Teaching this DOG NOT to Bite ME When Touched - Shelter Dog Training

Sully is a very sweet dog that has been at the shelter for a while. To my surprise I found out that she has a problem when someone tries to touch her on her back and tail. This is often a behavior that dogs are killed for in shelters. It's not difficult to address, so I do so in this video.
*** First and foremost, always have a dog checked by a veterinarian to make sure the behavior is not linked to an injury.
*** And DO NOT attempt this kind of training if you are not a professional! You may get bit!
My online course for dog trainer contains over 25 hours of instruction using shelter dogs:
shelterdogtraining.com
Please consider adopting a shelter dog!
#dogtrainer #rescuedog #shelterdog

[@kiwiace625]

Noone wants a dog like this but hopefully Robert can help with that and she will have a forever home.

[@NissrineA74]

I wish every shelter had a Robert Cabral who comes in once a week for an hour and works with a couple of behavioral dogs. Thank you Mr. Cabral ❤

[@markchilcott719]

This man knows his stuff. Shelters appear stressful habitats for dogs , he is saving lives (canine and human) with these well thought , experienced training methods. Well done, sir. Greetings from Queensland Australia.

[@RobertCabralDogs]

You are so kind

[@MichelleBlahak]

Don’t want to point out the obvious, (although some people just won’t get it with a post it note to the head) but a person REALLY needs to know what breed of animal they are getting! Research the breed! Make sure it’s suitable for you and your family! That’s why so many animals end up in shelters. I mean, if you see a box of puppies that say “FREE”, walk on the other side of the street…dear daughter…😍

[@asrotties]

How sad that a dog sits in a stressful shelter environment for 9 months or more. That is just cruel . That poor dog lives a life of constant stress, it is no wonder she is a little reactive. Thank you so much Robert for volunteering to help some of these dogs. I hope she finds a home that can continue her training and socializing.

[@RobertCabralDogs]

I agree with you

[@wallsofgab]

I know this kind of dog scares a lot of people, but it's probably one of the most rewarding dogs you can get. I really hope that she gets a good, patient home! The adoption of my puppy took 3 hours for me to even touch her and when you did, she would try and bite. Honestly, I think I only managed to carry her home because she was exhausted. She didn't even like me! But with lots of patience, love and training, she's the best, most devoted and most tolerant dog I've ever had. I hope someone sees what an amazing dog Sully has the potential to be.

[@gccmbr1661]

These poor dogs, especially the sensitive breeds, are at such a disadvantage in these shelters. GOD help them. Thank you Robert Cabral.

[@charlotteharris4690]

I love the way Robert Cabral approaches training. Real dog training with all of its warts and showing the slow progress

[@cataylor09]

You are an amazing human Robert!!! Absolutely love how you break down the process.

[@rodvan-zeller6360]

Robert, what you did in this video is so excellent, that I have a hard time understanding why we disagree on other dog training issues. Thank you for helping to save that shepherd.

[@RobertCabralDogs]

thank you!!!

[@rodvan-zeller6360]

@@RobertCabralDogs Welcome.

[@michelle.k9trainer]

I appreciate your work so much! Rescue is my ❤ and there is not enough trainers, good balanced trainers, helping these poor forgotten souls. THANK YOU!

[@RobertCabralDogs]

You are so kind

[@kobenoah1]

Hope she has found a good loving home since this video!

[@unclesamsniece2064]

Robert, you are truly an important asset to society. People use the term “dog trainer” lightly. When actually the benefit trainers, specifically you, bring to the broader society goes far beyond the dog being trained. People, families, other dogs, cats, etc. all benefit from the training, as well. But the extra time you spend in the shelter with the dogs & the volunteers is really something that deserves recognition. So thank you for what you continue to do for dogs to live their best life, or the chance to. And also thank you for what you’ve brought into my life & my dogs’ lives. I’ve been a member since you started the membership a few years back & I will continue to be a member as long as you offer it. I’ve always loved having dogs & observing different breeds & how they interact & watched the various events & sports often. And a couple years ago, I ventured into a dog business of my own. You definitely helped boost my knowledge & confidence in deciding to move forward with it. Watching videos like this serve as a reminder of how vital you are to the dog world. Thank you, again. ❤

[@RobertCabralDogs]

Thank you so much. I really appreciate your kind words. My pleasure to help dogs and the people that love them.

