Not sure what to make of this, so figured I'd run it past y'all.

Couple, two or three, days ago, I'm walking Casey. She's on a loose lead, able to wander a bit side to side, but not in a formal "heel."

Car nearby backfires. Startling, sure, but I didn't think much of it.

Casey started, then began showing me mixed signals: Her tail continues to wag, though a bit lower than normal (usually it's about parallel to the ground; this time it was lower.) Her ears are up, which usually indicates she's alert and ready to work or play. And she's trembling: If I put my hand on her torso, I can feel her trembling/shaking like she does when frightened.

So, part of her says "I'm happy and want to play," and part of her says "I'm scared s***less!"

She does it with any loud noise, by the way. Tires squealing, Harley Davidson motorcycles, police sirens, etc.

I don't know what to do. On one hand, I'd like to break the trembling/fear with some play -- tennis ball, a chase, agility, whatever. On the other, I don't want her to make the association of "If I get scared, I get to play." Am I over-thinking this?

I know it'd be a bad idea to try to comfort her when she's scared, so I haven't. I've been trying to redirect her attention, but haven't had much luck. She'll obey, of course, because she ALWAYS obeys, but I still note she trembles when doing so.

Ideas, anyone? My thanks are sent in advance, of course.

What about distracting her "train of thought" with a couple obedience things and then when you notice she is not acting that way...initiate play time? That way she may start to associate..."oh if I stay calm and focused I get to play so nothing is going to bother me".....

I hope that sounds right.....it is easier to think about things rather than type them out sometimes.....

What I like to do with stuff like that (the unexpected sharp noises), is act like a fool and laugh like it's the funniest thing on earth. It's especially good when you can anticipate that such a noise is coming (the motorcycle you can hear before it gets close enough to spook your pup, thunderstorms, etc.).

I like Carol's ideas, too<g>.

leih

I think remaining neutral (or OB) is the way to go. No reaction from you. With exposure, over time, the pup will realize nothing bad (or necessarily good) happens, it's just neutral, nothing to fear.