Hmmmm...well, I have to say I'm still skeptical about the whole "fear period" thing...the classification of it more than its existence, really. After all, I think it is instinctual for dogs and people alike to be afraid of loud noises and such, and being afraid of new things (i.e., stairs, new people, etc.) is not so much a "fear period" thing as a puppyhood thing, or a life experiences thing. I guess it's just the arbitrary classification of a "fear period" that seems unnecessary to me. After all, we don't say that human kids go though a "fear period" from age such-and-such just because they are startled by loud noises and new experiences. Just my opinion...sorry, feeling a bit argumentative today. ^_^