[@Rbuffdogs]

Thank you Robert. Shelter situations, no matter how well intended are so stressful , particularly to very intelligent breeds like GSDs, etc. This poor girl is just a stress monster. Bless.

[@danceswithferrets]

I have a friend whose 1 year old Deerhound developed this issue. I know him well and I know how well he looks after his dogs. As he has kids he couldn't keep this beautiful dog, she was becoming dangerous. I took this dog on and have been doing what you have shown in this video literally every day. She is now 20 months old and so much better. But not perfect. She will still occasionally complain and gently remove my hand with her mouth. Sometimes it takes a huge amount of time and patience. Some dogs are highly strung and need a lot more effort than people realise.

[@vinceking7651]

I understand the process because my shepherd didn't like to be touched, brushed or generally man handle and now I can do anything because he is used to me checking him over. Question for you because if a dog is experiencing pain or discomfort,how can you desensitize pain . Sorry Robert, is it more that you are getting the dog to tolerate the pain but sometimes we can't tolerate pain. Then we take painkillers.

[@plastikloser]

Love to watch him work, incredible perception. Also funny that as you say she has hind sensitivity my pup comes up wanting her butt scratched lol

[@crystal-thewall]

It's beautiful when you accidentally say Silly, because that's what I reckon I'll do with my next dog. Accidentally call it by my beloved late dog's name. It's a beautiful habit

[@Kate98755]

I have this issue…I thought desensitization….thank you! I trust your instincts! Great day wishes!

[@TheEllyLeon]

Dear Robert, thank you for this video. It would be interesting if we could see more of the progress of this dog. Thanks again.

[@gtafotopdx9608]

Amazing work, she is a beautiful girl Hopefully she gets a good person

[@thecawckiestking]

Love that you emphasis multiple times having the dog checked by a vet for any medical / pain causes for undesirable behavior, which is a critical component that a certain very negative "trainer" completely neglects in favor of showboating for clicks. Love the work that you do and promote.

[@Oakleaf700]

Wonderful. She seems a lovely dog. Very interesting re hind end...initially that looked like pain...but obviously wasn't.

[@InevitableAlex1]

She's a beautiful shepherd! I'm surprised she's been there as long as she has been. Shelter near me gets shepherds adopted out within a week!

[@markchilcott719]

Not in every shelter do gsd's receive a fair assessment. Some have a kill policy.

[@alaskayoung3413]

They’re on the too dangerous list for renting homes and apartments everywhere I’ve lived.

[@realityjunky]

I have three PTSD dogs rescued from shelters. I cannot overestimate the benefit of a soft-type muzzle during the early days of acclimating to a new environment and companions. It lets the dog know that biting isn't allowed and everyone stays safe. Patience, repetition, compassion and comfort. These are now three of the most friendly, playful, interactive and gentle dogs I've met. Only one still needs the muzzle when I clip his nails and it's more like a reminder, "oh yeah, I gotta put up with this for a few minutes." I learn so much every time I watch your videos. They are so sensible! Love this video, love your work!👍👍

[@aaadamt964]

What do you do for the ptsd? I got my severely abused dog almost a year ago. The first couple months were ROUGH. She stays in the house and sleeps with me now but has nightmares. I have to put my hand on her or even wake her up occasionally.

[@realityjunky]

​@@aaadamt964 I took a simple, basic approach. Lots and lots of comfort, routine and repetition. You might want to ask experts questions, watch a lot of videos and consider every minute with her as a learning opportunity. Use her daily amount of food as rewards as you go through your day together. Depending on her breed, some need more activity than others but all dogs like to have routines and they want connection with you. A huge part of why things worked out for me is that I'm fortunate to have a large house with a large yard in a quiet rural area and someone is usually home at any given time. I like having three or four dogs at a time. Dogs are hierarchical pack animals that watch each other closely. The older dogs basically guide the newer dogs in the routines of the place. None of my dogs ever have to be alone. ""You can lead an animal anywhere it wants to go" is an old saying that I find really helpful. It only took about two years to stabilize my current pack but all I really did was give them a quiet place they could depend on, a big yard so they can run and play and exercise every day and then lots of couches to rest on. My dogs were all from shelters or foster homes, so I knew they were friendly with people and pets. They just needed a place where they could feel safe while they healed from their really difficult former lives. I don't know if this message helps but I hope for the best for you and your girl...

