Why Is My Previously Confident Young Dog Acting Scared?

Fear periods are a natural part of a puppy’s developmental process, during which they may become more sensitive to their environment and exhibit heightened fear responses. These stages are critical for shaping a dog’s behavior and confidence. Understanding when they occur, how they manifest, and how to help your puppy through them is crucial for helping your puppy become a confident, well-adjusted adult dog.

When Do Fear Periods Happen?

Puppies go through multiple fear periods during their growth. These typically occur during two main developmental windows:

First Fear Period (8 to 11 weeks old):

This stage often coincides with the time puppies are rehomed, making it a vulnerable period for many. During these weeks, puppies are more sensitive to new experiences, sights, and sounds. They may react fearfully to things that didn’t bother them before.

Due to this timeline, some breeders may prefer to keep their litters until 10-12 weeks of age to set their puppies up for success.    

Second Fear Period (~6 to 14 months old):

Also called the “adolescent fear period,” this stage typically arises during a dog's teenage months, when they are still maturing mentally and physically. It may last several weeks or months and can be more noticeable in some breeds or individual dogs. Small breeds and herding breeds tend to go through fear periods at a younger age than other breeds, which can happen before the 6 month mark.

During this time, puppies may suddenly show fear of familiar objects, people, or situations they previously handled well. This may take unsuspecting owners by surprise, as they watch their typically confident young dog take a confusing backslide into fear and/or reactivity.

What Do Fear Periods Look Like?

A puppy or young dog going through a fear period may exhibit several signs that indicate heightened anxiety or sensitivity:

Sudden Fearfulness 

Your puppy may become scared of things they were once comfortable with, such as household objects, strangers, or even other dogs. A garbage can that they used to walk by without issue may now cause them to cower or back away.

Avoidance

They may avoid certain areas, people, or situations, showing signs like turning away, freezing, barking, or trying to run.

Increased Vocalization

Fear might be expressed through defensive behaviors like barking at new or unusual stimuli, or growling at things that seem unfamiliar or threatening.

Startle Responses 

During this time, your puppy might seem to be startled easily by loud noises, sudden movements, or unexpected objects.

Cowering or Hiding 

Fear may manifest as physical avoidance, such as cowering, tucking their tail, or seeking shelter under furniture or behind you.

How to Help Your Puppy Through Fear Periods

The way you handle these fear periods can make a significant difference in your puppy’s long-term emotional development. Here are strategies to help your dog during these times:

Stay Calm and Reassuring

Your dog will pick up on your emotions, so it’s essential to stay relaxed and composed. If you react with stress or frustration, your puppy may associate their fear with a reason to be even more anxious. Use a calm, confident voice and gentle touch to reassure them.

Avoid Overwhelming Situations

Doing too much during fear periods can do more harm than good. While socialization is important, don’t force your puppy into situations that may be too overwhelming. If they’re scared of something, let them observe it from a safe distance rather than pushing them toward it. 

There is nothing wrong with taking several steps back during this time, or keeping your dog away from potentially scary situations during the fear period. It may seem like several steps back, but trust that your dog will emerge from their fear period more confident if you don’t push their limits.

Positive Reinforcement

Reward your dog with treats, praise, or affection when they show courage or approach something they were previously fearful of. This helps them form positive associations with what they are experiencing. It is important to not punish fearful behavior. Instead, reward calmness and bravery. Set your dog up in situations where they are likely to succeed and keep corrections and punishment to a minimum. 

Use Desensitization

Gradually expose your dog to new stimuli in controlled, low-stress situations. For example, if your dog is scared of the vacuum cleaner, start by leaving the vacuum in the room without turning it on, rewarding your dog for staying calm around it. Play a vacuum sound at very low volume while playing with your puppy or giving them treats. Over time, you can work up to turning it on and rewarding your puppy for calm behavior.

Socialization Without Pressure

Continue to introduce your puppy to new experiences, but keep the encounters positive and low-pressure. During fear periods, aim for shorter, less intense exposures to new environments, people, or animals. Engage in fun activities like playing or training in new environments to help your dog associate these places with positive experiences.

Stay Consistent

Consistency in routines, such as feeding, training, and walks, can provide a sense of security during these unsettling periods. Ensure your puppy feels secure in their home environment. Having a safe space, such as a crate or a quiet room, can be reassuring.

Patience Is Key

Understand that fear periods are temporary but natural. Patience and support will help your puppy navigate through these phases, so try not to rush them through their fears.

When to Seek Professional Help

While fear periods are a natural part of a dog’s development, some dogs may need extra help. If your puppy’s fear seems extreme, lasts longer than usual, or if they develop phobias that persist, it may be helpful to consult a professional dog trainer or a veterinarian specializing in animal behavior. These experts can provide tailored guidance and strategies for managing fear.

Fear periods in puppies and young dogs are brief but crucial phases in their emotional development. By being patient, calm, and supportive, you can help your puppy build confidence and emerge from these stages as a well-adjusted, confident adult dog. Understanding and guiding them through these sensitive times can prevent long-term anxiety or behavioral issues and help foster a lifelong bond of trust.

My Experience With Fear Periods

My puppy Yoshi was 5 months old when I noticed he was suddenly having a difficult time coping with situations he previously handled very well. Thankfully, I knew about the adolescent fear period and was watching for the signs. I have a breed that is known for having rough adolescent stages and an increase in reactivity (Icelandic Sheepdog), which is exactly the path my little guy went down.

My first indication was him shying away from someone he had happily met before. As soon as I saw him cower instead of running up to this person wagging his tail, I thought “Is it happening?!” 

After all, Yoshi was only 5 months old - wasn’t he a bit young to be entering his adolescent fear period?

After talking to some dog savvy friends, I was told that herding breeds can enter their adolescent phase earlier than other breeds, and sometimes dogs can even have two bouts of adolescent fear periods (one around 5-8 months and another after a year old). 

As the week progressed, Yoshi continued to show me signs that he was struggling. He began barking excessively in puppy class and was less willing to take treats - a tell tale sign of stress. 

I knew I had to support him at this time, so we skipped his next two puppy classes and focused on training at home and working on easy confidence and body awareness building exercises. 

When we returned to class two weeks later, he was back to the confident puppy that I knew before; and he even enthusiastically ran up to greet the same person he cowered from the month before, tail wagging as fast as ever!