In the last year, our Labrador has started flinching/jumping away when there’s ‘unexpected’ movement near him (e.g. if he’s stood next to me and I take my hand out of my pocket, or I drop something nearby - even if it’s not loud). He does it so much that a couple of people have asked if he’s a rescue dog - I can’t work out why he’s started doing this! He’s now 3.5 years old, we’ve had him since he was 8 weeks old, and he has always been a very healthy and happy boy. He’s well exercised and socialised, isn’t an anxious dog, and is utterly unfazed by anything that would normally upset a dog (e.g. fireworks). He doesn’t show any other signs of distress - he’s well behaved, responsive, isn’t vocal, etc. We’re very affectionate with him (and he with us), don’t play rough, and have never been/would never be heavy handed with him. Any ideas on how to help this behaviour very gratefully received!
A tricky issue. I presume you've had him checked by a vet. instrumental conditioning route. When he flinches what do you do? Are you reinforcing the jumping in any way? Perhaps film an event of a family member, who does not know they are part of an experiment. And watch it carefully. Apologise to the family member. Have you tried an adaptil diffuser? It might calm him down. Now some questions for you. Does he flinch if he looking directly at you when you take your hand out of your pocket? Does the speed of your hand movement matter? Have you tried counter conditioning?
