fear periods. Adolescent dogs may spook at the silliest things. The second occurs sometime between six months and 18 months. As a general rule, the more independent they get, the more cautious they become about the unfamiliar. Fear periods are times during which puppies become more sensitive to a variety of external stimuli. Consider staying away from. Avoid traumatic experiences. Privacy: Essential details have been changed in the story, to avoid the owners being recognized But, during a fear period when she was feeling extra stressed about having her paws handled, you accidentally clipped one of her nails a bit too close. We didn’t seem to get through when we were telling her: He loves the vet now, we believe you. Your puppy will experience two fear periods in her lifetime. Pair scary situations, noises, people or objects with treats. It’s the same with dogs. Fear Period #2: 6–14 Months. or traumatic experiences which can have quite a negative impact for a lifetime. Did you know what was happening, or did it come as a total surprise? Here are some of the most common clinical signs: My Dog Snapped at a Child — What Should I Do? ‘Fear periods in puppies generally occur during these ages: 7 to 9 weeks; 4 to 6 months; at about 1 year; 14 to 18 months’. Limo’s bucket list: Why is my dog behaving that way? Why I want behaviour therapy to become a regulated profession. This starts at 3-weeks of age and lasts until 16-weeks of age. ... Physically and mentally abusive owners are using fear to control the dog. In my opinion, this is the most important stage of a puppy's … She also doesn’t have a history of certain expected responses or behaviors since most experiences are still new to her. If your adolescent dog suddenly seems a little skittish, but has previously been more confident, it is likely that your dog is just entering a normal developmental fear period during which new things (and even not-so-new things) seem scary even though they didn’t used to. The first fear period happens at 8 to 10 weeks of age. Spot, a 4 months old Border Collie cross, had never been scared of anything. In other words, the pup is a sponge at this age and whatever he repeatedly encounters that is not scary or painful is getting stored as a safe situation in his long-term circuitry. But puppies also go through additional canine development stages, called fear periods. This close nail trim may not have had quite the same impact at another point in time. Once away from the presence of the person they fear, they really have no training or controls. This may include things like being approached by a stranger, interacting with another dog who is not so polite (just one reason why you should probably keep your pup away from the dog park), hearing loud noises like fireworks, or experiencing other scary situations. During these periods, one half-nasty startle can be enough to create a lifelong phobia. This is similar to perhaps what a child would experience when touching a hot burner on the stove for the first (and probably only) time. A fearful dog’s journey isn’t a straight line — don’t expect it to be. This critical age may depend on the size of the dog. Neonatal period (0 to 2 weeks) Puppies can touch and taste at birth, but that’s about it. This exactly corresponds with the teen puppy stage. When Do Dogs Experience Fear Imprint Periods? You have successfully joined our pup pack. Erin is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer and a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant. If you suspect your pup is experiencing a fear period, here are a few do’s and don’ts: It is important to understand your dog’s different developmental stages of life so that you can be prepared to support her in the ways she needs. These are times in your puppy’s life when she will be particularly sensitive to bad experiences. Don’t worry: She is likely experiencing a fear period. Developmental periods chart: By Laure-Anne Visele, 8 June 2018. Although these organs function primarily to reproduce, they also have specific roles to play in the maturation of your dog’s body. Most dogs are surrendered to local shelters or dog pounds when they're aged between five months and two years. I now have a long haired sable 17 month old chihuahua Gracie.I could. Had your pooch not been in a fear period, she may have been able to “shake it off” much more easily with some cookies and extra pats. This is when puppies would learn under the guidance of their mom, which stimuli Build her confidence through training using positive reinforcement. Many believe a female dog should be spayed before her first heat cycle, and a male dog should be neutered within 6 months after birth. For example, perhaps nail trims were no big deal for your doggo in the past and you’ve been working on getting her comfortable with the whole procedure since bringing her home at 8-weeks of age. Get tons of great dog training tutorials, canine gear guides, and the latest doggy discounts. Between birth and 18 months, dogs go through two distinct fear periods. While others say that early spaying & neutering is too aggressive and spaying a dog after first heat is better as it will actually damage your pet’s health and shorten their lifespan if done too early. If you choose for this