Puppy Development Fear Periods
We now know that the first fear period peaks at 8 weeks.
Puppy development fear periods. What does a fear period look like? He cannot regulate body functions such as temperature and elimination. The fear can be of.
This period is when the most rapid learning occurs. Most dog owners will never witness this very first fear period considering that most puppies go to their new homes at 8 weeks, so it's worth noting that when referring to the first fear period, it's the one taking place at 8 to 10 weeks as described below. They already have a fur coat but they cannot yet control their own body temperature.
The puppy responds only to warmth, touch, and smell. Puppies will experience two different fear periods before reaching adulthood. Veterinary behaviorists, this first fear period takes place between the ages of 8 to 10 weeks.
It’s so useful for guardians to know that this stage is temporary and that it is completely normal. Eyes and ears are open, but sight and hearing are limited. During fear periods, puppies become more sensitive and aware of the world around them.
So to take a puppy from everything it knows such as the breeder, littermates and mum at this critical time can have serious repercussions. Young dogs go through two separate “fear periods” as they grow, which are essentially times when the pup is extremely sensitive to bad experiences. As you can see, this period overlaps that of the previous definition and children or animal should not be allowed to hurt or scare the puppy — either maliciously or inadvertently.
The human socialization period begins at seven weeks and ends at 12 weeks. Eyes and ears are open, but sight and hearing are limited. Generally speaking, puppies go through two potential fear periods during puppyhood.