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My 10-month-old mutt Maggie is terrified of about any thumping noise. This includes thunderstorms, gunshots (even in the far distance), trucks being loaded, dumpsters getting stuff tossed in them, and now even the little thump of the "see-saw" in her agility class (held indoors due to rain last night). She was doing great in agility until we started the see-saw practice, and once she heard the little thump on the floor from where another dog had just crossed one in the room, that was the end of her attention span, she shook and trembled, and spent the remainder of class trying to flee to a safe, dark place (she even considered going into a collapsed tunnel). I can understand her fear of thunderstorms, but these additional, seemingly minor thumps are really baffling. I've had her since she was about 9 weeks old and know of no abuse towards her which might have sensitized her to such noises. I'm hoping that future agility classes held OUTdoors might be ok, since the see-saw would come down upon grass and not make any noise to speak of. She's even afraid of the clickers in clicker training! I'd appreciate any help or suggesions anyone can offer!!

>>My 10-month-old mutt Maggie is terrified of about any thumping noise. This includes thunderstorms, gunshots (even in the far distance), trucks being loaded, dumpsters getting stuff tossed in them, and now even the little thump of the "see-saw" in her agility class (held indoors due to rain last night). She was doing great in agility until we started the see-saw practice, and once she heard the little thump on the floor from where another dog had just crossed one in the room, that was the end of her attention span, she shook and trembled, and spent the remainder of class trying to flee to a safe, dark place (she even considered going into a collapsed tunnel). I can understand her fear of thunderstorms, but these additional, seemingly minor thumps are really baffling. I've had her since she was about 9 weeks old and know of no abuse towards her which might have sensitized her to such noises. I'm hoping that future agility classes held OUTdoors might be ok, since the see-saw would come down upon grass and not make any noise to speak of. She's even afraid of the clickers in clicker training! I'd appreciate any help or suggesions anyone can offer!!
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This can be a spooky age, not a good time for a dog to be under stress. One thing important to do is check for orthopedic problems that could be making her spooky. Hip dysplasia is one possibility, and at her age also panosteitis and other things. I have a couple of articles at the link below my signature that you could check out, Changes in Behavior with Physical Causes, and Fear.
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Kathy Diamond Davis, author, "Therapy Dogs: Training Your Dog to Reach Others," 2nd edition, and the free Canine Behavior Series articles at http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=SRC&S=1&SourceID=47

Years ago we adopted a young adult golden retriever who had a mystery past (he was a stray at the humane society). He was that way--shied and started at relatively innocuous noises like truck engines, lawn mowers in the distance, the dryer door slamming closed.

It was scary as it reaction was to bolt--all 90 pounds of him would lurch away from the noise. I learned quickly to have a good grasp of the leash at all times when we were out and about.

He eventually grew out of it--I didn't do anything special other than try to be sensitive to his fears (getting him away from the offending noise if we were on a walk), trying to distract him with something positive (eg, chasing a ball in the back yard while the neighbor mowed his grass).

I hope it works out--he's a cutie!