[networkn]

Hi, Thunder will be approx 15 weeks next week, and we have been told this is usually the start of a fearful period. I am not sure how long it lasts or how we can prepare for this in the best way.

I have been told not to reassure him as this reinforces his fears as legitimate, but I have also been told to make sure he knows you will protect him if things get out of hand. I am not sure how to balance that and I was hoping as usual to try and squeeze some information out of you lovely experienced people to give Thunder his best chance.

 

[JasperLoki]

Originally Posted By: networknHi, Thunder will be approx 15 weeks next week, and we have been told this is usually the start of a fearful period. I am not sure how long it lasts or how we can prepare for this in the best way.

I have been told not to reassure him as this reinforces his fears as legitimate, but I have also been told to make sure he knows you will protect him if things get out of hand. I am not sure how to balance that and I was hoping as usual to try and squeeze some information out of you lovely experienced people to give Thunder his best chance.

A nice little chart to help with future stuff

http://www.diamondsintheruff.com/DevelopmentalStages.html

I think one of the biggest problems that people create in puppies/dogs is reinforcement of negative/unwanted/fearful behavior, it sounds like your ahead of things

I think starting to work on focus and being a strong alpha leader, and him seeing you as such, will help out.

A-W guide of behavior in dogs (for future reference if needed)

http://www.petplace.com/dogs/behavior-problems-in-dogs/page1.aspx

A couple other helpful links

http://www.petplace.com/dogs/what-should...-age/page1.aspx

http://www.petplace.com/dogs/what-to-expect-from-your-16-week-old-puppy/page1.aspx

http://www.petplace.com/dogs/what-to-expect-from-your-6-month-old-puppy/page1.aspx

http://www.petplace.com/dogs/what-to-expect-from-your-9-month-old-puppy/page1.aspx

http://www.petplace.com/dogs/sexual-behavior-in-dogs/page1.aspx

http://www.petplace.com/dogs/when-your-pup-turns-adolescent-the-real-dog-days/page1.aspx

http://www.petplace.com/dog-breeds/german-shepherd-dog.aspx

Good luck

Also, forgot at which age, but a "light switch" seems to go on (maybe at 12-14 months) not sure, LOL, but they change

It's like they have discovered themselves