Puppy Development Fear Periods
Concurrently, the fear impact period begins at eight weeks and ends at 11 weeks.
Puppy development fear periods. The puppy responds only to warmth, touch, and smell. The puppy now has the brain waves of an adult dog, but the attention span is short. This period is when the most rapid learning occurs.
Fear periods are times during which puppies become more sensitive to a variety of external stimuli. During fear periods, puppies become more sensitive and aware of the world around them. Try to avoid frightening the puppy during this time, since traumatic experiences can have an effect during this period.
Veterinary behaviorists, this first fear period takes place between the ages of 8 to 10 weeks. The human socialization period begins at seven weeks and ends at 12 weeks. He cannot regulate body functions such as temperature and elimination.
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. Eyes and ears are open, but sight and hearing are limited. Many will go through a fearful time when they begin teething between four and five months of age.
Puppies experience two fear periods during their development, and each fear period lasts for about 2 to 3 weeks, on average. Your puppy is coming into a new home, leaving behind his mother, and litter mates, and is being introduced to a new family. 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.
This second fear period is also at the time many owners are. Tail wagging begins and the puppy begins to control body functions. What does a fear period look like?