About Marble

Dog's Name: Marble - Border Collie Mix Reason to surrender: We are facing prolonged unemployment and financial hardship. We can no longer provide the stable, dedicated environment or afford the professional interventions required to safely manage her severe behavioral needs. CRITICAL BEHAVIORS 1. EXTREME SEPARATION ANXIETY o Behavior: When left alone panics and engages in destructive behaviors: scratching, chewing, barking, and whining. Has scratched doors with enough force to strip paint. o Risk: High risk of self-injury (paw damage) and significant property damage. o Home Requirement: CANNOT be left alone for a standard workday. REQUIRES a home where a person is present 90-100% of the time (e.g., retiree, work-from-home, staggered shifts). 2. JUMPING & LEASH REACTIVITY o Jumping: Jumps on people with excitement. This is unsafe for small children and frail adults. An ADULT-ONLY HOME IS REQUIRED. We attempted training by turning away and ignoring the jumping, only rewarding when she sat or had four paws on the floor. No sustained improvement was achieved. o Leash Reactivity: Barks, whines, and lunges at other dogs on leash. However, she has attended daycare where she was social and non-aggressive with other dogs. This suggests her reactivity is frustration-based (wanting to greet/play), not aggression. Nevertheless, it is intense, difficult to manage on walks, and she would require a slow, professionally supervised introduction to any potential canine sibling. A home without other pets is still strongly recommended to avoid constant stress. 3. SCAVENGING BEHAVIOR (SAFETY RISK) o Will eat non-food items off the floor/ground. Requires vigilant supervision and a carefully managed environment to prevent intestinal blockage or poisoning. TRAINING HISTORY & PROGNOSIS Separation Anxiety: Attempted 6+ months of professional home-training (desensitization, low-key comings/goings, rewarding calm). No measurable progress. Will likely require veterinary behaviorist intervention and medication. ��%BD��%BD%BD'��%BD Leash Reactivity: Attempted positive reinforcement for calm behavior, 'be a tree' method, and direction changes for several months. No improvement observed in on-leash behavior. ��%BD��%BD%BD'��%BD Conclusion: Core behaviors are entrenched. Success will require a dedicated, experienced owner willing to provide a highly managed lifestyle and potentially seek professional medical/training help. POSITIVE TRAITS & TEMPERAMENT: Very loving, affectionate, and has never shown aggression or bitten anyone. Loves to cuddle and seeks human connection. Her challenging behaviors stem from panic and frustration, not a mean spirit. Social Potential: Has shown she can be social and appropriate with other dogs in a controlled, off-leash setting (daycare).Housebroken. Knows basic commands: sit, lie down, shake, stay (though compliance can be difficult even with high-value treats when distracted). Very patient, rarely barks when the owner is nearby indoors. Calm during car rides. Health: Is on monthly heartworm preventative and has tested negative for heartworm. Fully vaccinated and spayed.

Contact

Travis County
Austin, Texas

Contact Person:

Pamela Klebis Nogueira

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