Fear stage question

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Sumac3890

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Do they have a fear stage at 11 months? I took Zak for a walk this morning and we passed a bright yellow fire hydrant and he has seen it before but today he acted like he had never seen it before. He acted odd last night when Mark made a funny noise.
I had taken Maggie with us and I took her home and went back to they hydrant with treats and then he was fine and we continued our walk.
 
I'm not sure about a fear stage, but this happens to Lexi every great once in awhile. The other day we went outside and she spooked slightly at a plastic bag sitting in someone's yard. We took her up to it and she got over it :)
 
I'm taking it alittle slow with Tucker, but the other day I took Boo to the Petsmart and when he got inside he went crazy. He started running in circles, barking and lunging toward the door....I also took him for a walk in the park and he had no problem with the other dogs, but when people started walking toward him, he acted the same way....trying to run away, spinning in circles and constantly running from side to side. He was scared to death of the people.....I don't know what's wrong!
 
Sumac3890 said:
Do they have a fear stage at 11 months? I took Zak for a walk this morning and we passed a bright yellow fire hydrant and he has seen it before but today he acted like he had never seen it before. He acted odd last night when Mark made a funny noise.
I had taken Maggie with us and I took her home and went back to they hydrant with treats and then he was fine and we continued our walk.
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That's fairly typical, they go through several fear stages. Ginny started her second fear stage around 9 months old, when she suddenly became VERY frightened of strange dogs and loud noises. She's gotten over the dog fear but we're still working on the fear of noises. Ginny is around 14 months old now.

This site seems pretty good at describing the different stages in puppy development.

http://www.diamondsintheruff.com/DevelopmentalStages.html
 
BOO'S-DAD said:
I'm taking it alittle slow with Tucker, but the other day I took Boo to the Petsmart and when he got inside he went crazy. He started running in circles, barking and lunging toward the door....I also took him for a walk in the park and he had no problem with the other dogs, but when people started walking toward him, he acted the same way....trying to run away, spinning in circles and constantly running from side to side. He was scared to death of the people.....I don't know what's wrong!
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I think in your case David it may not be fear in Boo's case. I tend to think since he is not used to just you and him venturing out to the store or park alone he is in a protective mode. He's probably on high alert and any swift movement as in store doors closing behind you or joggers coming towards you is making him very protective and reactive.
 
David

For years, Boo has been your eyes. Now you can see and that is a BIG change for him - he no longer has to direct you to where you need to walk. You are now independent. Our Shelties pick up on the minutest change in us and he has done this with you. He no longer has a "job" to do when he is out with you and sees people as possible threats to your new well being. Because you can now see people, you are reacting differently to them and he knows this. Continue to take him and socialize him once again in small doses. Once you are comfortable about being out and about by yourself, he will be too. Also, having a new brother shakes up his household. He'll adjust in time.

Take care.
 
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