Nervous of meeting people at night

We were walking our two last night and there was a funeral on so lots of people and lots of cars.  We live in a tiny town and never meet people out walking at night only during the day or the weekend.  A woman bent down to pet them and my Bernese nearly put herself and me in the middle of the road in front of traffic to get away from her.  I don't know why she was so nervous, she's normally great with people.  The only thing I can think of was this was the first time she's met someone when we're walking at night and maybe she got a fright.  Has anyone else had this before?  I know Bernese are supposed to be aloof but the poor thing got a real fright and the woman and I were both embarrassed.

Thanks Andrea, she'll be 7 months next week.  We bring them out most nights but because of where we live they don't get to meet many people during the week.  We bring them to either Punchestown or the Curragh racecourses at the weekend and they're great with the people there but it's always daytime.  Maybe I'll need to start driving somewhere at night to where there might be people.  This is the first time she's ever been like this.  Maybe she didn't like the woman cos my GR who would just plonk himself down in front of anyone for attention just kept walking which is unheard of!

Also, there could be a chance she is coming into season too if she isnt spayed. Some dogs can go a bit scatty when they are in season so this is also a possibility.

We're just back from our walk now and we actually met someone tonight.  There was a man getting out of his car and she barked at him!  I don't think I've ever really heard her bark.  Maybe she is coming into heat and that's it.  I'll keep a close eye on her.

Oh there you go Brucie, theres nearly always a reason for out of the ordianry behaviour. Hopefully she is ok when she comes out of her heat.