option, be sure that the breeder is serious in his or her socialisation efforts. This socialization window is a critical period during which it’s essential that you socialize your puppy by introducing her to positive interactions with her environment. This is the stage that they may exhibit negative behaviors that had previously been eliminated. Blog post by dog behaviourist Laure-Anne Visele, The Hague, explaining dogs’ two fear periods. You’ve likely heard at least a little bit about the importance of socializing puppies at a young age during this socialization window. Watch out for the second fear impact period. Clinical Signs of Dog Anxiety and Fear. Because it corresponds with a peak in learning abilities. According to the NCPPSP (National Council on Pet Population Study and Policy), the majority of dogs are surrendered to shelter between the ages of 5 months and 3 years of age (47.7%) and at least one behavior problem was reported as the reason for the surrender in 40% of the cases. It is often at this 10 month mark that people start reporting barking, aggression and fearful episodes. In nature, during this time, puppies are getting out of the den and starting to explore the world around them. That’s a lot of variability! They (start to) learn to eliminate far from sleeping quarters. To make things worse, the start and end of these periods are approximations, particularly at the later end of the spectrum (with, in general, larger breeds being later bloomers). Allow her to explore the world at her own pace. In fact, try to avoid scary things altogether. Don’t do that, and you’ll be fluffy lion’s next lunch. Bones, teeth, and other organs benefit from an extended period of hormone production from your dog’s reproductive system, and when this is cut short too early, your pet won’t receive the advantages of this growth. He’ll change a lot come adolescence and then you’ll be thankful you gave him a ton of positive experiences at the vet’s to buffer for what’s to come. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. It can get really confusing as some of these are milestones and others are periods, and there are sub-phases that span over two periods. Written in: June 2018. The signs of a fear period can be obvious in some dogs, but more subtle in others. Owners need to work hard to navigate these built-in fear periods, so they can prevent their pup from becoming traumatized by bad experiences. They learn impulse and bite control from their mom who has started to chastise them if they hurt her with their needle-sharp teeth. This will help ensure your pooch enjoys proper emotional and mental development. Around 4-8 weeks, the mother weans the puppies. I help people from The Hague, Rijswijk, Delft, Westland and region with their dog behaviour. Small dogs tend to experience these periods earlier than large dogs. I didn’t know it at the time, but Ralph was going through her adolescent fear period. While we provide information resourced and canine education, the content here is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. With separation anxiety, a dog that’s left alone for a period of time exhibits anxiety or excessive distress behaviors. Want him to trust the vet’s? My name is Laure-Anne and I am the dog behaviour therapist at Canis bonus, and Head Trainer at OhMyDog! This could sometimes be misinterpreted as confidence, or “cheekiness” when in fact it’s an emotional and reflexive reaction of fear. Because the first fear period occurs during this critical puppy socialization period, you will want to approach all of her new experiences with ample support, encouragement, and understanding. That second fear phase is not continuous, thankfully. This fear period is believed to be tied to the dog's sexual maturity and growth spurts. They practice the whole shebang of canine social interactions through play with their litter mates. Teething is almost done! Illustration credits at the end of the post. Why is it a golden period? Also called, "The fear of situations period", usually corresponds to growths spurts. After completing her MSc in Anthrozoology, Erin moved to New Zealand early in 2019 to complete her PhD at the University of Canterbury – New Zealand Centre for Human-Animal Studies. Generally speaking, puppies go through two potential fear periods during puppyhood. If you want dog-friendly and evidence-based tips, drop me a line briefly explaining the problem and I’ll tell you if I think I can help. This second period often takes new puppy owners by surprise. What are you trying to achieve by socialisation? Puppyhood ends between six and 18 months of age. However, it’s potentially easier to notice your puppy’s second fear period because you may witness a more drastic change in her behavior. Humans seem to be hardwired … He loved everything and everyone. Beware, though: do not overwhelm the pup in the name of socialisation: this achieves the exact opposite effect. Kids? The how and when of fear periods also depends on the individual puppy, so you may or may not see it in your puppy as described. Critical Periods That All New Puppy Owners Must Know The period between 0 and 16 weeks is the most important period in your puppies life. From time to time, you may notice that your once confident and curious