[@shavaunaronan3188]

I rescued a dog with PTSD from Taiwan, she was about 1 when I adopted her. She also had terrible nightmares but the longer I had her the less she had the nightmares, although they never completed dissipated. I would call her name gently or put my hand on her as you are to arouse her without startling her and that seemed to help. Best of luck to you both!@@aaadamt964

[@annylaurie422]

She acts like she has been abused. 😢😢😢

[@montyhoffarth9552]

Thank you Robert for your patience and education for this sweet girl!

[@RobertCabralDogs]

So nice of you

[@JoseHernandez-rl8fx]

Thx for taking time out to introduce the k9 world to me ... feel confident now thx .jo nyc

[@DF-te2vm]

Just fantastic, your patience, firm/gentleness, ...... often when you generally like a dog ..... they know and sense it. A lot of dogs have hip, sitting difficulty which is sometimes mistaken for stubbornness when it is just painfully for them

[@RobertCabralDogs]

Thank you very much!

[@MartaIreneSeguinotTorres]

What I like the most about your videos is that you don't cut off to look good but you show all the video so we can have a look if what can be a frustrating point for new and old owners trying to get a rescue. Thanks Robert, GOD bless you and your work, much appreciate it.

[@RobertCabralDogs]

I appreciate that!

[@grt49er]

KZbin placed this video in my feed. Not as his video. The video was being critiqued by someone. I tracked your video so I could make a comment that would not increase his algorithm score. This is an incredible video. Showing people that these behaviors are correctable and often are just a symptom of where the dog is. KZbin has taken the old saying “there is no such thing as bad publicity” to a new level.

[@grt49er]

First off the reviewer never noticed this was in a shelter. He repeatedly said the mistake was the owner was there and removing the owner would solve the problem. The dog is in a shelter. Secondly the reviewer keeps saying the treats area form of punishment. Treats are simply food. If he thinks giving a shelter dog food is a punishment his judgement is very cloudy.

[@grt49er]

Lastly critiquing a video of someone working with a shelter dog is simply stupid. Almost all of that dogs problems will disappear when food and shelter insecurities go away.

[@DeanSmith3935]

Exactly, She's a Great dog, just needs someone with abit of time to build trust and bond with. The rear hind sensitivity is probably down to being bitten by other dogs 🐾 🐕

[@michaelparker7831]

I once ruined a dog by tempting him to come for a treat and then capturing him when he came. It only took one time of deception for him to always test me by stopping short of me and smelling for a treat. Then he would always walk slowly toward me but only as far as I could reach. If I gave him a treat he was already prepared in his stance to prevent me from grabbing him. I learned that lesson 40 years ago. DON’T Ever mislead or try to deceive your dog. Just one time is all it takes for you to ruin your status as Head of the pack.

[@grt49er]

That behavior will make an owner feel horrible and it’s unfortunate. Just speaking from my experience that is an easy fix. Every dog is different so it may not be true for this dog/you. What did you try to resolve it?

[@MichelleBlahak]

OMGosh. I’ve wanted one since I was 10! I am a lover of all Gods creation, though! It would be so fun to learn to do what you do, Robert! If you’re ever in Nebraska…

[@Zinctwentyone]

Amazing that you do this.

[@dll9954]

My shelter rescue had the same issue. She had been abused and I suspect kicked or grabbed by the tail. It took patience and time for her to get over it and trust me and is no longer is protective of her rear end.

[@JM-cu5ef]

Excellent video as usual Robert.. thank you 🙏🏻

[@PaulaDTozer]

Great training video, Robert. Much appreciated.

[@Aj.Shepherd]

Amazing Robert, you're incredible! - you never cease to amaze me, I'm absolutely in awe watching your work. A prime example how to first successfully build trust and earn your respect without any fears. Sully is stunning - time, love and patience and she will make an amazing friend and companion as a result. Keep up the incredible work my good man !

