Tuesday Training Byte: Dealing with fear periods in pups

Not too far back I took a course called "Savvy Socialization" taught by a veterinarian and a canine behaviorist. Although I was aware of the fear period around 9 weeks of age, I didn't know about the other fear periods. Understanding these various stages a pup may go through has really made my training better informed and fear-free. This in turn has increased the reciprocal bond between me and my dogs.

Stage 1: Three weeks. The pups now have their ears and eyes open and are starting to toddle around and begin to explore their pen. However, at this stage, the puppies have a high startle instinct. To help with this, when I approach the pen I speak softly and don't rush right in a grab a puppy. In addition, I do not run the vacuum near the pen during this time or make other loud noises. I may sit on the floor in the pen and let the pups climb on me.

Stage 2: Around nine weeks. Pups often are sold and go to their new homes at 8 weeks (this is the law in most states and selling or giving away for ANY reason prior to this is detrimental to the puppy). However, the new owner can cause problems for the new furry family member by having lots of people over or taking the puppy out to public places. The ninth week should remain as stress free and chaotic as possible while the pup starts to settle into his new environment. I do not begin leash training at all during this time. I capitalize on the pup's natural following instinct by using food lures to get the pup to follow me around the living room in a "heel" position by my left knee. I can teach him to sit in the heel position with the food lure as well. In a few weeks when I put him on a collar and leash, he will already know to follow in the proper heel position without any pulling. Your puppy does not need to meet every dog or person at this time.

Stage 3: Between five to seven months. At this point, many people enroll their pup in a training class. Be sure that your trainer uses positive reinforcement and no harsh methods. You may want to enroll in an AKC STAR Puppy class. Your instructor should keep the class small and safe and not force the puppy to do anything that may cause it fear. At this age, many people like to start showing their purebred puppy in conformation dog shows. Unless your puppy is already well socialized, the show site can be quite disconcerting.

Stage 4: Between 15 to 17 months. This is sometimes called the adolescent period. A dog that has been well socialized and adjusted suddenly gets frightened at the lawn mower or stepping on the scales at the vet clinic. He may suddenly be afraid to go down the stairs, or bark at a known person who is wearing a hat. Understanding your dog's body language (lip licking, yawning, looking away, stiff body, or pacing trying to get away) should be your cue to remain calm and encouraging, without forcing an interaction. Most dog bites are due to fear and not really aggression. If we don't respect our dog's emotions, like barking and growling in fear, or trying to get away, the dog may resort in biting to get that person to back up and leave him alone. No matter the stage, your responsibility is to be your dog's best advocate. Let your dog make choices without forcing interaction or forcing him to do scary things. Happy training!

This young dog is "pancaked" in a fearful position. He likely did not learn about the heel position early, and now is fearful of new things in stage four. If this happens, go back to training in your living room in a less stressful environment.