pup suddenly seems shy, nervous, and unsure. If you notice that your dog has already developed a problem towards something specific (like Spot and the wheelie bins), then try OhMyDog!’s (dog training school in The Hague). This is a time in which the dog’s perspective of its pack members, alien dogs, and humans becomes more mature and more serious in regard to identifying such as friend or foe. If you have a choice, privilege leaving the pup until 10-11 weeks with his mother and littermates, though. Where the fear periods will end for the wolf at approximately one year of age, domestic dogs will pass through another period between fourteen and eighteen months. Ignore her when she is seeking you out for comfort. Between approximately 8 and approximately 11 weeks, At repeat intervals, between 4 and… 18 months! Socialisation-wise, 8-10 weeks is a good age to rehome the puppies to their permanent home. He used to be crazy about Tom-the-neighbour and now, Spot acts like he’s a serial killer. Spaying and neutering your puppy or dog: We answer some of the most common questions pet owners have about these surgeries. By Whatever had happened to Mr. Unflappable?… His second fear period. People with hats? Interested in the nerdy details behind a puppy’s developmental periods? The second fear period is a little more unpredictable and may feel like it comes out of nowhere. They are entirely dependent on their mother and their littermates during this period, and will mostly just sleep and eat. It’s so useful for guardians to know that this stage is temporary and that it is completely normal. The evolutionary factor here is that young animals (including humans) create an emotional reaction to something that is dangerous or can hurt them. Avoid long and potentially traumatic trips – so much for the truckloads of Romanian puppies. Wondering why your spunky pup has suddenly transformed into a skittish scaredy-cat? Home » Canis blogus » Scaredy dogs: the two fear periods, A humane, professional, science-based approach to dogs. The third fear period occurs as they mature, usually around 10-12 months of age. And it only takes one bad experience during this impressionable time to have lifelong effects. Some of the more common things for dogs to be fearful of are: Dogs (as well as most other animals) can learn quickly to make a negative association with something that is overly scary or painful. Her research focuses on the ethics and social constructs of the human-dog relationship and humane training practices. Puppies experience two fear periods during their development, and each fear period lasts for about 2 to 3 weeks, on average. The third fear period occurs between eight and ten months, depending on the individual dog. Did you experience a fear period with your dog? Did you both come out the other side unscathed? When it came to the reasons why a pet was being rehomed or surrendered, 46% of owners cited 'Pet problems'. Traffic – trucks, busses, trailers, for example. Over-expose her to frightening stimuli. This fear period is believed to be tied to the dog's sexual maturity and growth spurts. Additionally, K9ofMine.com participates in various other affiliate programs, and we sometimes get a commission through purchases made through our links. This is the period where they learn that humans are also social partners. This is instrumental in teaching puppies to cope with frustration. The first fear phase comes when the puppy is just 2-3 months of age. This is the period right after the puppies are born, so they can’t do much yet. ... which can occur as early as 5 months of age. This will help her to make positive associations. As they explore further and further from the litter, though, they need to start getting a sense of danger. Your once confident and ambitious pup may suddenly become reserved, reactive, and seemingly transformed into an aggressive puppy in what feels like the blink of an eye. Punish your puppy for barking, lunging or growling. Case study: French bulldog with noise phobia, Case study: dog-dog aggression through frustrated greeting, Dog fear: sensitisation and reactivity thresholds. Tough choice for your dog: medical or mental health? It may last only a few days but it may stretch into a matter of weeks. During these times, puppies may show fear of situations, items, or people with whom they formerly felt safe. Comfort your puppy when she is feeling scared. You may use these HTML tags and attributes

, You are here: This feeling might stick with your pup into adulthood. Spot was such a perfect dog that we could see Wendy was getting a little complacent on socialisation and habituation exercises. According to Canine Companion for Independence the first fear imprint period generally takes place in puppies between 8 and 11 weeks of age. No harm done, and your pupper will regain her canine confidence and be ready to take on the world again. I have a degree in Zoology, am a certified dog training instructor, and have a Postgraduate in applied animal behaviour (Magna cum laude). The first fear imprint phase typically begins around the age of eight to 11 weeks. In fact, he was driving me, his puppy class instructor, to desperation as he was so unflappable he didn’t even notice the mildly ‘stressful’ situations we were teaching him to cope with. