What To Do During Puppy Fear Period
The puppy will interpret such responses as praise for being frightened.
What to do during puppy fear period. A fear period is a time in your puppy’s life when frightening things can have a significant impact on their mental development. Because at this stage the owner may be dealing with a dog barking and lunging and pulling on the leash, this fear period has a bigger impact, causing the owner to worry about the dog's behavior. 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.
The best thing that you can do when you encounter your pup struggling with a fear period is to not react at all to the cause of the fear. Herron, veterinarian and diplomate of the american college of veterinary behaviorists, ‘…fear period is therefore a stage during which the puppy or dog may be more apt to perceive certain stimuli threatening. 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.
If the dog is out of control, it is all the more critical that you stay relaxed. Frensley advises that you remain patient during these times and keep to a familiar routine. Puppy training is a highly effective way to provide your dog with the ongoing socialization he needs, but that you may be unable or unwilling to provide.
This is to do with the fear imprint period (see below) and teaching him impulse control. 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. Now, if forced to interact with something that makes them uncomfortable, an adolescent may try to avoid first, but quickly may try to use their mouth or body to express themselves.
The things that cause a fear are not always rational. The first fear period, it is best to avoid traumatic experiences during this time such as shipping dogs on a plane and any other overwhelming experience. Ask people to give your puppy a treat.
The second fear phase comes later in. Carry super yummy treats with you everywhere you go. If a pup is scared to leave its crate, ignore her!