Scared dog has heartbreaking reaction to being called ‘good boy’

A terrified dog’s reaction to being called a ‘good boy’ for the first time has left people in tears.

Rocky Kanaka is an American video creator who shelters stray and abandoned dogs in a centre in California, USA until they can be adopted by a suitable owner. He shared a heartbreaking video online of a meek German Shepherd, where he calls him a ‘good boy’.

It is clear the dog has never been called this before as he doesn’t react to these words from Rocky at all at first. The poor pooch was brought to Rocky after animal control were called out to a property for a “confined stray.”

The dog rescuer posted a video on Facebook sat down next to the German Shepherd trying to get him to relax and feel less scared. Speaking in the clip, Rocky said: “Let’s see if he knows some common words that most dogs would know.

“We’ll see if he’s ever even heard it before. He may have never even heard this before.”

Facing the dog, he said to him: “You’re a good boy,” but the dog didn’t move or react in any way. Rocky added: “It seems hard to believe if you’re a dog lover that if you had a dog you wouldn’t tell them they’re a good dog, but you can just tell with the no reaction to any of that that he doesn’t understand what it is.

“But what’s amazing is when your intentions are wholesome and you’re willing to be open and vulnerable, […] you can tie it in to very quickly show him what it means.”

Rocky then repeated: “You’re a good boy,” to the dog – but this time, he gave him a treat as he said it. The dog happily ate the treat and Rocky told him again that he’s a “good boy.”

This time, he raised his ears in response to these words and turned to face Rocky. The dog rescuer continued telling the German Shepherd that he’s a “good boy” while stroking his head, and the pooch listened attentively.

After Rocky introduced the stray dog to a toy and showed him some more love and affection, the adorable animal soon started to smile and relax with a “confident, comfortable German Shepherd stance.” The Facebook video has amassed a staggering 6.8million views, 130,000 reactions and 4,400 comments at the time of writing.

One user said: “I teared right up when you called him a good boy to see if he’s heard it before and there was no reaction. Poor pop, he deserved to hear he’s a good boy before, now and always.

“He’s such a good boy. Thank you for letting him know he can trust some people. I pray he finds a patient, loving, forever home.”

Another added: “His lack of reaction to good boy made me tear up. That poor baby deserves all the love!”

Further users commented: “Crying over this one. My heart is breaking looking at him” and “a lot of your videos make tears well up in my eyes but this one full on has me crying.”

Others highlighted the change in the German Shepherd after spending some time with Rocky. They said: “He changed from 0 to 100 in an hour with you” and “boy he sure changes with you there, just looks happier!”