Puppy Development Fear Periods
The puppy responds only to warmth, touch, and smell.
Puppy development fear periods. Fear periods are a normal part of puppy development, but they also can be overwhelming for dogs. Most people realize that puppies have a fear period, however are unaware that there are actually up to 4 recognised fear periods. Concurrently, the fear impact period begins at eight weeks and ends at 11 weeks.
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). Try to avoid frightening the puppy during this time, since traumatic experiences can have an effect during this period. It’s so useful for guardians to know that this stage is temporary and that it is completely normal.
Your puppy is coming into a new home, leaving behind his mother, and litter mates, and is being introduced to a new family. This second fear period is also at the time many owners are. Fear imprint period (8 to 10 weeks) the puppy is very susceptible to long lasting effects of fearful stimuli at this stage.
Eyes and ears are open, but sight and hearing are limited. This also coincides with a very critical socialization period. They already have a fur coat but they cannot yet control their own body temperature.
The human socialization period begins at seven weeks and ends at 12 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. 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).
If the puppy perceives an event as traumatic, he may generalize it and it could affect him for the rest of his life. He cannot regulate body functions such as temperature and elimination. Puppies will experience two different fear periods before reaching adulthood.