Puppies Perform Better Before Their Adolescent Fear Periods
Puppies tend to absorb new experiences with curiosity and enthusiasm before their adolescent fear periods begin. This is why early socialization and training are so crucial in a puppy’s development. During the first few months of life, puppies are generally more open to new experiences, making it an ideal time to introduce them to a variety of people, places, and situations in a controlled and positive manner.
However, as they transition into adolescence, their perception of the world may shift. Experiences that were previously neutral or positive may suddenly become sources of anxiety or fear. This change can be unsettling for both the dog and their owner, requiring patience and understanding to navigate effectively.
Adolescent Fear Periods: What to Expect
Adolescent fear periods in dogs are much less predictable than the early puppy fear periods. They can occur anywhere between six and eighteen months of age, and some dogs may experience multiple fear periods before reaching emotional maturity. While smaller breeds tend to encounter adolescent fear periods earlier than larger breeds, this is not a strict rule.
Unlike the more structured puppy fear periods, adolescent fear periods can come and go unexpectedly, often lasting two to three weeks. However, some dogs may experience lingering fear-related behaviors for months at a time. For female dogs, hormonal changes due to heat cycles can also influence fear periods, making them more pronounced or prolonged. Owners of intact female dogs should be aware that fear-based behaviors may intensify around heat cycles and may require additional patience and support.
How Adolescent Fear Periods May Look
During these fear periods, you may notice changes in your dog’s behavior, including:
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Increased barking – Your dog may bark more at people, animals, or objects that didn’t previously concern them.
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Reactivity – Lunging, growling, or heightened sensitivity to triggers such as strangers or other dogs.
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Cowering or hiding – Your dog may become more hesitant in new situations or avoid things they previously had no issue with.
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Reluctance to go on walks – They may suddenly refuse to walk in certain areas or seem uneasy in familiar places.
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Startling easily – Loud noises or sudden movements may cause an exaggerated fear response.
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Avoiding social interactions – They might become wary of new people or even familiar faces.
How to Support Your Dog Through Adolescent Fear Periods
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Stay Calm and Patient – Your dog will look to you for reassurance. Avoid forcing interactions or overreacting to their fear.
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Maintain Positive Reinforcement – Reward calm and confident behavior with treats, praise, and playtime.
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Expose Them to New Experiences Gradually – Continue socialization but at a comfortable pace, ensuring each experience remains positive.
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Avoid Encouraging Fear – Refrain from coddling a fearful dog excessively, as this may reinforce their anxious behavior.
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Practice Consistent Training – Sticking to a structured training routine can help build confidence and reinforce positive behaviors.
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Try the Engage-Disengage Game by Alice Tong – This game can be a great way to help your dog work through fear periods by teaching them to calmly observe and disengage from triggers in a controlled way.
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Be Mindful of Hormonal Changes in Female Dogs – If you have an intact female, be aware that fear periods may coincide with heat cycles, requiring extra patience and reassurance.
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Seek Professional Guidance if Needed – If your dog’s fear responses are extreme or persistent, working with a professional trainer or behaviorist may be beneficial.
Understanding and navigating adolescent fear periods can be challenging, but with patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement, most dogs will grow out of these phases and develop into well-adjusted adults. Recognizing that these fear periods are temporary can help you support your dog through this developmental stage, setting them up for a lifetime of confidence and security.
The following infographic was originally published on clickertraining.com in the article ‘Reducing Leash Reactivity’ by Alice Tong of Choose Positive Dog Training. It provides a helpful breakdown of the Engage-Disengage Game, a valuable tool for supporting dogs through fear periods.