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Member Questions 12-08-24

Robert CabralIACP Hall of Fame trainer2 min readDecember 8, 2024

Michael M

I have a 100 lb 1 year old german shepherd. I was given him after the previous owner couldn’t keep him. He has learned basic obediance, is good with e collar training, is good in recall. My only issue is out. When playing with toys he has a very difficult time releasing. I use a pinch collar, but need to snap it hard a number of times before he releases. I tried a slip collar but he has a very high pain threshold and it didn’t seem to do anything. i am reluctant to use the e collar (I have an Educator 900) as I don’t want to use it as a punishment.

Matthew 

I’m training 2 Poms (6 months and 1 year old). Curious about best practices for small breeds since they’re known to be noisy, bark a lot, and have reactivity issues. Planning 10-min sessions, 2-3 times/day.

Challenges:

Barking/React: Focus on basic obedience first or correct reactivity immediately?

Chewing: How to stop them from chewing things they shouldn’t? Teach “no” command with corrections.

Potty Training: Using your crate training videos, but any additional tips?

Any advice would be appreciated!

Danielle 

I am trying to teach my 1.5 yr GSD the “get me a beer” trick. I watched your video but am having a little difficulty. I’ve only done 3-10min sessions so far. Currently using an empty can. I’m working on increasing “hold” duration, as she doesn’t know “hold” yet. I am rewarding her with bits of cheese (a higher value treat for her) but she doesn’t seem excited. After a few minutes she will just lay on the kitchen floor with her head down. I haven’t corrected her, or scolded or anything, only positivity, patience and praise. Any ideas of what I’m doin wrong? I just want her to have fun with it.

Jessica W

Hi, I volunteer at a small shelter and we have a large mixed breed male that has been there for 9 months. We took him from a man that was treating him badly. This dog loves only us now at the shelter and has nipped at 4 potential adopters. If you get to know him he will be your friend, but doesn’t like people right away. He is extremely stressed being there. We have to be careful with people walking through the yard with him.  He doesn’t bark or growl, he’ll just nip, sometimes hard. What would you do with this dog? Thank you.

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
351KYouTube subscribers
2025IACP Hall of Fame

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