Pet Information > ASK Experts > Dogs > Dogs > Hyper-Active/fear in 5month old puppy

Hyper-Active/fear in 5month old puppy

19 10:22:51

Question
I got this adorable little Papillon puppy. She is 5 months old. I think she may be hyper-active. I know puppies have alot of energy but she won't quit. It happens at night right before bed time. She flys around the room, bounces of the furniture and crawls under chairs and won't let up, but than, all of a sudden she becomes very fearful of me, she hides in her house or under chairs or tables. What could cause these actions. I don't punish her in any way so it can't be fear of abuse, Please help me to understand what could be going on, I feel really bad and sad for her when she gets scared that way.

Answer
It could be some baggage from her past.  perhaps somebody else punished her for such.  Give her time and try these bonding exercises.  

''Elevation for small puppies: Sit on the floor and gently put your hands around your pup's middle, below his front legs, and lift him up. He is facing you. Hold him for 15 seconds. Repeat until he no longer struggles. If he is past 10-12 weeks, lift his front feet off the ground, but don't pick him up.

Cradling for small puppies: Hold your puppy gently on his back, as you would cradle a small baby. If he struggles, hold him firmly until he quiets for 10-15 seconds. With larger pups, you can do this as your sit on the floor, with your pup between your legs.

Quiet lying down: Place your pup on the floor on his side, with all 4 legs pointing away from you. Use your hands on his neck/shoulder area and middle, to hold him in this position. When he is quiet, praise him. Lengthen the time that you keep him quietly in this position. When he accepts this position well, handle his paws and muzzle, while keeping him quiet.''

The quotes mean this isn't my original work. It is copied from my Puppy Raising Manual. I have long used these or minor variations of them, and they are very effective. You may want to give him a belly rub while he is on his back too. Helps bonding. There is a big difference between him rolling over and demanding a belly rub, and you choosing a time to roll him over and rub his belly. The latter cements your place as pack leader.