The Guide elaborates on the techniques used on the show. The examples given in the kzfaq.infoUgkxECnmSvBSv_NGWx4_ChD73pF3NYZwI2F3 are helpful and some of the techniques suggested very useful. One such technique/tool suggested was the lure stick to encourage a small dog to keep up with the heel command. I have a small dog who lags behind smelling any and everything and find it hard to keep bending over while walking to his level. The lure stick is great also for another dogs focus and sprinting at anything that catches her eye. The stories about different dogs, their different temperaments, have been helpful, especially Lulu's: After reading about Lulu's challenges I felt relief concerning one of my rescues that I have had for 10 years. Over many years I have checked out many training books from the library, watched different shows, DVDS, bought training books, taken lessons and this book is the best by far! Kindness, patience and perseverance works.

Oh man you seriously need to make a whole bunch of videos on the topic of people passing on our own worries and anxiety onto our dogs. So much wisdom there from you that us dog owners should talk about so much more. Why isn't there a whole book on the topic?!

Omg.I been telling people for years.they are dogs .not your mate or baby.I get vilified for treating my dogs like dogs.thank you for this video.

Having depression for at least two third of my lifetime, I now got a dog and can only agree. On days when I would have stayed in bed for a very long time, the dog made me get up every day in the morning for a walk through the amazing forest behind the house for at least 2 hours. Sometimes we're meeting other people with dogs and he can play and I can talk to somebody. All those things wouldn't have happened without him. Really keeps your spirits up and going.

I really love videos that just start. No intro, no wasting time just straight to it

I really appreciate your point about passing on anxiety and depression to your dogs. Not long ago I woke up on a Sunday morning feeling down about things and taking my puppy to obedience class was the last thing I felt like doing, and considered cancelling it. I felt bad though and knew he likes going so I pushed myself and took him. Turns out most people didn’t show up and it was just us and one other dog for the whole class and it was the best time we’ve had there! He wasn’t distracted and I felt like we bonded more than usual that day and I felt so much better.

I seriously got teary eyed when mental health issues came up. I got my dog to help me with my depression because I did not want medication (shes an ESA). She helped so much but I made sure to always walk her, play with her even though all I wanted to do was stare into the abyss. Though I'm so much better I appreciate you bringing up this topic, this could help so many dogs and their owners

We rescued a young, abused Staffy female in December, and I've watched a lot of training videos since then. You're the only trainer I decided to subscribe to. Thank you so much for the valuable information you share and for your obvious love for your dogs.

👏👏👏👏 As a mental health care worker, I absolutely loved the end of this video (along with the rest of it). I had a very difficult medical hump to get over that affected my brain and I chose a very active breed purposefully because I knew that even if I was tired or sick or sad, absolutely nothing can stop me from taking care of my pup. And together, I took care of her and she helped heal me ❤

I also suffer from anxiety/PTSD and don't like being around lots of people. I was having problems with my newly-adopted lab mix jumping up on people (not good in an apartment building full of elderly and disabled!). Thanks to the video, I realized I was extremely anxious when the lobby was full of people which caused Jessie to become anxious and jump up. I now calm myself before entering the lobby, and Jessie is doing much better with her jumping. Thanks for this video, Will!

I also suffer from medium to severe depression, Will. Thank you for bringing mental health up. When I go on walks or when I'm with my dog at home I have something like an off switch. I forget about me and I think all about him and the way we communicate. Sometimes it's frustrating, but that's the time when I shake myself up, calm myself for the sake of my dog and our relationship and in the end we both feel calmer, happier and with a sense of accomplishment, which is healthy for me and healthy for my pooch.

Getting out of bed, going on walks, to the park for fetch, and daily training, rain or shine has done me a world of good.

3:52 WORDS OF WISDOM‼️ ALL dog owners should understand this simple fact.

You’re doing great work. What you shared about getting out and walking with the dogs even when you don’t feel like it-what an amazing example of love, both for your dogs and for yourself. Thank you for the encouragement.

I truly love and respect the way you have developed your philosophy of canine companionship. I ended up rescuing a kitten, but I continue to watch and share your content with my canine-loving friends.

