Puppy Development Fear Periods
Concurrently, the fear impact period begins at eight weeks and ends at 11 weeks.
Puppy development fear periods. Fear imprint period (8 to 10 weeks) the puppy is very susceptible to long lasting effects of fearful stimuli at this stage. This period is when the most rapid learning occurs. He cannot regulate body functions such as temperature and elimination.
They already have a fur coat but they cannot yet control their own body temperature. We now know that the first fear period peaks at 8 weeks. Veterinary behaviorists, this first fear period takes place between the ages of 8 to 10 weeks.
So to take a puppy from everything it knows such as the breeder, littermates and mum at this critical time can have serious repercussions. 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. Puppies will experience two different fear periods before reaching adulthood.
Newborn puppies are born at the end of nine weeks of pregnancy, with their eyes and ears tightly closed. They are dependent on their mother or another heat source to keep them warm. Generally speaking, puppies go through two potential fear periods during puppyhood.
Great care should be taken to avoid fearful reactions during this stage. What does a fear period look like? Many will go through a fearful time when they begin teething between four and five months of age.
Growth and development continues into the adolescent phase, beginning at 5 to 6 months and extending up until your pup is 18 months old. 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.