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Second fear phase?

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  • 15-10-2019 7:53pm
    #1
    Taiga
    Registered Users Posts: 350 ✭✭


    Is 5 and a half months too early for second fear phase to set in?

    My little mental case is a jrt x (we think fox terrier in there). Anyway, walking him today as usual and I literally had to pull him from the garden and encourage him off up the road but for some reason he seemed very nervous. He hasn't been like this on walks before, aside from those first few walks out in the world.

    I only kept him out for about 10 minutes and he didn't once sniff etc., he just wanted to get home and was very jittery, tail down.

    Any thoughts?:confused::)


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    #2
    Cherry Blossom
    Moderators, Recreation & Hobbies Moderators, Science, Health & Environment Moderators, Regional North West Moderators Posts: 6,928 Mod ✭✭✭✭Cherry Blossom


    Any time from six months on is possible, the smaller the dog the earlier the fear impact period. It normally comes with sexual maturity so have you noticed any changes associated with that, attempts at humping legs or toys where there was none before or cocking a leg to pee for the first time or attempts to scent mark? I guess if it was my dog, i would just be super vigilant and look for more signs. If it happens again a vet trip might be in order to make sure nothing is physically wrong. I would be also super vigilant that the little dog doesnt get a major scare in the next few weeks.

    Well done for noticing OP, most dog owners go through life completely unaware that theres a first fear impact period never mind a second.


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    #3
    Taiga
    Registered Users Posts: 350 ✭✭Taiga


    Thanks Cherry. My last little guy was quite fearful so he taught me a lot.

    Yes he started cocking his leg around 3 weeks ago and does nearly all the time now. He scent marks on our walks a fair bit with the whole scratchy dance that they do. Today he met a new friend and tried humping him.

    Have we started adolescence? Already?:eek:


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    #4
    Cherry Blossom
    Moderators, Recreation & Hobbies Moderators, Science, Health & Environment Moderators, Regional North West Moderators Posts: 6,928 Mod ✭✭✭✭Cherry Blossom


    Taiga wrote: »
    Have we started adolescence? Already?:eek:

    Lol, yes it sounds like it. They grow up so fast.


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    #5
    tk123
    Registered Users Posts: 14,020 ✭✭✭✭tk123


    Any chance that there’s fireworks going off that might have scared him?


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    #6
    em_cat
    Registered Users Posts: 1,292 ✭✭✭em_cat


    tk123 wrote: »
    Any chance that there’s fireworks going off that might have scared him?

    That’s what I was thinking, Mr C is petrified of them he can smell them before we hear them.


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    #7
    Taiga
    Registered Users Posts: 350 ✭✭Taiga


    Sorry guys, only getting back now. I did think of the fireworks, I didn't hear any that time but doesn't mean he didn't hear anything. He has been his normal self the last two days, on and off nervy around cars but he's generally a brave little soul.

    I'm a little worried too as I have to get him neutered at 6 months (<snip> requirement). I'd rather not get it done when he's especially nervous. I'm wondering if it's better to get him done then or wait a bit longer.


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    #8
    cocker5
    Registered Users Posts: 3,274 ✭✭✭cocker5


    Taiga wrote: »
    Sorry guys, only getting back now. I did think of the fireworks, I didn't hear any that time but doesn't mean he didn't hear anything. He has been his normal self the last two days, on and off nervy around cars but he's generally a brave little soul.

    I'm a little worried too as I have to get him neutered at 6 months (<snip> requirement). I'd rather not get it done when he's especially nervous. I'm wondering if it's better to get him done then or wait a bit longer.

    To be honest I think once you recused him and singed a contract you may have to .. it’s one of the adoption requirements

    Personally from doing research now I’d rather wait until a dog is fully grown .. but rescuing there isn’t always that choice

    What about bringing him to some socialisation classes .. maybe doggie day care one day per week... etc all will help to desensitise him a bit

    Maybe 2 small walks a day .. 10 mins each outside help build confidence


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    #9
    [Deleted User]
    Posts: 0 ✭ [Deleted User]


    If you're concerned it's worth having a chat to the rescue. You might be able to come to some agreement where you neuter him a bit later. I did find it made my terriers fear based issues worse and I do regret not chatting to the rescue and putting it off until I'd had more time to work with him. You live you learn. No harm in talking to them. They may even have some advice for you or may run or recommend classes as suggested above.


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    #10
    Taiga
    Registered Users Posts: 350 ✭✭Taiga


    BuileBeag I was thinking of ringing them and having a chat about it. Even if I get to 8 months of so with him.

    Cocker5 I've been bringing him for two little walks to socialise him better and to tire him out a bit in the evenings as he turns into a hyperactive divil in the evenings. The two walks is definitely great for socialisation isn't it? I try time them so we meet the maximum people and dogs. He has one who told him off for tormenting her and lots of other doggie friends who are only too happy to sniff and play.

    Last night was strange as he seems to have really noticed my last fella's scent I suppose. He ran into the room where I have Mac's collar and tried to get up onto the press to get at it barking and growling. I hid the collar then but he spent the evening barking and growling up a storm and he sniffed every corner of the house and garden. Hubby had to sit with him in the kitchen with the light off to calm him down.
    I know that's off topic but it took me by surprise!


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