[deonk1]

I've had Harley go through many bumps and trips like that usually resulting in a cry of bloody murder. While we really want to coddle them, in situations like this to prevent them from learning that crying gets cuddles (and abusing that) or getting scared of things, my solution is this.

If I hear a screetch like he hurt himself, I immediately play a game of chase, where I run ahead about 10ft and turn around and watch his gait. You'll be able to see immediately if something is wrong, in which point after about 5-10 steps if the limp isn't dissipating you'll want to investigate further. If the limp stops and the pooch is happy (which thankfully happens most times) you've just made them play a game and completely forget about their woes.

I learned to do this after I was practicing the "Race to reward" game with him to build his drive, and well while we were racing towards the toy I accidentally kicked him. He sobbed for about 2 hours and I let him, it took me a good week to get him to run after that toy again, and after thorough checking I knew nothing was wrong. The quicker you can get them to forget about the "ouchie" the better.

Glad he's ok though. It is scary... if you see further limping, because there is an existing issue I'd go to the vet, but just know that normal dogs cry like that when they trip over things too, so unless you see further troubles I wouldn't worry.