This episode’s question is about fear periods.

“What are the critical fear stages in puppies from 8 weeks on? Is it best to keep up their socialization during these periods or back off for a few days and then resume?”

In this episode I discuss:

• How to recognize fear periods as opposed to general fearfulness.
• The evolutionary reasons that puppies have fear periods
• ​Navigating fear periods in puppies and dogs

Visit our website madcapradio.com for further reading.

This episode’s question is about preventing dog-to-dog resource guarding:

“Can’t seem to find it in the video; what is the protocol to work against food aggression within the litter? We have been doing marrow bones and resource guard training with people, but a few puppies are showing aggression to the other puppies at meal times. Any info appreciated, thanks!”

In this episode I discuss:

• Why protocols for dog-to-dog resource guarding are not as effective as protocols for dog-to-human resource guarding.
• Five golden tips I have found helpful for preventing dog-to-dog resource guarding
• ​Thoughts about dog-to-dog resource guarding and breeding programs

Visit our website madcapradio.com for further reading.

This week’s question is about whether doing Puppy Culture or any other early socialization program can guarantee good outcomes for puppies.

“…I was talking to a breeder about Puppy Culture and I told her that if she would just adopt the program, she would eliminate any temperament issues with her puppies. Am I right about this? Isn’t Puppy Culture a guarantee that puppies will have good outcomes?”

In this episode I tackle:

• Re-thinking the line between nature and nurture
• The partnership between breeders and puppy owners for raising a good dog
• The evolutionary reasons why breeding “good” dogs is so difficult

Visit our website madcapradio.com for further reading.