[@mikeharris896]

Excellent work.

[@RobertCabralDogs]

Thank you so much 😀

[@chittychatty9547]

Wonderful video!

[@RobertCabralDogs]

Thank you very much!

[@DESCENDINGDR]

You're really at home when at a shelter, nice work...

[@RobertCabralDogs]

Yes, thanks

[@TheKak933]

Hind end sensitivity- this is what my rescue dog does too

[@johncspine2787]

I’d still really like to see an X-ray/CT/vet evaluation about her rear..(yeah..who pays for that..) ..wonder if she’s hurt or had an injury, or arthritis etc etc that Yelp is immediate and high, I’ll never have your experience, just what I’m hearing.

[@InevitableAlex1]

Her gait doesn't show anything and she would always or continue to nip or bite.

[@tracybormann5067]

How do you feel about the Dog Daddy's techniques?

[@TrollingHistory]

My malinois X as ive heard it called and i admit i kinda like it. But no what a F boy thing to call your mongrel. GSD father. BSD mother but she looked bigger than my dogs dad. Like they used an immature stud. Then gave me the puppy at 6wks 4 days old. Now hes frazzled in public turns his fury towards me holding him back. Last week the muzzle fell off and i didn't notice until i saw 3 little dogs coming. My dog sitting and i noticed no muzzle 😮 that second it erupted. At one point whilst growling. Lunging barking. Furious. He then reared up and grabbed my arm. Ears back lips curled growling. I braced for it waitling and saw him slowly get back down he let me go. I mighr have automatically said something 😮 ahhhhhhh wtf... usually. What you think youre doing. But this time was beyond the line. Im so thankful even in that moment of fury my dog decided not to bite so hes a good boy right. I just need to make that my warning and never let him have open jaws in public again. 😅😮😢

[@anitajaggie8542]

❤❤

[@BankShots41]

Love your channel I recently enrolled in the Pet Academy I’ll be done soon. You inspire me to keep going ‼️‼️ would love some input

[@shirinw]

🙏

[@danpatterson6937]

What are your thoughts about reaching over the dog's head (at 3:20 for example)? I see a startle response, though mild here, but frequently that is the site of a defense bite. Good video.

[@beatricee9940]

Should i stop my Puppy from licking my older dog in mouth?

[@robhayes8295]

Robert, I have recently taken a "Free to good home" non-fixed 18 month old female Bullmastiff X (beautiful dog). She fully trusts me now and I've had her for about 2 months (picked to up and drove her 800km - took the whole night for her settle but now got lead control, recall, etc), but I had my Mum stay for 5 days, and we were able to get her to take treat from Mum (and she is 75 and reasonably frail), but she would resort to growling and barking at my Mum when she moved or come out of her bedroom etc. Could you do a video, or give me some advice how to overcome this?

[@Scarlet_Starlet]

👍

[@pauldow1648]

Hind end sensitive, may be due to rectal temp procedures for this dog...

[@dinnykelly6763]

What are these cookies you always use. I’m in Australia and don’t know what you are using there for training

[@RobertCabralDogs]

Inside whatever works. Usually string cheese.

[@lindamcmanus5807]

what do you do with a dog that has been possibly abused that is nipping at you when you have a treat to give her?

[@RobertCabralDogs]

same thing... patience!

[@mauranoonan8951]

I wouldn’t be surprised if she had been left outside by herself for a time. She isn’t super people focused.

[@luismontalvomontanez6394]

🐾👏👍❤️

[@luismontalvomontanez6394]

Hello Robert thanks 🙏 for taking your time to give me a heart ❤️.Appreciate you. I have a question for you?My dog Chloe goes crazy on cats,lizards and the big iguanas.🦎 I’ve trained her myself watching your awesome videos,but this issue has become a little more challenging for me to train.I will appreciate if you can give me some advice.Anticipated thanks!!!🐾🐕❤️🇵🇷🏝️

[@Nick-bt2kr]

I know she improved by the end, but didn't giving her a treat after she tried to bite you the first couple times reinforce the biting behavior? Thanks

[@RobertCabralDogs]

No it didn’t.

