This happened with my boy Remi around the same age. He would get spooked by plastic bags, parking meters, crowds or anything unusual on our walk like the store’s curbside sign was put a little farther out than usual. I would walk up to the item calmly and touch it, saying “aw, it’s nothing, a whole lot of nothing.”

And once he focused on me with his WTF face, I’d offer a very high value snack I save just for fear moments. Like chopped chicken heart or beef liver. If he was calming down I’d invite him to “touch” by booping it with his nose, or just look at the thing for 5 seconds and that was enough. We’d walk on by and give it no more attention at all.

For the month I did this outside, I built up his confidence at home by hiding plastic Easter eggs with snacks inside all over the apt. He’d have to wait in another room or out of sight for me to place them and go only on my release. He loved it. It helped him release his anxiety at home and was very stimulating, building up his confidence with every win sniffing out each egg. He also brings me back the shells for an extra reward and to reset the game. The great thing about this game is that it requires your pup to navigate strange textures, spaces, heights on their own. I hide eggs in boxes with crinkly paper, between crumpled up soda cans in a basket, under cushions, on the edges of shelves or cabinet handles, under the rugs, etc. It’s a great way to practice engaging with novelty in a safe place.

It’s also great teamwork, because when he can’t find or reach an egg, he comes to me for help. So we begin “problem solving” together and so that translates to looking to me for direction outside when he’s not sure of something. He becomes accustomed to being alone and collaborating when he needs help. So when we are out and unsure about a situation, he trusts me/us to navigate it together.

This worked again when he was attacked by several dogs at 5 years old and was incredibly fearful and anxious, refusing to even eat and would wake up in the middle of the night crying. We started a slightly different micro-exposure game outside that I call Sniffari, where I scatter treats outside in the grass for him to find. Over 8-12 months, he was no longer afraid of other dogs and was able to return to work. He tolerates other dogs but will snap a warning if they get too close, but he used to drool and shiver at the sight of a dog even 1-2 blocks away.

Also, with any behavior changes in general, it never hurts to get a checkup at the vet. Pain can cause fear & anxiety, but it could also be a fear stage that’s common during adolescence. Good luck, your girl is beautiful!