Is this normal?

[Kerry L]

Ok, my hank is 7 months old has been acting different lately. Our neighbors put 2 LED lights in their landscaping and Hank barks like a maniac at them at night. Last night, I took him for a walk and he stopped and growled at a concrete statue. He was also really scared of a blinking light on my computer. I've also notice that he is REALLY protective of me lately, I am currently pregnant, so this is good and bad. He seems to be really sleepy lately too.

I am a first time puppy-mom so I might be reading into the changes too much but is this normal? Is he just changing daily due to his age? Is there anything I can do to stop his craziness toward harmless objects? Right now, I just try to calm him down and reassure him that it's safe and ok.

[F, Calla & Luca]

Fear stages are normal in puppies. Reassurance, calm and even Turing your back on the perceived danger should help.

[Becka]

I agree with F--this sounds like a normal fear stage. When Sadie was this age I remember her barking and growling one night straight up at the sky--she was reacting to some searchlights that were visible from a nearby car dealership!

[Rosemary (Ro) and Enzo]

I third the " fear stage" theory. Thankfully, ours have been very minimal, but I have heard similar stories to yours. This too shall pass. Until then, reassurance is key.

[Debb, Lucy & Oscar]

Yes, a fear stage. Where possible, you can play a 'check it out' game, where you reassuringly approach the object of Hank's fear and allow him to sniff it and learn for himself that it's harmless. The stage will pass before too long.

[Emily, Bentley, & Maserati]

I agree with everyone else, Hank has hit a fear stage. 

I would encourage him to investigate the things he is being afraid of. This will allow him to see new objects aren't fearful and build some confidence. You are correct in reassuring him that he is ok, keep it up! 

[Susan, Coby & Chloe]

This is a timely discussion for me as well - I was just about to post a question (and still may in the puppy forum) as I also have a 7 month old who has always been a bit more on the reserved side -- which in a way, like you say, is good as she doesn't jump on people or run out as my former ALD had - but bad now in the sense that she's suddenly very skittish around strangers.  My youngest was visiting this past weekend and she'd retreat every time he'd approach her - come by me or hide under a table. So odd!  Yet she's been fine when we take her out in public although she hasn't been terribly fond of people petting her which I really want to get her more accustomed to - I thought doodles welcomed this type of attention, which - to me - is the bad news; I really would like her to be more social and less fearful - so I am with you there. 

[Lynda Kamrath]

Exposure!  He needs to see things in different lights and see that they are not scary.  Sounds very normal to me.  I remember an occasion with our poodle when we were walking down the street and he saw a sandwich board in the middle of the street with a big old painted chef on it.  He put on his brakes and barked and barked at it.  However, when he saw it was just a board, he walked up to it and peed on it!  There, that is what I think of you for scaring me!  Show him the lights when they are not on during the day and maybe even look at them as they are switched on and off.  He is just scared of the things to which he is not accustomed.  It's a good and smart thing to be doing.

[Kerry L]

Thank you for all of your advice, it is very helpful! I'm happy to hear this is probably just a stage. I will continue to work with him and expose him to new things. Sometimes I forget that this world is still so new to him, which I'm sure, can be both scary and exciting at the same time.

[Donna Bay & Buzz]

One of our doodles is 2 1/2 and barks wildly at mylar balloons and sparkly reflections. If i move a shiny object and it reflects on the ceiling or walks, he goes nuts. Its kind of funny.

[Lynda Kamrath]

Speaking of the walls and ceilings, we were watching the fireworks show from New York and Washington, D.C. on television on the fourth, and Harpo went into the back bedroom and crawled inside the closet behind the clothes basket.  There was a little noise outside in our neighborhood, but I think the flashing of the fireworks on the walls and ceiling was what got to him.  He did not come out until everyone went to bed.  He loves to watch TV by the way, and always notices any animals who are stalking or running.  Horses (and of course dogs) are his favorite.

[Moe]

I read that if you pet them when they are scared you reinforce the behavior. They think they are doing the right think and you are petting them to show your approval. Turning your back, touching the object or continued exposure sounds like a good plan. You could treat the dog for focusing on you or doing a few simple sit stay games when the objects are around so the pup doesn't obsess on them.