[@joshuakitting8405]

My wife explained my Rott possibly either muzzle punching or nipping at our baby as she was sitting down with the baby in her arms. I did not see so I’m not sure how to explain it. I just watched your video on introducing a baby to a dog. But I want to know if this is enough to consider the dog aggressive towards my baby? I haven’t seen any other signs of “aggression”. He has just gotten very excited when the baby is picked up and starts crying. (Hoping around, whining, etc)

[@johncspine2787]

I replied to Linda below and said to do as Robert was doing in the video, try throwing treats until trust develops, “they” removed my comment (I think it’s that one) saying it fell under spamming practices or violates community guidelines..etc..I wonder what’s going on..I’ve never even left bad language or been mean in comments..

[@RobertCabralDogs]

that's weird, try again!

[@johncspine2787]

I thought it might’ve been the SG comment I made elsewhere, that the positive only ppl were reporting me as a spammer/deceptive practices..I guess that could be it..while I may have your eyes, thanks so much for your content, it is truly and greatly appreciated..my 18 wk GS is being a real pill today..and thanks again and again for the Sonja Nordstrom podcast, I drove to her house (lucky I live so close!) and had a session. I told her later that I would need to come back, I probably am retaining only 5%, it was like “being assaulted by a firehose of knowledge”..lol...literally, the amount of minute observations she made while also dispensing her experience was overwhelming in a great way..@@RobertCabralDogs

[@thecawckiestking]

KZbin algorithm likes to falsely flag a lot of comments and remove them for basically no reason. No idea what exactly their automated bot checks for (aside from outgoing links or rapid fire comments) but its extremely obnoxious.

[@joyfulk9services]

Could you also muzzle her for safety? Desensitize her to touch on muzzle so you can get many many repetitions in, then remove the muzzle, pet & treat repeat? I'd be worried she's not noticing/acknowledging being touched at all while she is in food drive? It seems it's more of a distraction if it I'd done at the same time. Sort of like when you teach "sit" or "down" and lure at the same time, the physical cue should come after so they make the association? I may be wrong, it may all be productive, just curious! Also, what if that behaviour DOESN’T improve (I'm sure it will though)? Would you then correct the over reaction? Or get a vet check at that point in time anyways?

[@alisha_madariaga]

The muzzle itself can introduce an extra element into the mix that can have a negative impact on the trust building process (at least from what I understand… I could be wrong though. I’m definitely not the expert here …) a muzzle certainly has its time and place to be sure. I just don’t know if this is it necessarily. Build that bond first you know? Of course I say that specifically as it relates to this dog. Obviously a dog whose reactive right out of the gate is gonna require more precaution . Although good luck getting muzzle on a dog you’ve never met and whose not muzzle trained and is reactive…

[@joyfulk9services]

@@alisha_madariaga yes for sure! Properly muzzle conditioning would be ideal. This isn't a case that requires the slight of hand muzzle technique lol. But they could condition her and get her comfortable and it may expedite the process when do the touch training. Of course, Robert is working with the dog they handed him that day I'm sure! I think the staff could take some other precautions though! Being less experiences, ensuring they're safe and the dog doesn't get a bite history, or even just spook them, reinforcing the air snaps/fear too. It's all fantastic nonetheless 👏

[@amyedwards5169]

They might need to take a xray of her hind end someone might have done something to her

[@orinmangar2333]

You need to just walk her around first b4 any training. Get her comfortable walking on the leash. Where did you learn to train dogs?

[@user-in2hs7gh6j]

Idjsu

[@franny5295]

She responded differently to a female than a male. I bet you she has been hit by a man that scared her. She expected pain.

[@RobertCabralDogs]

That’s quite a stretch. She did it with everyone before I worked with her and then the behavior became less often. Tough to judge the history of a dog with just a peek at a video.

[@alejandrocanorodriguez9826]

Nunca me gusta comentar, pero simplemente está confundiendo al perro utilizando comida, creo que debería reevaluar la terapia porque no es bueno que personas sin conocimiento le imiten y terminen siendo mordidos por utilizar una técnica que no funciona, y más con un perro tan sencillo como el del video pues tiene un carácter muy fácil de manejar. Alimentar a un perro cuando no está tranquilo o ceder en la manipulación cuando muerde nunca es bueno. Saludos desde España.