Ellie is 10 years old now. I got her when she was a puppy as a gift for my ex and had her flown up to Spokane from Oakland. When she arrived, the crate had a huge dent in it. I can't imagine how much force was needed to accomplish that, but I assume that trauma made her skittish. I think she bonded with me during the short time I had her before sending her to Spokane, as she never really bonded with my ex. My ex later moved back in with me and a breakthrough occurred and Ellie licked my face for 10 minutes straight. My ex ultimately abandoned her when she moved on, and the trust has grown over the years. She's still a little aloof, but very sweet. I know this is a unique situation, but I would never in a million years try to condition her to loud noises. I'll dose her with narcotics. My other three dogs do okay on the 4th. She looks wary in this picture, but she's not. She's a sweetheart and the other dogs love her as well as I.
