Puppy Fears

How can I help my puppy with her fears?

It was my dad’s birthday so I went to pick up balloons.  I knew I had a winner when I saw a huge fish balloon.  Who doesn’t love fish balloons?  As it turns out, my puppy didn’t.  At all.  I walked into the house and the dogs came bounding up, like always, until my puppy noticed the balloon.  She suddenly backed up with her tail down.  Now what?

Remain calm and patient

It’s normal for your puppy to be afraid of some things, whether it’s a balloon, the vacuum cleaner or the holiday decorations down the block.  Puppies go through “fear periods” as they grow and mature.  These typically occur between 8-11 weeks old and then again at 6-14 months old.   

Never force your puppy to interact with the item/situation that is causing the fear

Instead approach the object yourself, touch it and even talk to it.  If you are outside, keep the leash very loose and don’t pressure the puppy to follow you.  In my case, I walked up to the balloon and said “Hello, giant fish balloon”  while I touched it.  Luckily, my neighbors weren’t watching.

Never punish or correct your pup for being afraid 

That won’t make the fear go away and may only make it worse.  Imagine seeing something you are afraid of (cockroaches, for example) and having a friend yell at you for not touching it. 

Let the pup investigate in her own way and reward her steps forward with praise and treats. 

I just left the balloon in a far corner of our screened-in porch.  My puppy had space to approach it or ignore it.  She could go about her day either way.  It didn’t take long for her curiosity to get the best of her.  As she made steps toward the balloon (on her own), I praised her. 

Repeat the exposure to build confidence – Once your puppy is freely exploring the original item, you can revisit with something similar.  Again, let her decide when/how to approach.  The goal is for your puppy to be more comfortable and gain confidence with each positive exposure. 

Over time, you may end up with a much happier “problem” – a puppy who insists on playing with all future birthday balloons.