As someone with depression and constant suicidal thoughts, the part where you said, doing a service to your dog by taking them for walks despite how bad you feel really made me think, every day it feels like it would be better and easier to just stay inside, But every time I do I feel like shit the whole day, until I force myself to go outside, when I'm in my house my mind tricks me into thinking that going outside is gonna suck, but when I do go outside (specially by myself) I wnd up feeling better, by outside I don't mean going to the store or the mall, I mean going out in nature, or for a bike ride wtvr, it clears your mind, and everytime I return I feel better with myself, makes me think this is a reason why dogs are so amazing to deal with depression, the problem is when people get an ESA, they do it for their own selfish reasons, this which lead to dogs being abandoned after covid was done. This is why I think a dog could be my cure (I cant afford one), takkng care of something I love as it takes care of me, logically doing so.

Kudos to you Will for being honest and sharing about your life and struggles. I definitely relate and I pray for your continued health, success and quality of life. Thanks for your teaching.

Nice to hear someone be open and honest. A bit of brutal honesty is good, loving your dogs too much and using them as support dogs when they’re not actually support dogs is damaging and I genuinely feel like my dogs love me more for treating them like dogs. I have an American Bulldog and a Springer Spaniel and right now they’re laid besides me instead of with my partner who spends 24/7 with them. I treat them like dogs despite my overwhelming love for them.

As someone who suffers with depression daily, I appreciate this video. Thank you, and thank you for your example of true Leadership.

As a person who also struggles with depression and anxiety, I am so grateful that you discuss this in a loving accepting way about yourself. I am also a psych nurse and people get so ashamed of their mental health problems that it paralyses them to the point that they can't think of good coping skills with their companion animals. I have a puppy and I use your videos to reinforce my communication skills with him Thank you again for all you do to help us have wonderful, calm and obedient dogs who are a joy to be around, and have joy in their lives.

Brilliant points about shared anxiety. I have two dogs, a foxhound and a Shepard mix. Both are very empathetic, however, they respond differently. The Foxhound takes on the stress and needs to leave the area, he gets scared. The Shepard, comes right over to me and tries to comfort me. I know when I see these behaviours that it means I'm getting worked into a state, or I am in a state, and I am affecting the dogs. Often being upset myself isn't enough to make me do the things that I need to do to feel better, but when I see that my mood is impacting the dogs negatively it makes me react. I get up and comfort them, which comforts myself. And then I take them out, which helps all of us. My dogs aren't therapy dogs, they're just dogs, so it isn't fair for me to put undo amounts of stress and anxiety on them. It is also very important that these types of dogs get exercise and have a routine. Which are good things for people with mental health struggles too. For me it is like you said, finding ways to mutually benefit psychologically. Rather than me trying to suck happiness from them. Great Video

Will you are making me cry over here! I know training the human is the goal here & I absolutely value and appreciate your invaluable insights. Bless your heart my guy, keep up the amazing work, you are helping dogs & their humans everywhere begin to live their best lives together!!! Thank you from colorful Colorado 💓🙌

Hello from New Zealand. Great video - I see a lot of anxious dog owners on my walks - and yes their dogs are anxious too. Pretty sad to see. We need people like you spreading these lessons to the dog owners worldwide. It's never the dog ... Always the human.

Recently found you. Just listened. Can’t wait to see more. Grateful for you. Been searching for someone I felt comfortable with. You’re it.

Thank you for sharing this. As a fellow mental health sufferer there are days when I don’t think I’d get up if it wasn’t for my dogs, I need to be up to take them for their walk and in the end I feel better for doing it

Keep coming back for your insights and training tips. The time you took talking about 'low' days and how to help yourself while helping your dogs was really helpful. Thank You!

I’m very thankful for this video and the wisdom you shared in it. Thank you for being transparent about your own struggles, your not alone in these struggles, many of us have the same issues. Blessings to you.

I am recovering alcoholic, 15 yrs sober. I too struggle with crippling anxiety and I own a springador Arnie. Thankyou for a really informative and useful video. I clearly need to tweak a few of my behaviours around Arnie

Great advice Will! Love the insightfulness of your comments. Very helpful.

You are awesome. Well said. I’ll integrate these ideas into my own pup training. Thank you so much x

Great video as usual, amazing work! All the most important topics were said.

Great video. Thank you. I especially appreciate you bringing the mental health aspect of your relationship with your dog out as a point of discussion. Not nearly enough is written or spoken about this topic.

