Guest WoobiesMom Posted June 18, 2007 Report Share Posted June 18, 2007 My very skittish and fearful BC mix was doing so well and making such great progress. He turned 9 mos. on the 15th (about) and almost to the day reverted back to his freaking out, scared of his shadow, fearfulness. It's been pretty constant and is happening with the most innocuous thing such as me speaking in a low voice. Is this a normal age to have another bout of fearfulness? I'm doing all the patient, counter-conditioning things I've done from the beginning, but it's so disheartening and frustrating. Just when I was getting a little cocky thinking that we were licking this scardey dog thing and I feel like we're back at square one. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Northof49 Posted June 18, 2007 Report Share Posted June 18, 2007 Yep, unfortunately it is. Anywhere from 9 - 12 monts most dogs will go through another fear stage. How long it lasts and the severity of it really depends on each dog. You just have to work your way through it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alaska Posted June 18, 2007 Report Share Posted June 18, 2007 Here's a good link for you to read: Canine Developmental Stages From that page: "Second Fear Period (6-14 months): Many dogs will show a rise in their level of aggression (reactivity) during this time. They may become protective and territorial, and may make a new attempt to dominate owners. Incidents of teenage flakiness may recur." Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sweet_ceana Posted June 18, 2007 Report Share Posted June 18, 2007 Ceana started acting really wierd around nine months (scared and growly), but she is 13 months now and is doing much better. She also tried to stop listening around nine months... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Root Beer Posted June 18, 2007 Report Share Posted June 18, 2007 If your dog has fear issues, regression can happen at any time. Speedy went through a terrible panic/phobia/fear episode when he was 4 years old. He had been doing so well and I had to start all over. And it was disheartening, but we worked through it and it was worth it in the end. So, hang in there, be patient, and keep doing what you're doing. The good times are worth all the work it takes to get them through the bad times! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest WoobiesMom Posted June 19, 2007 Report Share Posted June 19, 2007 Thanks so much for the input and the link! It is a bit disheartening, he'd just graduated from Level 1 in obedience and now he's back to start. Level 2 is dealing with distractions and he's back to freaking out. Oh well, it's not like I didn't know he'd be alot of work and require tons of patience, I'd just started to relax and get cocky. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.