MICHAEL BAUGH, CPDT-KA, CDBC
HOUSTON – Fear in dogs is rather common, just as it is in humans. In fact, in both species it’s normal. Fear has an evolutionary function. In the proper context it protects the gene pool. Remember survival of the fittest? The cautious survived too. Keep that in mind.
Curiosity in dogs (and people) is also normal. We’re both social creatures. In the case of dogs, curiosity conquers fear easily in the early stages of development. Around the age of 5 weeks, dogs become mobile and start taking in their environment. By the time they go home with their new families at about the age of 7-8 weeks, they are in their prime for meeting and bonding with human beings.