Sigh. I've heard it said that BCs are not just smart, they are SCARY smart, and these examples bear that out, lol! It is a real challenge to stay a step ahead of a BC! Oh, sorry, you say Hermes is an Aussie. Well.... either way, he is obviously a brilliant little character. And he has *learned*...
PS - I wonder if by doing the sit and treat routine, you may be inadvertently reinforcing the fearful behavior. Try treating him when he does NOT act fearful. Maybe.
I notice your Hermes seems to have one ear floppier than the other, are they always like that? Reason I ask is my Sheltie has one upright and one floppy ear and I'm convinced she's a little hearing impaired because of it. Sound does not hit her ears evenly, so she reacts to sound .... oddly. She...