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Soothing the Puppy Fear Period

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Puppies go through developmental stages called "fear periods," where they may become startled or anxious about things that didn’t bother them before. These phases are natural but require careful handling to avoid long-term behavioral issues.

What Is a Fear Period?

Fear periods typically occur between 8–10 weeks and again between 6–14 months. During this time, puppies may suddenly become afraid of new or even familiar objects, people, or situations.

How to Support Your Puppy

  1. Stay Calm and Confident:

    • Dogs pick up on your emotions. Maintain a calm demeanor to reassure your puppy that everything is okay.

  2. Avoid Forcing Interactions:

    • Never force your puppy to confront something they are scared of. Instead, let them approach at their own pace.

  3. Use Positive Reinforcement:

    • Pair scary stimuli with treats to create positive associations. For example, if your puppy is scared of a loud truck, reward them for staying calm while the truck passes.

  4. Expose Gradually:

    • Slowly introduce your puppy to new experiences in a controlled way. Keep sessions short and reward progress.

  5. Create a Safe Space:

    • Provide a quiet, comfortable area where your puppy can retreat if they feel overwhelmed.

  6. Practice Confidence-Building Activities:

    • Teach simple tricks or obedience cues to boost your puppy’s confidence and focus.

Common Urban Triggers and How to Address Them

  • Crowds: Start with exposure to small groups before progressing to busy streets. Reward calm behavior at each step.
  • City Noises: Use sound desensitization techniques, playing recordings of sirens or horns at a low volume and gradually increasing it.
  • Unfamiliar Objects: Let your puppy explore items like scooters, umbrellas, or strollers at their own pace. Reward curiosity and calmness.

By addressing the fear period with patience and positivity, you’ll help your puppy grow into a confident, well-adjusted adult dog.

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Interested in getting help with socialization or urban training for your puppy? Check us out at https://socialdogsllc.com!