How To Deal With Your Puppy’s Fear Issues

It’s no secret that welcoming a puppy into your family can be a trying process for a variety of issues. While your family works to adapt to your puppy’s lifestyle, your new furry family member may have some adjustment issues of his own. 

Many times, this can manifest itself through fear, and you might find that your dog has become a bit of a scaredy cat. Luckily, there are strategies you can use to help your puppy grow into a confident, happy canine. Below, we’ll share a few tips on how to deal with your puppy’s fear issues. 

Talk With Your Veterinarian

While your puppy’s fears can be alarming, note that being wary of the outside world is a fairly normal part of puppyhood. It’s up to you as a pooch parent to support your newfound furry family member so that he can grow up to be a confident canine. That being said, it can be helpful to confide in your veterinarian for some basic tips and reference on your dog’s usual stages of development. 

Identify Your Puppy’s Triggers

One of the most important things you can do to deal with your puppy’s fears is to pay close attention to his triggers. Whenever you notice your pooch acting sheepish, take the opportunity to notate the source of the fear. This is crucial so that you’re able to thoroughly address your puppy’s fears in a strategic manner. Note that it may take a couple of observation sessions to figure out exactly what your dog is afraid of, so keep a diligent eye out. 

Go Slow

Once you’ve identified your puppy’s sources of fear, start the desensitization process. While desensitizing your dog, it’s vital that you follow his lead in terms of pace and proceed slowly. For example, let’s say your dog is afraid of a hair brush. You’ll want to start by placing the hairbrush down on the floor. Anytime your dog looks at the brush, give him treats and praise.

Once he’s comfortable, you can proceed to the next stage of having him sniff the hairbrush while it’s on the floor. Continue to phase in more involvement with the fear stimulus until the fear is removed entirely. Remember, patience is key. This process can take days, weeks, or even months depending on your puppy’s fears. 

Socialize Strategically

One of the most common challenges of raising a puppy is the critical early socialization period. While you may be eager to throw your pooch into the deep end at the dog park once he’s received his puppy vaccines, this can be extremely overwhelming. Instead, schedule some 1-on-1 pooch playdates with a well trained dog you trust. This will allow your puppy to develop his playing style and gain confidence in a safe space. You can also ask your veterinarian or local pet shop if they host puppy playgroup sessions. 

Seek Out Help 

When in doubt, don’t be afraid to seek out help! Dog behaviorists or trainers can be an excellent investment early on to make sure your pooch grows with confidence. For a more affordable option, you can seek out group training sessions at your local pet store. These classes are great for bonding with your puppy, and will also give your pooch the chance to be around other dogs in a safe, controlled environment. 

Be Patient

As frustrating as puppyhood can be, know that this stage usually doesn’t last forever. With patience and practice, your puppy is bound to grow into a confident, skilled canine good citizen. Young dogs all have some degree of fear as they are just figuring out the world, but in time, they’ll learn that the world is a great place to be in. 

Your pooch will grow to appreciate overcoming his fears and will enjoy the opportunity to bond with you. Know that you’re never alone with puppy training.

What to do whats best for your pup? When you get your pup spay or neutered, don’t forget you can bank their stem cells to help them as they age. Learn More