The Fear Periods 8 10 Weeks and 6 14 Months
Why is suddenly frightened of strangers?
This is often an issue i buy from owners whose dogs are suddenly cowering in fear upon spotting a stranger once they previously
couldn’t care less. As I plan to assess things and ask several questions, I place a robust emphasis on the dog’s age.
Why is that?
Not many dog owners are conscious of the very fact that dogs undergo “fear periods” during their developmental stages. During these distinct periods dogs may gradually become more and more scared of situations they once seemed to be accepting of.
The fear could also be manifested by overly cautious behaviors where the puppy or dog approaches people or items tentatively, or defensive behaviors involving barking/lunging/growling.
In some cases, dogs may act bold towards certain stimuli and unsure with others.
However, it’s important to notice that dogs are often come scared of specific things at any age and no generalizations can be made.
Let’s take a glance at these fear periods and see how they affect man’s ally .
First Fear Imprint Period: 8 – 10 Weeks
According to Meghan E. Herron, veterinarian and Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists (DACVB), this
first fear period takes place between the ages of 8 and 10 weeks.
During this point , the puppy is extremely sensitive to traumatic experiences, and one scary event could also be enough to traumatize the puppy and have lifelong effects on his future behaviors. The fear are often of an individual , dog or an object.
A fear period is therefore a stage during which the puppy or dog could also be more likely to look at certain stimuli as threatening.
In nature, during this point , puppies are becoming out of the den and beginning to explore the planet around them. This is when puppies would learn (under the guidance of their mother) which stimuli are threatening and nonthreatening for the aim of survival.
At this stage, once puppies are fully mobile and outdoors, a scarcity of caution may get them killed, explains Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist (CAAB)
Patricia McConnell, in her book “For the Love of a Dog.”
Coincidentally, during a domestic setting, this fear period coincides with the time that the majority puppies are separated from their litter mates and moms and are sent to new homes.
Some breeders feel that their puppies are more happy being adopted at a later age.
This is why some plan to sell puppies at 12 weeks.
During the primary fear period it’s important to avoid exposing the puppy to traumatic experiences.
Shipping the puppy or allowing the puppy to undergo elective surgeries at this point isn’t recommended. Veterinarian visits and car visits should be made fun and upbeat.
Stimuli and experiences puppies may find frightening include but aren’t limited to:
Vaccines, cold examination tables, rectal thermometers, grooming sessions and being handled by strangers.
