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. What does a puppy’s ‘fear period’ refer to? The picnic table is one example. A fear period is a time during the puppy’s early life when he becomes aware of and potentially frightened by things around him.
There are chances that their puppy or adolescent dogs may be going through what is known as a fear period. But, more important, professional dog trainers can apply techniques for building confidence and counteracting the natural inclination to develop. A fear period is therefore a stage during which the puppy or dog may be more apt to perceive certain stimuli.
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. During this time, puppies and young dogs may show skittish behaviors towards familiar stimuli and act as if they’re seeing them for the first time, or they may manifest a reluctance to approach new things (neophobia, fear of new things). If your puppy seems fearful of a new situation, forcing him into it is the worst thing to do.
You may encounter some increased aggression and renewed testing for position and authority. The fear can be of a person, dog or object. Try not to make a big deal about the thing your dog is afraid of, but incorporate it into future training sessions.
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. She will have to exit eventually on her own. A fear period is therefore a stage during which the puppy or dog may be more apt to perceive certain stimuli threatening.
Ask people to give your puppy a treat. Frensley advises that you remain patient during these times and keep to a familiar routine. Do not force, punish or coddle your puppy if he exhibits fear.