Repeated scratching can damage nails.
The skin around Ruby's toes may become irritated.
A nail could catch or split.
Her paw pads can also suffer as she repeatedly pushes against the floor for leverage.
The behavior begins as fear.
It can end as a physical injury.
Falling Back Down Creates Another Risk
Ruby is muscular, but that does not make repeated uncontrolled drops harmless.
Her hind legs repeatedly absorb her weight.
Sometimes she lands unevenly.
If her paws slip, her shoulder or hip can strike the wall or floor.
Repeated jumping and falling can stress joints and soft tissues.
Preventing the climbing therefore matters for more than behavioral welfare.
Ruby Is Not Being “Difficult” About Visitors
Someone unfamiliar with her pattern might see Ruby retreat when approached and assume she is simply unfriendly.
Her behavior is much more intense than choosing not to interact.
Ruby is trying so desperately to increase distance that she attempts to climb a solid wall.
That should change how people approach her.
Closing the distance quickly is unlikely to make the interaction easier.
Walking Straight Toward Her Can Add Pressure
Humans naturally approach a kennel from the front.
For Ruby, that may be the most difficult direction.
The person gets closer.
Ruby backs away.
The person continues.
Ruby reaches the wall.
There is nowhere farther to retreat.
Then she goes upward.
Whenever practical and safe, caregivers can reduce unnecessary pressure by avoiding looming, prolonged staring, sudden reaching, and rapid approaches.
Routine care still has to happen.
It does not have to happen unpredictably.
Predictable Footsteps Could Eventually Mean Something Different
Right now, approaching footsteps seem to predict uncertainty for Ruby.
A future pattern could be calmer.
Footsteps approach.
A familiar cue occurs.
Something predictable follows.
The person stops at a comfortable distance.
Nothing forces Ruby into the corner.
Then the footsteps leave.
Repeated experiences at a level Ruby can tolerate may gradually change the response.
The Work Has to Begin Before Ruby Is on the Wall
Once both front paws are scratching frantically above her head, Ruby is already highly aroused.
That is not the ideal moment for learning.
Staff need to recognize what happens earlier.
Ruby hears the first step.
Her ears shift.
Her mouth closes.
Her weight moves backward.
Her muscles tighten.
That is the window.
The wall comes later.