once upon a time ...
I sat on the edge of my chair, clamping my teeth, as Felix trembled under the table. This was not going to plan. In the room, was the customer, Colleen who was sprawled on the floor, enticing the puppy out from under the table; cajoling him with tidbits and treats. Colleen’s Mum was optimistically chatting away; “How cute is this puppy!” she exclaimed.
Unfortunately, Colleen’s Mum was not the one to impress. On the iPhone via a video call, was a very experienced and well-regarded trainer who had been brought in to assess Felix’s capacity to become a therapy dog. And she wasn’t impressed.
What are the fear periods in puppies?
A fear period is a phase where the brain activates for danger more readily than usual. Fear periods occur during times of rapid cognitive growth. As a trend, a fear period does seem to pop-up, at about the same time as physical growth spurts. During a fear period, you may observe that your confident and friendly puppy is more cautious and reserved. Puppy owner’s commonly report that their puppy becomes more reactive to noises, novel experiences or sudden movements, as they transition through a fear period. There are three main developmental fear phases that a young puppy will experience on his way to maturity.
The key to having a ‘well-rounded’ adult dog is to recognise and understand the fear periods that puppies go through, and how these can impact their overall development and emotional well-being.
🐾 Understanding a puppy’s developmental fear periods is important in order to provide the right training, support and socialisation at each phase.
Adolescent fear period
The two last fear stages are around 6–13 months, and around 14-18 months, where adolescent pups might suddenly become cautious or reactive towards things they were previously comfortable with. This stage can coincide with hormonal changes, and careful environmental management is needed to set the dog up for success, not put them in a position where they may ‘fail’. It’s a good time to revisit training, focus on building confidence, and continue appropriate exposure and socialisation.
🧠The Role of Fear Periods
The First Fear Period
Around the 8–12 week mark, puppies experience their first significant fear period. This is when they become particularly sensitive to new experiences and can easily form fear-based responses. During this window, it’s important to ensure that any exposure to new environments or stimuli is positive and non-threatening. Negative experiences at this stage can lead to long-term fear or aggression issues. This sensitivity is linked to the puppy’s rapidly developing nervous system, which makes them more reactive to stimuli.
Some puppies may experience a second fear period, usually around the 4–6-month mark. This is typically a shorter phase but can still lead to heightened sensitivity and reactivity, particularly to unfamiliar people, animals, or environments.
The fear instinct is involuntary and a natural part of puppy development. As a puppy moves towards increased independence, they must respond to potential threats in their environment to stay safe and protected. From the time of birth, the Mumma dog diligently defends her litter. The vulnerable puppies are defenceless and vulnerable. As they venture out of their safe haven into the wider world, puppies encounter an infinite array of novel experiences. It’s a lot to process for a young puppy. It is understandable that a puppy would react with caution and reservation. Fear periods are therefore characterised by the fight-or-flight response, which is triggered by specific chemicals, mainly adrenaline and cortisol.
ADRELINE
Adrenaline is responsible for the immediate fight-or-flight response, making animals more reactive and alert to perceived threats. Whether they choose to flee or defend themselves, depends on their temperament, past experiences, and how they are managed during these fear periods.
CORTISOL
Cortisol, the stress hormone, plays a key role in managing longer-term stress. Repeated exposure to stressful situations without appropriate management can result in chronic anxiety and reactivity in the dog.
💪 How to Support Your Puppy Through Fear Periods
Fear periods can be daunting for both puppies and their owners, but with the right support and lots of positive reinforcement, puppies can navigate these stages and become more confident and resilient.
Here are a few tips to help manage fear periods…
Reward behaviours you like when you see your puppy doing them. This includes calm behaviour. DO NOT punish fearful responses, which could make the situation worse. Puppies do not misbehave the way humans interpret it! Their behaviours are usually natural responses to their environment, and what we might label as “misbehaviour” is often just a result of unmet needs, confusion, or stress.
Introduce new experiences gradually, ensuring that your puppy doesn’t become overwhelmed. Make new interactions positive and manageable.
One small way to help your puppy, is to remain patient and calm. Remember dogs feed off your energy. Remember that fear periods are temporary. Remain calm, and don’t force your puppy into situations they find intimidating.
FELIX THE FEARLESS
Remember young Felix who I mentioned in the introduction. Fortunately his care team recognised that this behaviour was uncharacteristic and he was likely to be in a fear period.The owner decided to take him home on a trial. Several weeks later, I received the following email.
I just wanted to provide an update on Charlie. He has had a lot of exposure to different environments during the last 2 weeks, including shopping centres, trains, the Melbourne CBD, my work place, as well as commencing behavioural-based puppy pre-school.
I am very happy to advise that your description of 'Felix' in the Puppy of the Week profile as being 'bombproof' is quite apt. The characteristics he has demonstrated in a very short time are something which can be developed. And he is fitting into the household really well. He really is a gorgeous puppy. (Which is a relief because I don't think my heart could take it if I had to return him. 😊) As a result, I am writing to inform you that I am terminating our verbal agreement effective immediately, as Charlie has been able to demonstrate attributes which can be developed with a goal of becoming an assistance dog. I wanted to thank you so much for your patience, and for matching me with 'Felix'. He is a beautiful little man.
BURRINJUCK SOCIALISATION PROGRAM
A puppy’s brain from 6 weeks to approx 16 wks is a sponge for learning.
Researchers reflect that the age span for optimal socialisation goes back to wolves in the wild. Around the 6 week mark, wolf pups would venture out from the safety of the den. It would be the responsibility of the wolf pack to begin teaching skills for survival.
Burrinjuck Labradoodles offer a Socialisation Program from 6 weeks of age. We provide over 100 different sensory experiences in a range of environmental; social and cognitive contexts. Every puppy enrolled will receive a professional grooming experience and a report card and personalised grooming guide.
Families who sign up for the Socialisation Program will also receive a Check-List Form and a individualised written Report with suggestions for continuing the Socialisation at home.