Puppy Development Fear Periods
Growth and development continues into the adolescent phase, beginning at 5 to 6 months and extending up until your pup is 18 months old.
Puppy development fear periods. 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). Young dogs go through two separate “fear periods” as they grow, which are essentially times when the pup is extremely sensitive to bad experiences. Most people realize that puppies have a fear period, however are unaware that there are actually up to 4 recognised fear periods.
During fear periods, puppies become more sensitive and aware of the world around them. Tail wagging begins and the puppy begins to control body functions. 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.
What does a fear period look like? The puppy responds only to warmth, touch, and smell. Fear periods are times during which puppies become more sensitive to a variety of external stimuli.
Newborn puppies are born at the end of nine weeks of pregnancy, with their eyes and ears tightly closed. It’s so useful for guardians to know that this stage is temporary and that it is completely normal. Puppies will experience two different fear periods before reaching adulthood.
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. They already have a fur coat but they cannot yet control their own body temperature. This also coincides with a very critical socialization period.
Eyes and ears are open, but sight and hearing are limited. This second fear period is also at the time many owners are. The fear can be of.