But if you have a dog going through their first year of life, the most common ages where we see the signs of a fear period are between 8-11 weeks of age, and between 6-14 months of age. Both periods can be expected to last between 2-3 weeks.
Normally, puppy fear periods don't last for longer than a couple of weeks or months at most. In fact, many dogs overcome their fear periods after just a couple of weeks, provided they are trained by a positive role model. However, some puppies may be naturally more fearful or scared than others.
Fear should be handled with patience and kindness. Allow him to retreat and try again from a distance where he feels comfortable. Praise positive behavior. Additionally, routine training during this period can help set him up for success.
Puppies will generally experience their first fear period around 8–11 weeks. Coincidentally, this fear period happens right around the time they are coming home and adjusting to a new family, and starting to explore the world.
The puppy fear stages are a completely normal part of puppy development, so you shouldn't fret when you notice your fur baby acting skittish. They usually happen one or two times before your dog reaches one year of age, but some may experience up to four fear stages.
Whining, barking, or excessive panting are also telltale signs that a puppy is fearful or stressed. Freezing in place, refusing to come out from a secure place, or trying to run away can also be signs of distress or alarm and may accompany a fear period.
Adolescent fear period (age 6-14 months)
Also known as “the fear of situations period,” this phase typically corresponds to a dog's growth spurts (and sexual maturation, in intact puppies). It's a normal developmental period during which new things seem scary, even if they didn't used to (source).
At somewhere from 6 months to 18 months (depending on the size of your pup) they will hit the “Second Fear Phase”. This is pretty dramatic and is sometimes just fobbed off as “ohh, it's just teenagers for you” – but it can come with some more worrying underlying issues that you should be aware of.
Extreme fear and anxiety can occur in dogs for many different reasons. For example, loud noises, storms, fire, and unfamiliar people and places could all trigger fear and anxiety. Fears may also be caused by bad experiences, such as trips to the veterinarian or time spent in boarding kennels.
If you notice your 5 month old puppy is suddenly afraid of familiar things, it's probably because it has entered the so-called fear period. The fear period for dogs occurs at the same time as the dog approaches adolescence and puberty, but doesn't last as long.
Why is my puppy so scared? The most common reason why you may have a scared puppy is lack of socialisation. Puppies are young and have only just begun learning about the world so they are understandably wary of things they are unfamiliar with, whether this be new people, strange appliances, or even other dogs.
Myth: A 6 week old puppy who is showing signs of shyness will outgrow that shyness as he gets older. Fact: Probably not. Contrary to popular opinion, it is not normal for a puppy to be shy at 6-8 weeks of age. It is something that – as a general rule – they will not outgrow.
Training fearful dogs generally takes place on the timescale of months and years, not hours and days. Some extremely fearful dogs really blossom – but it generally takes years of hard work to get there. Every owner will have a different goal for their dog.
The good news for pet parents is that yes, dogs can overcome their fears.
Opt to give your pup some crate or playpen time to help them calm down, or you can choose to redirect that energy into good, by giving them something productive to do and actively working them through it, like practicing some on-leash training routines. Don't believe the myth “they will grow out of it”.
Fear stages in dogs typically occur at two different times: between 8–11 weeks, and 6–14 months. There's nothing you can do to prevent these fear periods, but you can give your puppy a helping hand so they come out the other side as a more confident dog.
Behavior & Pain While In Heat
Much like humans, female dogs experience cramps and hormonal changes when their bodies are preparing to mate. Also, like humans, this can be uncomfortable and can make them feel irritable and emotional. Be sure to consider your dog's feelings and needs during this time.
Common symptoms of anxiety include increased vigilance, drooling, panting, restlessness, compulsive behavior, changes in sleep patterns, more barking than usual, urinating or defecating indoors, destructive behavior, and depression.
A fearful dog may lean away, lean back, tremble, crouch, lower his body or head, or roll onto his side or back. Often, his eyes will often be fully open with large pupils, his forehead will be wrinkled, and his tail will be lowered or tucked.
Behavior modification protocols have the potential to rehabilitate moderately to severely fearful dogs, preventing euthanasia. The treatment protocols drove behavioral improvement, as dogs in the delayed onset group did not show improvement until they started behavior modification sessions.
By training a reactive dog you will learn more about yourself and your dog than you ever thought possible. So the answer to the question “can reactive dogs be helped?” is that yes, they can be helped, they can live a normal life and they are definitely worth the time and effort that goes into it.