She is an 8½ year old “Aussie/Shepherd” mix (at least that’s what they told us at the shelter). She is a pretty mellow dog most of the time, excitable by the usual things (the jingle of the leash for “walkies”, the rustle of the box of treats, etc.).

I have a tendency to sneeze rather loudly, and she has lately taken to being startled by my sneeze, and answering with a bark. At first I thought she was interpreting the sneeze as a bark, and wanted to play. Recently, though, she has just been leaving the room (quickly), or wanting to go out into the fenced-in yard.

Can anyone provide me with any insights or clues to this behavior?