What a great video and thank you for being so open. You basically confirmed what I already knew, namely the dog is a mirror, telling you exactly what kind of state you’re in. You’re not alone mate being mentally unstable and it is more than oké to show your sensitivity! You’re helping others, not only the dogs 👍👍

Thank you for opening up like this. It rings so true for me. Your videos are excellent - going to work on my little pack today. ❤

I appreciate your last point. I think the "therapy " that dogs provide is that you have to put someone else ahead of yourself and make their well being top priority. Not just that you have a guy who's always happy to see a new day and enjoys every minute of it. Or a guy who loves being with you. Man, they're great, tho:)

Excellent topics and wisdom - probably my favourite video of yours that I've seen yet, and I've watched most of them.

I appreciate your work and insights. I have 2 large and 2 small dogs and we go for big walks every day. When I'm tired I push myself out the door and every time j feel great by the time we get back. My dogs need this no matter how I feel and it makes me happy to see them content!

Thank you! I have been struggling with my own issue of feeling guilty when I don’t get the amount of time I want with my dog due to work commitments and this has reflected in his pulling a lot on leash and being anxious especially around other dogs while walking. Now I realize how it’s largely my own behavior that is to blame. I see now I should concentrate more on communicating with my dog and leading him properly.

Sir, YOU are definitely a real one for sharing your personal challenges with us as we all have them. When I'm down my boy knows it but still challenges me to play with him. Afterwards I feel so much better and he feels tons better. Dogs truly are people's best friend. Keep up the great work thanks again.

Wow what a great video, yes it did make me cry. I always try not to pass on my negative emotions to my dog, but when you're feeling so low it's not always easy. Thank you for being so open about this and helping us all to help our doggies 💖

A deeply beautiful and emotionally enlightening video. Thank you so much for sharing this, I didn’t know about the human emotional causes of dog anxiety explained, we don’t know what we don’t know..but now I do. How incredibly valuable to understand.

Your videos are great, they are so helpful. Thanks for sharing your personal situation in this video to help educate. It's really brave of you and I wish you all the best.

Clearly an emotional video for you to make. Be proud of all you have achieved in the dogs that you help and the owners you inspire 💙🐾💙

Thank you for your honesty and sincerity. And for showing us how our dogs can support us best … when we support them.

Man that last bit really truly spoke to me, so glad I came across this channel, I absolutely love the videos that you put out. I took a go at your technique yesterday with my 5 month old dog and can't wait to keep up with his training. He must have loved it too because he started watching a few of your videos with me while it was on the TV in the bedroom, not sure if it was because of the other dogs or what but it was absolutely hilarious, got it on video and everything 😆

Far out! One of the best videos I’ve seen on the topic of mental health and being a responsible dog owner. It’s hard, bloody hard. Stay strong.

Thank you for your honesty. I don't think I've ever heard this addressed before! Let's keep talking about this!!

I admire the sharing of your personal challenges and your dog(s)...you could not have made a better video than this one.

❤❤Truth! I’m still working on leading my cane corso. He leads with his nose and behaves well on and off leash, while still easily distracted. Thank you for the tips Will!

I'm so happy you brought this topic up! I'm a very anxious person who comes from a family with complex mental health issues. Some days I have no motivation to even take a shower, and chores like cooking and cleaning take a bigger toll on me than is normal. I have a Hungarian Vizsla puppy, and although I know the breed is prone to anxiety I made sure to get one from a breeder that focuses on temperament rather than hunting and competition skills. Having him reduced my anxiety a lot just by the simple fact of everything else falls into the background, because he is the nr 1 priority now. And like you said, whether I want to or not, I have to be out with him, and that helps my mood so so much. He brought so much love and joy into our home. Although it's challenging sometimes, now I could not imagine a live without him.

So touching and very important video - thank you very much, Will! 😀

Thanks for this video, I have an older black lab mix and have recently adopted a border collie shepherd mix, who requires training, I truly appreciate your KZfaq Chanel and the perspective and tips you give. I also have anxiety and depression, and am working hard to correct behavior issues in my new 5 year old collie shepherd and have had positive results in 2 weeks thanks to your advice. Thanks heaps.

your video’s are amazing. i’ve had many dogs with my family growing up already, but now my wife and i got our first dog together (germ shep/border collie mix) and it’s been a great help watching your videos being the sole owners of this puppy!

