Spoiling our Dogs and Puppies

[DapperButch]

Originally Posted by desd

so I wonder if she is associating the smell with the fires going on outside during the 4th of July?

Yes, that is what I am saying. Any behavior or fear around fire or loud, unepxected sounds AFTER being gone I bet would be connected to 4th of July. PTSD.

Any behavior that was in place prior to being lost during the 4th would be something else.

I would bet a dog behaviorist would have a different approach for treating a dog's fear response that is due to "trauma", then they would for a fear response that is not a result of trauma. But, maybe not. That is why going to meet with your vet is a good idea. It seems rather complicated, and I would worry that it could be damaging if you did anything besides just letting her "do her thing" when she is scared...if she wants to be close, let her be close, if she wants to run as far away as she can, then let her do that. I personally wouldn't try any other tactic unless a vet told me what to do. You don't want to make it worse for her.