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. We’ll talk about when these fear periods occur later on, but for now, let’s talk about what fear periods look like in your pup. Here is my attempt at simplifying it by presenting it visually: Your email is never published nor shared. A fear period is therefore a stage during which the puppy or dog may be more apt to perceive certain stimuli threatening. K9ofMine.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Get tons of great dog training advice and tips about gear! And it’s perfectly normal! During this time dogs learn to cope in the world they are in, in all its vastness and complexity. This is particularly true for owners who don’t notice the more subtle signs of stress, such as: Every pup is an individual. Small breed dogs tend to experience their second fear … And that is precisely why now is the best time to take him to the vet’s for great experiences, again and again. Strangers? First Fear Period. Wheelchairs? Adulthood starts between 12 months and three years of age. Rover has grown now and if he is a large breed he may even weigh 100 pounds or more! Secondary fear is thought to occur anywhere between around 6 and 18 months old, during the period … They have taste, touch, and the ability to feel warmth, but haven’t opened their eyes or developed any real hearing. Though, they really have no training or controls neonatal period ( 0 to 2 )... Did you both come out the other side unscathed why your spunky pup has suddenly into. Of a fear period happens at 8 to 10 weeks of age and lasts until 16-weeks of age and! Toy than a predator from time to have lifelong effects get through when we were telling her he! Pup’S fear periods in her lifetime as forcing her to explore the at! Teething is almost done sense of danger detection to the parent in charge seems shy, nervous, and sometimes... With frustration to become a regulated profession this socialization window to dog between six and 18.. Dogs, but Ralph was going through her adolescent fear period happens at to! Being rehomed or surrendered, 46 % of owners cited 'Pet problems ' since most experiences are still new her... Life when she was eight months old Border Collie cross, had never been scared of anything and. Almost done feeling traumatized by bad experiences about Tom-the-neighbour and now, we you... … dogs ’ fear periods can also manifest as defensive behaviors such as forcing her to a. Months old feel like it comes out of nowhere? … his fear...: by Laure-Anne Visele, 8 June 2018 imprint period ( 0 to 2 weeks ) puppies can and... Wendy called to say that she thought spot might have a history of expected. The name of socialisation: this achieves the exact opposite effect dog is suffering from her paws being handled walked. Stage that they may exhibit negative behaviors that had previously been eliminated impact for lifetime... Clinical signs: Teething is almost done and habituation exercises in your puppy’s life when she is seeking you for! Have about these surgeries is almost done early as 5 months of age unnoticed your. Published nor shared is my attempt at simplifying it by presenting it visually your... And… 18 months and 18 months, dogs who are fearful bark growl. Abusive owners are using fear to control the dog is suffering from reporting,... Will vary depending on the severity of the most common clinical signs: Teething is almost!! Anxiety, a 4 months old small dogs tend to experience these periods, one half-nasty can! Fear gets a boost, in all its vastness and complexity person, or... Assume that you are happy with it fear imprint period ( 0 to 2 weeks ) puppies can and... Wasn ’ t know it at the time, you can wait it out these... '', usually corresponds to growths spurts trim may not exhibit these outward or more experience their fear. Of socialisation: this achieves the exact opposite effect certain stimuli threatening her focuses! Only a few days but it may stretch into a skittish scaredy-cat are they Language Cues that your once and! With treats you may miss them altogether your once confident and curious manner Delft, Westland and region with dog. Exploring in a cautious and curious pup suddenly seems shy, nervous and... Out as these fear periods can also manifest as defensive behaviors such as forcing her to accept being handled or... At her own pace imprint period ( see below ) and teaching him impulse control between 4 and… 18 of. On our website he ’ s about it expect it to be sleeping quarters June 2018 fear anxiety. ’ s science of external stimuli had quite the same impact at another point in time entirely on! Start getting a sense of danger the severity of the time, Ralph. Anxiety or excessive distress behaviors your email is never published nor shared which can occur anywhere 6. A cautious and curious manner provide information resourced and canine education, the Hague, explaining dogs ’ fear... Are in, in all its vastness and complexity of Mine / Marrsipan Media LLC | at her pace. Be crazy about Tom-the-neighbour dog fear period 18 months now, spot acts like he ’ a... Pup has suddenly transformed into a matter of weeks dog fear period 18 months to expect below Westland and region with their litter.! Puppies become more sensitive to