first of all: props to you for being so open and honest with your battle, I myself struggle with anxiety and depression and ever since I got her I struggle with it less and less: she motivates me even on the worst days to go outside and stick to our structure because I can't let her down. I think your video is very informative and helpful, however I think you could have gone a bit more in depth on the "loving on your dog" part: it is very important to understand your breeds traits, your dogs personality and also how you define loving on: Some breeds are very independent, some are the opposite. Some dog personalities are very affectionate and some just enjoy your company while you're sitting on the other side of the room. So it's not just important to understand how dogs communicate and show affection but how YOUR dog does these things. When I visited my breeder (Viszla and Viszla-Labrador Mixes), those dogs were all piled up on each other 23/7! (One hour for running around ;-) )They love pack-napping and closeness because that's part of the breed. They (the breed) were never bread to be independent. And its the same with my dog: If I'd let her she would lay on my lap most of the day. Unless her favorite sun bathing spot on the rug is free. However if I were to constantly talk to her and pet her and grab her she would get nervous and uneasy. Our family's Lab will come to you for some pets and cuddles and when she's had enough she would like to be left alone on her spot and not touched or talked to unless you need something from her. If I were to love the Lab in the same way I love my Viszla-Mix, she'd be very unhappy and vice versa.

I resonated so much with the mental health aspect of this video. I am sorry to hear that you experience feelings of anxiety and stress. I too suffer from similar regular feelings and I have a Doberman puppy who is 6 months starting his teenage cycle. My biggest fear is causing him to be high anxiety and reactive from me subconsciously putting my emotions into him. So I’m happy I watched this. It’s a daily struggle to walk him from my obstacles emotionally but EVERY time I do I feel sooo much better. It really is healing in a way.

your channel is the best i've seen and i really love your videos. Your comments about passing on my emotions to the dog is important, i realize that i need to do a better job at being calm & relaxed around our puppy

I love your videos, they’re very helpful and useful and well made. Thanks for making them!

This came at just the right time for me. My 7 mth old has become nervous about going on walks lately. I wondered if she was going through a fear period. She keeps a loose lead very well, so I let her go ahead and choose where she wants to go as long as the lead is loose (and we're not passing anyone). But after seeing this video, I've just taken her out and tried to be more assertive in directing her, while still letting her sniff around, and it was much better than recent walks. I also gave plenty of 'yes, good walk' reinforcements. Not sure it was just coincidence. We went further than we have for ages and her body language was very positive. You're ace, Will!

I’ve found 2 mistakes I’ve been making. I’ve been doing research because we’re having training hiccups & I know that reflects on me. I vocally correct my dogs too much, we do not use the “break” command as we need to. I’m excited to alter these techniques. Thank you so SO much for the free education!!

Thank you for being vulnerable in sharing about the mental health struggles that we as humans may face and how that can affect our beautiful friends. We still deserve to have dogs even if we deal with anxiety and depression. Im not sure that Ive even heard a dog trainer like yourself talk about this very issue. It’s appreciated and makes so much sense!

Such honesty 🥲 thank you for sharing that with us Will

Thank you so much for this video. I have a mental disability and today was a long day, so I made sure my lab and i played ball, walked, and even though it would have otherwise been considered a detour- we played on a beach! I’ll search your channel for the other videos you mentioned because I’m trying so hard to find the balance of me needing her medically and desiring to not have her take on my disability. Thank you!!!

Wow! I am so glad I have found you. I really need to get better with walking him cold or hot, rain or shine. Thank you for your help 💜

Love, Love, Love you Will! Needed that. Know all the rules and am preaching them single-handedly in my country. Thank you for the support, even tho it was not pointed directly at me.

Thank you for sharing! This was educational and insightful 👏 👌 👍

will, I wanted to say that I am grateful to have come across your channel and I am grateful for your honesty and humbleness with explaining how your mental health affects you but also helps get better with reflecting services upon each other. I chose a dog who is German shepherd and Bernese mountain dog and it's been quite challenging because he's a great dog but tends to want to "nip" at my 6-year-old a lot even when I'm carrying him to bed...and I'll admit I've lost my cool but I'm trying to become a better leader and father for my whole family. Through your channel I've learned a lot so far and I'm grateful for that and you. Thank you and I hope you can rid of anxiety and depression which I share with you as well. Can't say thanks enough. Have a beautiful day my brother!

Great video. I’ve gone from trying to train with 100% positive to a more balanced approach, largely because of your training skills and methods. I work humane societies and home foster, and treats aren’t the solution for ingrained behaviors, especially in dogs non- treat motivated

Well said!!! Not only is there a problem with us passing our negative feelings onto a dog, but other people affect our dogs through giving us negative comments, and therefore negative feelings, about our training abilities. As a first time dog owner, I chose a rescue puppy that is a little bit out of my league. Loki is Border Collie and Australian Collie mix. He has a high need for human touch and bonding, as well as an incredible need for exercise and just flat out running. I’m older and have physical limitations, which have improved greatly after adopting my puppy. I have issues with self-esteem, I internalize negative comments and, unfortunately, I have to work through them. Walking and a good pat certainly helps.

