Puppy Development Fear Periods
This also coincides with a very critical socialization period.
Puppy development fear periods. Puppies will experience two different fear periods before reaching adulthood. It’s so useful for guardians to know that this stage is temporary and that it is completely normal. Puppy development week by week starts as soon as your puppy is born.
Veterinary behaviorists, this first fear period takes place between the ages of 8 to 10 weeks. The most critical period for puppy development is the age six to eight weeks (everything that happens prior to this is to do with setting the foundations of the animal & why it is essential that you have chosen a good breeder). Growth and development continues into the adolescent phase, beginning at 5 to 6 months and extending up until your pup is 18 months old.
As you can see, this period overlaps that of the previous definition and children or animal should not be allowed to hurt or scare the puppy — either maliciously or inadvertently. Many will go through a fearful time when they begin teething between four and five months of age. We now know that the first fear period peaks at 8 weeks.
Fear periods are a normal part of puppy development, but they also can be overwhelming for dogs. Tail wagging begins and the puppy begins to control body functions. This period is when the most rapid learning occurs.
Puppies experience two fear periods during their development, and each fear period lasts for about 2 to 3 weeks, on average. The puppy now has the brain waves of an adult dog, but the attention span is short. What does a fear period look like?
He cannot regulate body functions such as temperature and elimination. Fear periods are times during which puppies become more sensitive to a variety of external stimuli. Try to avoid frightening the puppy during this time, since traumatic experiences can have an effect during this period.