Fear periods are very real and should not be taken lightly! It can and does set things in a dog for life if not handled correctly or not at least understood. If you don't think it happens then watch a pup closely from 8 to 16 weeks and chances are you will "see it" if even very briefly. In most dogs it is so fleeting that your average dog owner "misses it". Seperation anxiety is a biggie that manifests itself out of this "fear period".

Before 8 weeks most pups are boundless bundles of energy and have no fear at all. Then small fears start to creep in. I'm not going down those steps, I'm not going near "that thing" or it will eat me up! No matter how much coaking you do, the pup refuses. It is at this time when you need to be the gentle persuader and confident handler of your pup. If you are then your pup will not have issues dealing with this. However, if you handle it wrong and force your pup to do something and then he does end up getting the living scare of his life, then you have issues to deal with in pups life that could of been prevented if only you had used a little more caution.

Ever hear stories of "my dog just refuses to go up or down stairs" or "as long as I'm around everything is fine but when I leave...." . Most of these are fear related traumas that the dog never got adjusted too.

It can happen anytime between 8 and 16 weeks and then again at different stages until around 18 months. Don't worry about it but be aware it does exist and understand what your pup may be dealing with.