Is it normal that my dog is scared of something that isnt there?

That was to the monster named Redeye!

I have an interesting scared dog anecdote. It won't be useful, but I'll tell you all anyway.

My mum had a work-friend who had a dog that was scared of people lying on the floor. Turns out that this dog, a rescue-home dog, had a previous owner who lived with the dog alone. This owner died, and was left collapsed, dead, on the floor for days before anyone found them. The dog was just waiting next to his body for days. Now the dog is convinced that everyone who lies on the floor is going to die, so she barks in their ears to make them jump up. I also heard about a different dog that was scared of people taking off sweaters, but I have no idea why.

There is probably a good reason why your dog behaves in the way it does in the dark, but I can't fathom it myself.

You've probably heard that animals can sometimes see things we can't. Ever had any wierd or unexplainable things happen where you live? Dogs aren't usally scared of the dark for no reason. Plus what you describe sounds very similar to how dogs behave when they see spirits. Just an opinon to take into account.

My old housewas haunted and my dog would bark at dark corners and halls.. We thought he was scared of the dark bbut when we moved he didn't do it anymore?

It's possible that there's a predatory animal outside that whose scent your dog can detect, and perhaps it's a larger animal and therefore your dog fears it (cougar, bobcat, bear, etc). Might be why the dog is hesitant to go outside at night.

Referee! All that you said in your FUCKED UP comment should happen to you!!! Your a very mean and disturbed monster!!! Your going to HE'LL!!!

I had a deaf Dalmatian who would be terrified to go outside if we moved any of the lawn furniture out of it's usual spot. If I had to guess I'd say your dog either got hurt or scared in the dark and is now scared. Also if you are 'babying' him and sweet talking him when he behaves like that you are reinforcing the behavior.

Have you tried walking with him using a torch? or gradually dimming the lights in the hall..and letting him walk down it with you for a week or so, and then make it a bit darker each week. Something has obviously frightened him, and just like anyone, he needs to be assured.
I knew a big brave German Shepherd dog whose legs turned to jelly when he saw a flight of stairs, and he would whimper like a baby and shake like a leaf. We did it gradually..day after day one step at a time...and a treat and big fuss when he managed one step. After a few months he was fine...and always got a 'good boy pat on the head when he climbed any stairs.
Good luck...take it slowly, don't force him and he will soon come right.

What happened recently? Did he hurt himself or get into an accident?

There's a reason why he's doing this and you won't get him out of it without knowing how he first came into it.

I'll be honest, I don't know. Dogs in general aren't afraid of the dark, though, because they rely so much more than us on hearing and smell. In complete darkness they have a much better picture than us of what's going on. Our fear of the dark is partially rational, but it doesn't apply to dogs.

If your dog has been out alone, it's possible he's had a bad experience. Dogs don't forget things like that. Is he okay if you accompany him?

The only times that dogs of mine have been scared at night is on Bonfire Night or New Year's Eve. My family had a dog that was scared of lightning too. Not that this helps you, particularly.