My 3 year old retriever bitch (spayed) has never been the most confident of dogs, but just recently she seems to have got a lot worse. Shes not bothered about loud bangs such as fire works or birdscarers, but something like a pan dropping on the floor terrifies her. She runs away if i open my wardrobe and won't be in the same room as the vaccum cleaner. She used to do agility, but has now decided that its too scary (or too much effort, not sure which) and refuses to do anything. Most recently she has started flyball and is absolutely terrified of the box. She was fine at class, as she hasn't been near a box going off, but i borrowed one to train my other dogs with, and she was nearby when it was triggered and she shot into the house,tail between her legs and refused to come out again. On a walk she is fine, infact she tends to go off wandering on her own, although will come back briefly if i call. Shes become more aggressive with people and dogs, parking and growling at people and snapping at dogs if they come to close when on a lead or in a confined space, but is fine outside off lead. Life just seems to be very stressful for her at the moment and i'm not sure why.

I would have her checked out at the vets if its a sudden change in behaviour.

Sorry to hear things haven't improved for you Lucyandmeg.
I'd get them to test for hypothyroid in case... you never know... :)
Anxiety etc can be a symptom as can aggression.

Sometimes dogs can just get stressed though as people can. Flyball and agility can be full of exciteable dogs, people etc and some dogs are just sadly not cut out for it, just as some people are not cut out for being the life and soul of the party :P  If you are still not sure after tests etc, I'd try giving her at least 3 months break from all activities and see what that does, then if it is stress you will have a good idea about it.

Good luck!

Lindsay
x

I would also be looking at deteriorating hearing or eyesight.

She's not on any sort of medicationa at all, is she? 

No, although i have been giving scullcap and valerian to try and help her.