Puppy Culture Potluck: #36 - Is the Fear Genetic? Tough Decisions about Keeper Puppies

This episode's question is about what to do when your “keeper” puppy starts showing significant fear issues: "…I’m really sad about my situation. I don’t want this to reflect poorly on my small breeding program that I’ve poured so much time, thought, stress, money, and emotional energy into.… my keeper puppy is now showing pretty significant fear issues…I was hoping to keep this puppy and eventually use her in my program. My biggest concern is that this is genetic fear and she will not outgrow/overcome it. This is depressing me quite honestly, and I’m feeling very deer-in-the-headlights about how to move forward…" In this podcast I address: How to tell if a fear issue is a developmental or genetic issue and what the line is between normal and pathological fear My personal experiences and outcomes in this area Words of encouragement for small program breeders, with thoughts for surviving emotional setbacks and staying in the breeding game Visit our website www.madcapradio.com for further reading.