possibly abused doberman

Question
I was left a 4 year old spayed female Doberman from a deceased family member.  The animal was crate trained her whole life.  My grandfather trained dogs for the army for 20 years and then furthered his training career with police dogs. The dog was extremely well trained.  Initially after his passing she went to live with my aunt for about 6 months.  Her husband is a Dog Hater and I believe he was extremely mean to her, to what extent I do not know but my aunt hinted this to me when she asked if I would take her.  And her symptoms may be testament to very inhumane treatment.

My question is this:  Would losing my grandfather and living in a hostile environment for half a year reverse all the training?  And if so How do I get her to be QUIET AT NIGHT She went from an incredible dog who could obey an enormous amount of commands, verbal, and hand signals, to being a coward who wont listen to anyone.   And the worst thing is that she will not stay quiet in her crate at night.  She howls and barks for hours.  It truly breaks my heart to hear her crying at night.  And when I took her out of the crate to see if she will sleep with me she does the same thing.  I even left the lights on for her a few nights and she still cried as soon as I was asleep and she felt she was alone.  She is making me crazy and heartbroken at the same time.  PLEASE HELP!  

ALSO:  is it possible to press charges against someone for Animal Abuse?  Without any physical symptoms.  Can dog experts tell if an animal has been abused?  Or is it case by case.  

Sorry for the Length

Heartbroken in Maryland Michael

Answer
Hi Michael, I recently got a two year old Doberman that was abused as well. You can undo her damage by giving her confidence and love. Take her for lots of walks at the heel. It builds so much between the two of you. Trust her, show her that she can trust you and that you will protect her. Working with her and training her will build her confidence because you will be praising her and giving her attention and goodies. This builds the bond. If the crate was used as a place of punishment, even for a short time, it no longer was her den or place of safety. So leave the crate door open, let her go in or out as she pleases. If you live in Florida, let me know, I would love to help you. You could take her and get her Canine Good Citizen award with the AKC, get her certified with the Therapy Dogs International and use her to visit nursing homes, where she will give therapy to the old and ill, and in turn get lots of love. If the bad man used the crate as punishment and it used to be her den, she may be very well confused, not knowing where to go to feel safe. Make nests for her, get some big pet beds, they are cheap at Big Lots, or just use old blankets...and when put nice soup bones and cow hooves, chew toys...on the beds. When she settles onto one of the nests, go to her and quietly pet her and tell her how good she is and give her lots of love. It sounds like you have a very loving and gentle heart and can bring her around.
In most states and most nations there are surely laws against animal abuse. The problem that you may have is that her scars are psychological. I am an expert animal behaviorist, I train service and therapy dogs, I also work with does with all kinds of behavior problems. Print out this response and feel free to use it for your case. Also, try to find other animal behaviorists that can attest to the psychological damage. But you must ask yourself it is worth the effort of going after him and making the family upset. Your time may be better used at helping her to get well. Leave me some feedback, a nomination (if you wish), and please keep me posted on how things go for you. My heart goes out to you and this wonderful dog who deserves so much. Please keep me posted on your progress. Thank you for writing. Regards, Susan