Fear cycle

[David and Franklin]

Franklin is 11 weeks old. He appears to be a very sensitive little guy. I took him out to pee a few minutes ago and the neighbor's dog started barking (a common occurrence) so Franklin ran back inside. He is also afraid to go out of the front of the house because he has heard cars passing. I believe this is just typical puppy fear cycle stuff, and I have not tried to push the issue. As always any thoughts you may offer are quite welcome.

[Gail and Bailey]

The one thing that comes to mind is to make sure you do not react to his fears.  Remain neutral with your voice and body language and show him by your actions that all is ok.  In other words don't say things like "It's okay, there is nothing to be afraid about."  Don't show him any emotion at all.  It is just "business as usual" and you are going outside so he can potty. It may help if he is on a leash because then he has to be where you lead him.  He is so small that I would just carry him outside in front and sit there for a while so he can get used to the sights and sounds.  He will feel secure in your arms and will soon see that the big outside world is pretty cool!  :)  He is a cute little thing!

[Laura]

My pup went through different fears. She was afraid of rain at one point, the garage, passing cars, loud bangs, etc. She's no longer afraid of any of those, so I think it was just a phase. I also didn't react to any of her reactions to them and just kept going about normal business. I didn't want to "reward" her fears with my attention. I'm sure it will pass for you! Good luck!

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

You also need to expose him to new sights and sounds, but you do this gradually as he grows, never going further than his fears. 

[Deb's Yarrow and Schatzi]

I agree with Gail. In a nutshell, keep calm and carry on. Confidence takes time to develop. It will wax and wane as he gradually matures. Exposing him to everything he may encounter in life in a calm way is all you need to do. Praise for showing courage in a normally stressful activity is something I would add. But I once read somewhere not to push a puppy to go against their own instinct. Maybe sit outside with him and a bag of little pieces of chicken to help him become desensitized to the sound of traffic.