Puppy Development Fear Periods
Generally speaking, puppies go through two potential fear periods during puppyhood.
Puppy development fear periods. Puppies will experience two different fear periods before reaching adulthood. This also coincides with a very critical socialization period. Newborn puppies are born at the end of nine weeks of pregnancy, with their eyes and ears tightly closed.
They already have a fur coat but they cannot yet control their own body temperature. It’s so useful for guardians to know that this stage is temporary and that it is completely normal. Most people realize that puppies have a fear period, however are unaware that there are actually up to 4 recognised fear periods.
This period is when the most rapid learning occurs. 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). Veterinary behaviorists, this first fear period takes place between the ages of 8 to 10 weeks.
Puppies experience two fear periods during their development, and each fear period lasts for about 2 to 3 weeks, on average. Your puppy is coming into a new home, leaving behind his mother, and litter mates, and is being introduced to a new family. During fear periods, puppies become more sensitive and aware of the world around them.
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). Concurrently, the fear impact period begins at eight weeks and ends at 11 weeks. Growth and development continues into the adolescent phase, beginning at 5 to 6 months and extending up until your pup is 18 months old.
Many will go through a fearful time when they begin teething between four and five months of age. 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. Eyes and ears are open, but sight and hearing are limited.