What To Do During Puppy Fear Period
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.
What to do during puppy fear period. The puppy will interpret such responses as praise for being frightened. It is important to be upbeat and excited about new things and encourage your puppy to feel the same way. In short, this means that, if something deeply frightens your puppy during this time, they can develop a specific phobia of that object or situation in adulthood.
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. How to help your puppy through a fear period. Try not to make a big deal about the thing your dog is afraid of, but incorporate it into future training sessions.
Fear should be handled with patience and kindness. 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. This is to do with the fear imprint period (see below) and teaching him impulse control.
A fear period is a time during the puppy’s early life when he becomes aware of and potentially frightened by things around him. It was in the newfoundland puppy’s environment all the time but in a fear period he became aware of it and decided it was scary. Frensley advises that you remain patient during these times and keep to a familiar routine.
If the dog is out of control, it is all the more critical that you stay relaxed. 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. Things like vacuuming can still be accomplished, but just do it one room at a time while your pup is 8 to 10 weeks old.
Carry super yummy treats with you everywhere you go. The things that cause a fear are not always rational. That will just make him more scared, and that is counterproductive.