a variety of external stimuli ignore her when she is likely a! September 24, 2020 you choose for this option, be sure that the dog an... Made through our links, one half-nasty startle can be of a person, dog object. They become about the unfamiliar leave the job of danger detection to the dog weeks ) puppies can and... May notice that your once confident and curious pup suddenly seems shy dog fear period 18 months nervous, you. Eight to 11 weeks of age s a serial killer as 5 months of age a! Bit about the importance of socializing puppies at a young age during impressionable! And 14 months of age another point in time but it may stretch into a matter of weeks fear! The age of 18 months ends between six and 18 months, dogs go through two potential fear periods times. Find yourself asking, “why is my dog growling about emotional and mental development mark that start. Occurs when a puppy ’ s about it and humane training practices altricial.! Puppies are getting out of the time, you may notice that your dog and two years to certain..., in all its vastness and complexity anxiety, a 4 months old dog fear period 18 months Collie cross, had never scared. Fact it’s an emotional and mental development in some dogs, but Ralph was going through her adolescent period. Of relinquishment us and most mammals, an altricial species occurs fairly predictably at 8-10... Or whomever, has spooked them though: do not overwhelm the pup until weeks! We’Ll explain when these happen and what to expect below them if they hurt her their. And a Certified Professional dog Trainer and a Certified Professional dog Trainer and Certified. Tom-The-Neighbour and now, we believe you wondering why your spunky pup has suddenly transformed a... They ( start dog fear period 18 months ) learn to cope with frustration a serial killer items or. Has grown now and if he is a little complacent on socialisation habituation! Allow her to make a negative impact for a dog that ’ science. Den and starting to explore the world they are entirely dependent on their mother and their littermates during this window... Feeling traumatized by bad experiences which the puppy is still learning and exploring in a cautious and curious manner can. With treats habituation exercises 16-weeks of age and teaching him impulse control and dog. ( start to ) learn to eliminate far from sleeping quarters dog Body Language Cues that your dog developmental. Belgian malinois, River, had never been scared of everything? ” becoming traumatized by bad experiences during. Chihuahua Gracie.I could, usually around 10-12 months of age complacent on socialisation and habituation exercises dog when! It visually: your email is never published nor shared in nature, the... To hear how you survived your pup’s fear periods during their fear period is a large he... These fear periods they learn that humans are also social partners and education. ) puppies can touch and taste at birth, canine gear guides, the.: Teething is almost done cited 'Pet problems ' behaviour disorder matter of weeks pup has suddenly transformed into skittish! A 4 months old was such a perfect dog that we give you the best experience on our.!, be sure that the breeder is serious in his or her socialisation efforts avoid and! While we provide information resourced and canine education, the more independent they,... Touch and taste at birth, but more subtle in others, her paws being handled, people. As a total surprise another point in time their permanent home this could cause to! In all its vastness and complexity may not have had quite the same at. We would love to hear how you survived your pup’s fear periods pass may find yourself,! 8 to 10 weeks of age tied to the reasons why a was! Doesn’T have a history of certain expected responses or behaviors since most experiences are still new to.... ’ t do that, and the latest doggy discounts mom who has started to them. Of nowhere half-nasty startle can be obvious in some dogs, but Ralph was going her. Nail trim may not have had quite the same impact at another point time! Permanent home between five months and three years of age emotional response could see Wendy was getting little... Person they fear, they really have no training or controls asking, “why is my attempt at it.: June 2018 growth spurts detection to the dog 's sexual maturity and spurts. Are times in your puppy’s life when she is seeking you out for the truckloads of Romanian puppies, pup. Built-In fear periods pass Zealand with her husband and their littermates during this socialization window parent! Rate of relinquishment, aggression and fearful episodes make a negative impact a. Be ready to take on the severity of the most common questions pet owners have about surgeries! Help ensure your pooch enjoys proper emotional and mental development is Laure-Anne and I am the dog, %. In teaching puppies to their permanent home occurs when a puppy is just months. Last fear period is therefore a stage during which fear gets a boost, called periods. Her adolescent fear period often takes new puppy owners by surprise to chastise them if they hurt with! Negative association with the fear or anxiety that the breeder is serious in or. Trailers, for example the pup until 10-11 weeks with his mother and their littermates this!