Raising a puppy is a wonderful adventure, but also a huge responsibility. Among the various stages of development that a young dog goes through, one of the most important (and often overlooked) is the fear period. During this time, a dog may start reacting with fear to things that were previously neutral or even enjoyable. It's worth knowing when this stage occurs and how to best support your pup.
What is the fear period?
The fear period is a natural phase in a puppy’s development in which it becomes more sensitive to stimuli and new experiences. During this time, dogs may suddenly start fearing objects, sounds, people, or situations that previously didn’t bother them and were very familiar. Importantly – this is not the result of poor training but a natural part of the maturation of the nervous system and hormonal changes.
When does the fear period occur?
Depending on the size of the breed, fear periods can occur at different times. There are two main fear stages:
First fear period (approx. 8–11 weeks)
– Occurs in all breeds.
– Often coincides with the moment the puppy arrives at a new home.
– The puppy needs a gentle and positive, yet consistent caregiver who will properly socialize it with the surrounding world.
Second fear period (during adolescence)
– Small breeds: approx. 4–9 months
– Medium breeds: approx. 6–14 months
– Large breeds: approx. 6–14 months
– Giant breeds: sometimes up to 18 months of age
This is the moment when a dog may once again start fearing familiar things. If we don’t approach this with understanding and don’t teach the dog how to cope with stress, those fears may become ingrained.
Why is this so important?
During fear periods, the puppy’s brain is literally "reorganizing" itself. Hormonal and neurological changes can cause increased sensitivity, uncertainty, and stress responses. How we react to a dog’s fears can determine its adult behavior.
That’s why it’s worth teaching the dog now that not every unsettling stimulus is a real threat. Properly worked-through fear helps raise a dog that is resilient to stress and ready for everyday challenges.
How to support your dog during the fear period?
- Stay calm – Your dog picks up on your emotions. If you panic – so will the dog. Calmness and composure give a sense of safety.
- Don’t force confrontation – If your dog is scared of something, don’t pull it towards it. Allow your dog to stay near the stimulus and decide on its own when to approach. Running away from the fear source only reinforces the problem. Wait patiently – give the dog time to adjust and calm down.
- Build positive associations – Don’t wait for a problem to arise. From the very first days, show your dog the world – not only on its own paws but also in your arms if needed. This way, it learns about sounds, sights, smells, and realizes they’re part of normal life.
- Don’t punish fear – You can’t “train out” panic. Punishment may deepen the fear and destroy your dog’s trust. Also, don’t excessively comfort the dog during fear – it’s better to be present in a calm, neutral way. Only reward once the dog starts to calm down – this way you reinforce the state of calmness, not fear.
- Seek support – If your dog’s fearful behaviors are very strong or you’re unsure how to handle them, consult with us. We’ll help you work through your dog’s fears and teach you how to respond in such situations to build your dog’s confidence for the future. It’s very important – if your dog tends to be fearful, it can complicate your lives significantly in the future. Work on fear should begin immediately, at the very place where the dog got scared.
This will pass – if you help!
Fear periods don’t last forever, but their consequences can last for years if ignored. Your dog isn’t “pretending” to be scared – it genuinely feels fear.
How you respond can either build your dog’s confidence or destroy it.
If you have a puppy – prepare for this stage. If you have an adult dog – support it if you notice sudden changes in behavior. Awareness, empathy, and a calm, consistent approach are the keys to success.
