01/13/2025
It's Friendly Dog Friday once again!
Last time we discussed Single Event Learning and the effect this can have on Socialization. This week we are going to talk about Fear Periods as they often go hand-in-hand with Single Event Learning.
As the accompanying info graphic from Rescue Dogs 101 notes, it is generally accepted that you can expect 2 Fear Periods in young dogs. The first usually occurs around the 8 to 11 weeks old mark. This often coincides with the puppy leaving his dam and littermates to join his or her new family, which is why we need to be extra aware of how our new puppies are handling the stress of transitioning from their breeder's house to our homes.
One way we can get an idea how our puppies are coping is to monitor their startle response to new noises, environments and sights. Ideally, we want them to startle and recover quickly. If they startle and run away and hide, or hit the floor and freeze, or cry and shake- we need to take some steps to help our puppies gain confidence in dealing with whatever has frightened them. It's important to take the time it takes along with patience and encouragement and positive reinforcement in order to work through a fear period.
The same applies to the 2nd Fear Period that generally occurs between 6 to 14 months old. This one can be even more frustrating as your dog may start reacting to things that previously never bothered them. Your frustration may lead you to want to correct your dog but this can actually make things exponentially worse. Once again taking your time and using positive reinforcement like treats, favorite toys or even encouraging interactions with you as a way to build/rebuild confidence is going to give you a better long-term outcome!
If you need help coming up with strategies to deal with a fear period, please comment or send us a message!
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