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Member Questions 11-23-24

Robert CabralIACP Hall of Fame trainer2 min readNovember 23, 2024

PJ

2 quick questions:  I have a 3yr GSD & a 2yr Bernadoodle, I’m not busy enough🤪 so I consented to taking on a 6mo Bernadoodle for my ill cousin. My GSD has decided to guard at the back door.  No barking, just guarding.  How long should I let him do this in a day?  He comes in when I ask but it is getting colder and I feel bad that he is out there for such a long stretch.  He is neutered but tends to hump the girls when I am around.  How can I stop this behavior.  The puppy has started the dominating behavior as well.

Greg O

Hi Robert, I have an intact male working line GSD who just turned 2. I’m having issues with intermittent barking and attempting to chase friendly people. My dog will sit and allow strangers to approach and pet him, but after 30 seconds or so he will sometimes begin very loud barking and lunging at the person. Am I doing something which leads him to believe I’m not in charge and need him to protect me? I don’t want to discourage his natural protective instinct, but also don’t want to frighten friendly people. Any ideas? I’d consider my dog happy and friendly, but he doesn’t always show it.

Tommy A

Halo Robert and family. In my group of friends there is a small dog about 12 pounds. She is dog she have attacked several of my dogs both huskys and malinois. My dogs have newer fought back it seems they don’t take her seriously. I don’t allow interaction between them anymore. This dog didn’t have any sibling, not good. She doesn’t react well to corrections, she doesn’t react before she gets scared. I am sure my dogs understand there is something off about this dog. Even my 4.5 months old puppy just ignore her, even when the small dog is aggressive. Can you offer any insight?

Jenifer B

If I ask my 2yr old Belgian Sheepdog to do something, like go to your bed, sit, down, stay, she will always do it if I have a treat. But if i don’t have a treat she often blows me off or I have to ask a few times before she decides to do it. So how do I fade the treats and get her to do as I ask consistently? Or for her to want to do what is ask? What videos from your site should I work on? Except for recall, she does have a good recall.

Robert Cabral with a shelter dog
About the author

Robert Cabral

Robert Cabral has been training dogs professionally for over 20 years. He started in shelters, working with dogs nobody else wanted, and was inducted into the IACP International Hall of Fame for his work in shelter advocacy and canine rehabilitation.

20+Years training
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2025IACP Hall of Fame

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