Update 01/10 - Ebony did so well in her first class we think it's worth it to send her to another more advanced class. She's a sweet girl that had little exposure to things and all that did was reinforce being uncomfortable. She lives with children and another dog and adores them all. She's a dog that would benefit from a family that understands that exposure to new things and environments is good and safe. She does better with dogs in her home than when she is in public. That may be because she is more comfortable there and feels safer. She doesn't have to like every dog she meets. That would be an unrealistic expectation. She just needs to understand how to signal that level of discomfort in an appropriate manner. That is what class has taught her and continues to teach her. Public and busy settings make her uncomfortable. When she's in her home and warm and toasty, she's just fine.  Reading helps to understand why dogs do what they do and how they become a product of their environment. Here is a good start: The Cautious Canine!

Ebony is coming into rescue because she is said to not do well with the new infant in the home. There are many reasons why this could be. Ebony is a 3yo mostly black female Great Dane. She has not seen a vet since she was a puppy so that is the first thing we did. She is lyme and anaplasmosis positive. That could explain some of the grumpy nature. She is underweight and her coat is in poor condition. All of her vaccines have been brought up to date and she has been spayed. Ebony had to spend a lot of time outside as a result of not doing well in the home with the new baby.

Dogs need to know that new family members are part of their pack and they need to respect that. This is something that needs to be taught: mutual respect. We feel that she is much grayer in her face than she should be for a dog in her age. Right now she will be on antibiotics for the next month, we will be watching for any signs of discomfort and we will treat accordingly.  She will be working with a family that has older children and will be taught how to respect them as they will respect her.  She does well with other dogs and has no interest in cats.

Update 12/20 - Ebony started school and did amazing in her first class. She was a bit nervous but has made huge progress in this kind of social situation.  She is a very sweet girl that needs the right family to continue her schooling and always use positive reinforcement with her training.

Update 11/15 - Our sweet little Ebby is a sensitive girl. We have decided to send her to obedience school.  She needs some confidence building. Living the life of a dog essentially just running around her neighborhood free 3 years, little exposure to people and things, hasn't taught her about new things and new situations. Now that she is feeling better, we can work on showing her that new things, places, and people are good, in particular, men.  She will do best in a quiet/calm household that has the patience to continue to do confidence building exercises, obedience training, and will love and accept her for who she is. She will begin weekly trips to the pet store for social outings, and we will be using techniques like counter-conditioning and desensitization to certain situations as well as a ton of positive reinforcement. She has done very well with the children (10 and older) in her foster home, the cat, and the other dog. Her face has grayed early, a sign of a difficult life from a very early age.

Update 10/8 - Feeling much better these days on antibiotics and glycosamine. She has a spring in her step. What a wonderful gal. Her foster family so enjoys having her. She is doing wonderfully with the other Dane in the home and all of the children as well. Ebony is a real sweet pea!