I have an almost 14 month old unaltered yellow male who has suddenly become very fearful of meeting new people and is skittish in certain new environments. He has always loved meeting people and has always been very outgoing, but now seems scared and barks when he first meets new people. Wondering if it’s a fear phase, part of adolescence or what is going on. Not sure how to handle it. He has been doing obedience since he was a young pup and has been well socialized since bringing him home at 8 weeks. Any input would be great! Thank you!
Hi, yes it's a fearful adolescent phase. One day absolutely fine, next day spooked by noises, people, machinery ... anything that was fine before can become scary again. As with when he was very little, patience, increase distance from the scary thing/ people, don't scold for barking/ vocalising , back to treat streaming if you need to and you will get thru it. It's just normal and it will pass. it's quite well documented for adolescent dogs. If you Google "bark side of the moon" you will find podcasts from an Irish unbiased canine behaviourist and there's loads of helpful reassurance in their podcast focussing on adolescent dogs.
Thank you Katrin!! I was hoping that it was a normal adolescent thing. Just so different from how he has always been. I will definitely google “bark side of the moon”. Thanks again! So appreciate the info.
Hi michael, i am so sorry, I am not able to copy the URL for Bark side of the Moon into this reply. I am a bit basic when it comes to online things, sorry. if you Google "bark side of the moon anied" it comes up. Anied stands for animal education and is a website run by a animal behaviourist Anne Rodgers, based in Dublin, Ireland. She also has an enrichment programme #100daysofenrichment with a wealth of positive training/ engagement ideas for all dogs. I hope that helps.
