What is suddenly spooking my dog on our usual walks?

I would like to know some answers too, as my dog, a 4 yr old rescue from Mexico, does the same thing. Loves going out for walks, but about 10 min into it, seems to get spooked by a smell and immediately makes a bee-line for home. I consulted with a behaviourist who suggested it might be that he is afraid of the scent of wildlife, which she says is not uncommon. So I'm trying to go deeper and determine more specifically what the triggers are so I can adjust our routine and maybe even help desensitize him to various smells. In my area (Toronto, Canada) we have coyotes in our ravines. My dog very specifically does not want to walk anywhere where there is too much nature, and refuses to go onto ravine pathways. So I think it is likely coyotes. But could also be the feral smell of racoons of which we have MANY!

My initial thought, even before reading the above comment, is wild predatory animals. Your dog may not even be smelling the predator as much as smelling where some soul lost their life to a predator (on the ground, where their life was claimed by predator). :(

I live in a highly developed area, and the coyote population has grown tremendously over recent years and hazing efforts that previously were a reliable method of encouraging space between human and wild animals have become less successful. Even in densely populated areas on major roads, they are not deterred and cruise around at all hours of the day. Only dusk and dawn is a complete myth now. You may not see them, but they area actively looking for easy prey. They’ve even attacked small children. Though the coyotes have been around for long, their behavior has been changing. As humans keep developing every patch of earth and reducing their lands, the land separating us is reduced (and other factors disturbing the food cycle), forcing co-habitation with us, and they are seeking easy meals.

What to do? Always be alert. My head is practically on a continuous swivel during walks. Take walks in the safest way possible. That could mean driving to a well lit area, walking with extra lighting (head lamp, flash light), walking as a pack with other humans and their canines, possibly bringing safety deterrents (whistle, airhorn, pepper spray).

I live in Scottsdale & my guess is Scooter smells coyotes or javelinas. He is sensing danger. So you are doing the right thing by respecting that & listening to him.

Try consistent positive reinforcement when you get near the area (small treats & a clicker goes a long way) but definitely don't force him. Over time he will start to look forward to that area.

Try again today to see if he has a different reaction after the rain & try to do it soon, because whatever it is may mark that spot again. If he shows no reaction today and then starts again in a few days, then it is definitely a scent marker that he is reacting too.

Definitely be on high alert in that area. And if you see a coyote, pick up Scooter and back away(don't turn around) . Be ready to make loud noises to scare off the coyote if it starts following you (it probably won't). If you do spot an actual coyote, start carrying an empty soda can with rocks in it to use to make noise and throw at them if they approach you or are aggressive (very rare).

Good luck! Scooter is lucky to have someone who pays attention to him and listens to him.