Adolescent Fear Period

DianeP

DianeP

Forums Enthusiast
Did any of your dogs have an adolescent fear period? Mindy is10 months and has never reacted to thunder. The other night, one clap of thunder spooked her and darn it, about 10 minutes later there were fireworks. She hasn’t wanted to play with her toys since. They are in the same part of the condo as she was in when the thunder and fireworks happened.

She was willing to do some obedience work for treats in that area today. She seems fine otherwise, eating and is lively outside but subdued in our living room. Just wondering if others encountered adolescent fear periods with their dogs (if that’s what this is).

Thanks!
 
My Liam is a very shy and reserved sheltie. He went through the fear period and has taken longer to come out of it than I imagined... I agree with Piper's mom. I don't believe yours is a fear period. I have found getting out more, letting youngsters who are responsible over to play with him and obedience has built his confidence. It might take a bit of time but I hope she will get over this isolated fear episode. Positive reinforcement is the key. Many have suggested playing thunderstorms and fireworks indoors on a CD to desensitise the dog to those sounds with constant treats! I have not tried it myself. Let us know how you progress... Good luck!
 
I second Gloria's suggestion of using a CD with thunderstorms and fireworks sounds. You can find them on Amazon. Sit with her and give her treats she loves while it plays. You are definitely in the fear age range so even though it might not be the typical puppy time frame this particular fear could stay with her for a very long time. I have several girls this has happened to, all before 15 months of age when they are suseptible to new fears.
 
Poor Mindy had a rough few days as we had multiple thunderstorms. She spent most of yesterday in her crate and last night snuggled close all night long. Diarrhea today. I feel so badly. She seems depressed. Doesn’t want treats when she thinks it’s going to storm.

In between storms, I took her outside and she acted normally and was playful. It’s hard being a worried mom!
 
DianeP said:
Poor Mindy had a rough few days as we had multiple thunderstorms. She spent most of yesterday in her crate and last night snuggled close all night long. Diarrhea today. I feel so badly. She seems depressed. Doesn’t want treats when she thinks it’s going to storm.

In between storms, I took her outside and she acted normally and was playful. It’s hard being a worried mom!
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I certainly feel your pain! It is hard not to feed into their anxiety. As someone on this board told me... try NOT to do it as they can sense it and feed off it. I have made that error many times...
As you say, It’s hard being a worried mom!
 
ghggp said:
I certainly feel your pain! It is hard not to feed into their anxiety. As someone on this board told me... try NOT to do it as they can sense it and feed off it. I have made that error many times...
As you say, It’s hard being a worried mom!
Click to expand...
Thanks for understanding. It’s like someone stole ourhappy-go-lucky girl. We are trying our best to be calm and supportive to her.
 
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