What To Do During Puppy Fear Period
The best thing that you can do when you encounter your pup struggling with a fear period is to not react at all to the cause of the fear.
What to do during puppy fear period. 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. If you choose for this option, be sure that the breeder is serious in his or her socialisation efforts. If your puppy seems fearful of a new situation, forcing him into it is the worst thing to do.
It is important to be upbeat and excited about new things and encourage your puppy to feel the same way. Try to control your own startle response to your dog's barking or lunging if possible. Firstly, do not panic or react dramatically when a puppy exhibits fearful behavior.
Fear should be handled with patience and kindness. Try to avoid frightening the puppy during this time, since traumatic experiences can have an effect during this period. Give treats with lots of praise in situations where you see your puppy is a little unsure.
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). 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. End on a positive note with lots of treating/praising.
A fear period is a time in your puppy’s life when frightening things can have a significant impact on their mental development. 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. We also strongly recommend that you seek out professional puppy training during these fear stages.
For example, if your puppy was attacked by a dog during the fear period,. The puppy will interpret such responses as praise for being frightened. Do not force, punish or coddle your puppy if he exhibits fear.