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Why is my adolescent dog suddenly scared? Is it a second fear period?
Updated on September 23, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | Siberian Husky | Female | spayed | 7 months and 21 days old | 48.8 lbs
Is it around the time for the 2nd fear period? All of sudden scared of dogs at dog park (at first just a week or so ago was fine most social nothing bad happened she had her tail down and barked at them) and she was scared of bike riders and skaters when just last walk walked by them no problem. When will it pass? She was very confident dog after her first fear period ended. Should I be worried or normal??
1 Answer
Most Helpful Answer
Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA
Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer
Published on April 22, 2018
Dogs do go through a second fear period during adolescence - this can happen anywhere from 6 months of age all the way up to a year or even older. It usually lasts about two weeks. During this time, it's best to simply keep her away from anything she seems nervous about rather than trying to "work through it" and get her to overcome her fear. If this is the problem, she should be back to her normal self in a couple of weeks or so.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful