Understanding Puppy Fear Stages

Puppies go through distinct fear stages that are critical for their development, particularly around the ages of five to ten weeks. At five weeks, the initial fear response begins to emerge, becoming significantly stronger at eight weeks, which is when most puppies are rehomed. During this peak fear period, puppies are more sensitive to their environment, making it important for new owners to be aware of this developmental stage. Recognizing these fear stages helps owners provide the right kind of socialization and exposure to new experiences without overwhelming the puppy.