Fireworks during a walk has caused a learned behaviour which has made 5 year old scared of walks

5 YO half border collie half miniature poodle, no neurotic behaviour, owned since 8 weeks.

I made a huge misjudgement and took my dog out when I thought I had accounted for fireworks but some started early and just as we turned a corner at the top of the street there was one particular firework which scared her, she turned around and ran home.

Several times since she has refused to walk up to the corner, complete stop, heels in, it's not happening. I have tried encouraging, I have tried picking her up and walking a few steps but she shakes and immediately turns to go back home, I don't want to over stress her but I'm currently giving in and going back home with her, lead on or off same thing. I'm scared I'm now reinforcing that behaviour by giving in.

She is hugely intelligent, well behaved, active, happy and will go for walks with other people. She isn't food orientated so can't be bribed.

I'm thinking of trying to walk that way with someone else, or driving part way down and walking back but I know for a dog with that level of strong will and propensity for neurotics, pattern recognition means every failed attempt could be adding to the problem.

I am proud of how well trained she is and can't believe I screwed this up, I really need help to resolve and not compound the issue.

submitted by /u/—-Ant—-
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