ALD Fear Stages

[Jonathan Smith]

Do any ALD owners have experience with dog fear issues at about 1-year old? 

Despite copious socialization Joey became very people reactive/fearful and we are treating him with SSRI medicine and behavior modification training.

Joey is still doing much better on his medicine.  I was just wondering if the problems we are having might be age/development related.  Joey is 15 months and his issues really came around the 1-year point.  Perhaps these doodles exhibit fear issues often during the 1-2 year time frame.  It would be interesting (and comforting) to know that these are temporary concerns and that we can wean him off meds at some point in the future.  

Any replies appreciated - thanks!

Jonathan

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

I don't know of anything like this that is unique to ALD's but there is a fear stage that dogs/puppies experience between 6-14 months. Here is a link to info about the different stages a pup goes through and their suggestions of how to handle them.

http://www.diamondsintheruff.com/DevelopmentalStages.html

I hope that with your continued help, Joey will be able to be weaned of his meds. Sorry that you and he are dealing with this issue, it must be difficult!

[Barb @ Gemstone Labradoodles]

There are 2 well documented fear stages that are for all breeds, not just doodles. In labs it is identified as week 8 and also  around 7 to 9 months. The timing is not carved in stone, so it could be a slightly different time. If the dog has a bad experience at the fear stage, it could affect their emotionaly development. Remember it's not what you think would be a bad experience but something that the dog experienced and it could be anything from being scratched by a cat to frightened by a truck or something to do with a person.

Training to build confidence works really well. Clicker training is something dogs enjoy and builds confidence. A back yard couse of obsticles can also help with confidence. You can add one new thing at a time. You use clicker training to get them to interact with the obstacles.  These activities may seem unrelated to his issues, but if a dog can feel confident in a couple of things, that will carry over. Another idea is to play dress up with the dog. Both you and the dog put on silly outfits including weird hats etc. The idea is to make it fun and not at all scary, so a clicker and lots of treats help.

[Wendy Bell]

My ALD also has anxiety and fear/cautiousness issues- he is now 1.8 years old. He was that way as a pup when we got him at 8 weeks of age. I have consulted a behavorist (and his breeder) who gave me some great info. to help my Sport through all of this- and things seem to be getting better as he is exposed to more and also maturing. Unfortunately, the breeder was "stumped" at this type of behavior and told me to strengthen my discipline with him and show him who's "in control."

It is frustrating and confusing, but it seems like this is a great support system to seek the best solutions possible!

By the way, does Joey have any Tegan Park or Rutland Manor heritage?