Puppy Development Fear Periods
We’ll talk about when these fear periods occur later on, but for now, let’s talk about what fear periods look like in your pup.
Puppy development fear periods. During fear periods, puppies become more sensitive and aware of the world around them. Puppies will experience two different fear periods before reaching adulthood. Eyes and ears are open, but sight and hearing are limited.
The puppy responds only to warmth, touch, and smell. Most dog owners will never witness this very first fear period considering that most puppies go to their new homes at 8 weeks, so it's worth noting that when referring to the first fear period, it's the one taking place at 8 to 10 weeks as described below. Critical periods in puppy development.
A second fear period can happen during the fifth of sixth month of development, but can happen a bit later, during puppy’s adolescent period (any time between 6 to 12 months of age). Fear imprint period (8 to 10 weeks) the puppy is very susceptible to long lasting effects of fearful stimuli at this stage. What does a fear period look like?
It’s so useful for guardians to know that this stage is temporary and that it is completely normal. Eyes and ears are open, but sight and hearing are limited. If the puppy perceives an event as traumatic, he may generalize it and it could affect him for the rest of his life.
They already have a fur coat but they cannot yet control their own body temperature. They are dependent on their mother or another heat source to keep them warm. Concurrently, the fear impact period begins at eight weeks and ends at 11 weeks.
The fear can be of. He cannot regulate body functions such as temperature and elimination. Great care should be taken to avoid fearful reactions during this stage.