Fear Periods

[Swissies4Me]

What are the age ranges for puppies fear periods?

[mezmerelda]

If you are Indy, it's from birth through forever.

Sorry, I don't have a good answer for that.

[borzoimom]

Well having had a few different breeds, I have found that some breeds can vary.
Shepherds, it seems to be about 12 weeks and again about 5 months old.
Most toy breeds, its about 10 weeks and 2 years old.
Borzoi, well I would not call it 'fear period", but more like " independance of self"- ie refusing what " offends them". This is about 6 months old.

As a trainer, I have noticed a pattern in some breeds, however- except for shows, I do not see Swisses much in my classes. Barely a handful, and those just seemed to be slightly 'weary' at about 6 months old. However- not enough of them for me to see an " overall" breed trait.

[Swissies4Me]

If you are Indy, it's from birth through forever.

LOL, poor Indy.

I think one is between 6-9 months, but I'm not sure of the others. My normally VERY confident Ms. Ruger has been much more cautious lately, definitely not her outgoing take on anything self. She's almost 13 months and I'm not sure if one of the fear periods is between 12-18 months or if that just when they usually hit their wonderful teenage years. Could it also have to do with her being in heat? Her more cautious attitude came about just about the same time she came into heat.

[mezmerelda]

Yes, it could have to do with her heat cycle. Indy became super cautious right before her first heat and through the entire cycle. Second heat made her very friendly and confident for three weeks.

[Swissies4Me]

Interesting, thanks Melissa. Guess it must have to do with those crazy hormones!

[borzoimom]

Melissa is right. With some females, they uh well can get a little "squirrely" when in season.

[Terry]

they say between 6-9 months. Daisy had one around 6 months old where she wouldn't go up the steps of my apartment at the time. Have no idea why, but it wasn't an option. tried coaxing with treats, etc, finally but her slip collar on and basicall drug her upstairs. Never had any problems after that.

[Yeti_Girl]

I know for my swissy boy 18months to 3 years was his teenager stage. Fun times!

[Cole's Mom]

Cole is two and he is still scared of everything....so he and Indy would get along great.

[Dinero]

As a swissy owner, my answer for my boy is birth through now. He is brave about random things. he could care less about the vaccuum, lawn mower, other really loud noises. But if i am holding a cookie sheet or a frying pan, he is scared out of his mind and runs out of the room. Makes no sense

[Swissy Mom]

I can't say about Swissy fear stages as we haven't hit one yet. I think Cash is perfectly normal...for a Swissy. He is afraid of the strangest things, but then unfazed by things I would expect to spook him. He is okay with the vacuum, dremel and other noises. Bikes, skateboards and other wheeled things are fine. The kids left their bike helmets out today, though, and Cash was just positive they were evil creatures out to get him. He's also terrified of any bowl he's never met.

[mezmerelda]

This reaffirms my belief that Swissies are nut jobs.

[Terry]

well you can add mastiffs to that club. Daisy will not take any food from a bowl. Scared to death of them. Will sit there and back up and bark at it. Water is fine. go figure. The only thing is now she is getting a tad dog aggressive. I have no idea why.

[2amazonblondes]

Going on five years with Heidi

[Dinero]

more play dates for daisy with big D and Benny are needed =) she misses her boyfriend. Thats all

[Terry]

more play dates for daisy with big D and Benny are needed =) she misses her boyfriend. Thats all

any time steph! I really do think that is part of the problem, she hasn't really interacted with other dogs in a while other than my other two and her "cousins".