At around four months old, puppies go through a developmental stage called the Fear Imprint Period. During this time, they're more likely to be afraid of new things and experiences. This is normal behavior and doesn't necessarily mean that your puppy is regressing.
There are a few things you can do to help your puppy through this phase:
- Introduce new people, animals and experiences slowly and calmly.
- Don't force your puppy into any situations that make them uncomfortable.
- Reward them for brave behavior with treats or praise.
Some puppies may seem to take longer to get over their fears than others, but eventually they all come out of it! Just be patient and understanding during this period and everything will be back to normal before you know it.