NEW 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?  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
I doubt she has forgotten her commands.  She may have lost all trust in anybody except her lost owner.  If you have never learned how to train a dog, it may help if you do.  You can learn to play the role of top dog by reading some books or going to a good obedience class. A good obedience class or book is about you being top dog, not about rewarding standard commands with a treat. Start at http://www.dogsbestfriend.com/  For more on being top dog, see http://www.dogbreedinfo.com./topdogrules.htm

It is very important to bond with her and let her learn to trust you.  I have some material meant for younger dogs, but what youcan use may help you earn her trust.

''Elevation for small puppies:  Sit on the floor and gently put your hands around your pup's middle, below his front legs, and lift him up.  He is facing you.  Hold him for 15 seconds.  Repeat until he no longer struggles.  If he is past 10-12 weeks, lift his front feet off the ground, but don't pick him up.  

Cradling for small puppies:  Hold your puppy gently on his back, as you would cradle a small baby.  If he struggles, hold him firmly until he quiets for 10-15 seconds.  With larger pups, you can do this as your sit on the floor, with your pup between your legs.

Quiet lying down:  Place your pup on the floor on his side, with all 4 legs pointing away from you.  Use your hands on his neck/shoulder area and middle, to hold him in this position.  When he is quiet, praise him.  Lengthen the time that you keep him quietly in this position.  When he accepts this position well, handle his paws and muzzle, while keeping him quiet.''

The quotes mean this isn't my original work.  It is copied from my Puppy Raising Manual.  I have long used these or minor variations of them, and they are very effective.  You may want to give him a belly rub while he is on his back too.  Helps bonding.  There is a big difference between him rolling over and demanding a belly rub, and you choosing a time to roll him over and rub his belly.  The latter cements your place as pack leader.  

I think you need to get her to a vet.  Did you get any medical records from your aunt, or know where your grandfather took her?  She could be over due for shots.  The howling could be from a physical problem.  And finally, the vet could be a great resource on the abuse issue, both knowing the system and perhaps being able to supply evidence including an X-Ray.  Please act for your aunt's sake.  It is a very short step from abusing a dog to people.