Second fear period at 5 months?

[StunnedMonkey]

I sometimes see references to a second fear period, usually suggested between 6 and 14 months. Darby is just 5 months, but within the last 3 or 4 days has begun exhibiting almost paralyzing fear to the most mundane things. Like our front door mat that she's walked over hundreds of times. Or a newspaper on the sidewalk during a walk. She'll approach something she's seen dozens of times and freeze, and no amount of prodding will get her to move. Like one corner of the yard or something. Sometimes she even visibly trembles. She doesn't seem fearful of other people or dogs, just inanimate objects or maybe a sound.

She's never been the bravest puppy, but she's never been fearful like this. It sounds like a fear period, but 5 months seems a little early. Anyone else have a similar experience? What's the best way to get her past this?

 

[Toller_08]

Dance's breeder told me to expect her to go through a fear period anywhere between 17-24 weeks, so no, 5 months old isn't too early at all.

I'd just try to make the things Darby is afraid of as much fun as you possibly can, and reward her when she seems comfortable with it. I wouldn't let her run away from the object she's afraid of. I'd bring her toward it calmly (and slowly), and try to assure her that it wasn't anything to be afraid of. I'm sure somebody else will have better/different advice though.

 

[squirtsmom]

Good answer Toller. Baby is having the same problem. And now there are the fireworks.

 

[StunnedMonkey]

Good answer Toller. Baby is having the same problem. And now there are the fireworks.

How old is Baby?

 

[bubbatd]

Reassurance is the best tool ....... I've spent many an hour acting like a fool during a thunder storm or watching fire works !! Weeeeeeeeeee , dance ... cookie time !!! Do it with all the dogs and youngster will get the idea that it's no big deal .