Is your puppy all of a sudden showing fear or hesitation to new things or even to things they were previously comfortable with? Your puppy is likely going through a fear stage, which is often overlooked in new puppy ownership. 

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​What are fear stages?

Fear stages are a normal part of puppy development. Puppies go through two main fear stages, one around 8–11 weeks and another around 6–18 months. During fear stages, puppies become more sensitive and aware of the world around them and they may become more hesitant about new places, people, items, or experiences. Even things that they previously were comfortable with. No amount of socialization can prevent them, but the good thing is you can help your puppy to work through them and come out the other side more confident!

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First fear stage (8-12 weeks) 

• ​Puppies will experience their first fear stage right around the time that they are heading into their new homes and adjusting to a new family and environment. Recognizing that puppies are very impressionable, you want to be thoughtful about what your puppy experiences during this critical time. It’s essential to not overwhelm a new puppy. Instead, create situations where they can explore meeting new people and having new experiences without being pressured or forced to interact.

Second fear stage (6-18 months)

• This second stage often takes new puppy owners by surprise. It can be hard to remember that your dog is still a puppy and emotionally developing. It can feel like everything you taught your puppy has fallen apart. The confident, engaged, and smart puppy you had just a day ago is now insecure and worried about a harmless object. Don’t worry—this isn’t forever! At this age, puppies are becoming more independent and reaching sexual maturity. This stage is influenced by hormonal and neural changes, as well as social maturation.

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How to help your puppy during these fear stages

Dogs who experience stress or trauma at this age can experience larger, related behavioral problems or consequences later in life. As a result, it’s crucial to be sensitive to training needs during this time. Fear stages can be misunderstood as puppies being defiant or difficult. However, they’re actually just being uncertain or worried about things in the world around them. 

Even confident and well-socialized puppies go through a phase of feeling concerned about something that might seem silly to us. Your puppy doesn’t have the same understanding of the world. Fear periods are a developmentally normal part of growing up for dogs and something for us to be thoughtful and intentional about preparing for.

If your puppy suddenly develops a fear about someone or something, it can be tempting to try and force your dog to get closer and see that it isn’t scary. But this approach is far more likely to backfire and create a bigger and possibly long-lasting fear. Don’t force your puppy to engage in things that scare them. Instead, give them the space to explore and choose to engage at their comfort level.

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Training Through Fear Stages

Follow these tips to turn the scary situation into a positive learning opportunity.

Step 1: Allow your puppy to move away from whatever scares them.

Step 2: Praise and reward your puppy for looking at the object that scared them. Also, reward them if they look to you for guidance.

Step 3: Allow your puppy to control how close they get to what scared them. Don’t pressure or lure them to get closer. Praise and reward with treats or toys as well as for any positive curiosity or interaction including looking at the object, stepping towards it, sniffing, etc.

Step 4: Keep the training session short and fun. It’s okay if your puppy doesn’t overcome the fear and get completely comfortable with the object that frightened them. End on a positive note with lots of treats and praise.

Step 5: Try not to make a big deal about the thing your dog is afraid of, but incorporate it into future training sessions. Reward your puppy for looking at you or engaging with things that scare them. If possible, engage your puppy with a toy. Let the puppy control the pace and stay at a distance they’re comfortable with.

• Train: Use reward-based training to help your puppy deal with their fear 

• Create structure: Provide a safe space and stick to a routine 

• Show confidence: Let your puppy follow your lead and show them that you're relaxed 

• Be patient: Don't push your puppy to interact more than they want to 

• Socialize: Provide safe opportunities to experience new people, places, sounds, and smells 

Most fearful dogs gradually improve with time, training, and trust