Man, I'm SO glad I stumbled across your channel, dude. We've just brought a beautiful white German Shepherd into our home, he's currently 11 weeks old. I'm learning SO much through watching your videos and it's already showing in his training. His sit/stay commands are working almost every time, we've almost completely eliminated his puppy biting and recall is coming along brilliantly. Huge shout out to you for the depth of information and reasoning behind your training methods, don't stop doing what you're doing!

Oh my goodness thank you so much! 🙏🏻 I’m left here feeling bad but needed to hear this so much. I have been depressed and have limited mobility just now after a serious car accident. I have been using my dog to cuddle in bed with for comfort and she is also an anxious puppy! Thanks for giving me the kick up the butt I needed as hard as it was to hear.

Thank you for the instruction. It's so appreciated. Thank you, also, for openly mentioning your personal illness/disorder. I suffer from chronic depression, and it is the one challenge I''m struggling to come up with possible remedies for, before finally investing in the dog of my dreams. The thought of being so sick that my regular daily functioning is compromised, and therefore not feeling/being able to properly exercise and care for my dog is the one hurdle I haven't been able to come to terms with. Hiring someone to walk her or him daily, for the sometimes months that I'm incapacitated? Financially prohibitive. Having my son come to do so? I'm loathe to do that. He would do it, but I would feel wretched infringing on his time, and work, to such an extent. I'm really trying to think this through clearly, so that I can have the company I crave, and the added security I want.

Great video with excellent advice…again!! Thank you!

Thank you for addressing mental health and the challenge in keeping it from impacting your dogs. I have been struggling with this and you’re right-I don’t hear or see it addressed often enough, aside from the unhelpful “then you shouldn’t have a dog” comments.

Adore you, Will Atherton, and always learn something from your videos.

This is really good! Thank you for sharing ❣

Love your videos man! Praying for you in your hard days!

So well articulated. Thank you.

New puppy owner. Really loving your content. So informative and we'll set out. Please keep up great work..it really helps owners and their dogs

I am about to get a Samoyed puppy. I've had dogs all my life and I get your videos. Please keep making such understandable and interesting content. Cheers mate!

Great discussion as ever, as that’s how it feels. You have a talent for putting over difficult subject matter well. I totally agree some people use their dogs as a crutch and in doing so do their dogs a massive disservice. Great job thank you.

Done it again, another brilliant video, helping people help their dogs help their people. 👍

Well said, thank you for your openness in your honesty and of course all your key pointers as I just got a 13 week old puppy who has Australian Shepherd, and border collie so far out we’re having a great time, and after only dogs for the majority of my life and I’m not 20 lol I’ve learned from my mistakes in the past, and I’ve been studying very hard moving forward to make sure she is the best of the best! Thank you for your encouraging videos!!!❤

Thank you for sharing your very personal struggles that many of us deal with on a daily basis. Awareness of how our moods and behaviors affect our animals is significant. I try to be the leader my three dogs need without burdening them but as you know, some days are more successful than others. Having our pets dependent on us is a great reason to step outside ourselves and provide for their needs. Walks are very good for changing a negative outlook and it’s a win-win for humans and dogs. Again, thank you for speaking so boldly and beautifully on the subject of mental health, it’s reassuring and enlightening.💕

Great video as usual👍 keep up the great work👍

Thank you for these very important points 👏 and for your honesty.

What a great message, I wish all dog owners could see and take action to understand this video.

Fantastic video Will, made alot of sense.

I just rescued a 1 year old pup for my depression and anxiety. If I have something else to take care of it gives me a reason to need to get out of bed and function and stop being so lazy. I've always been a dog person and feel incomplete without a dog by my side, however I've never raised a puppy and it's incredibly difficult. I'm learning it just takes time and patience and finding the sweet spot between loving and stern, and the first few weeks of being a puppy owner are incredibly stressful and exhausting for both me and the pup. However I'm determined to make sure this stress is managed to best make the pup feel happy and at home while she gets to know me! Your videos have been the most helpful out of any I've seen, I can't wait until my pup is as well behaved as your dogs. That's when our relationship will really take off! Thanks

I just love your videos so much. And agree with your training strategies. 🌺

Amazing video. Incredibly educational and helpful.

I am so glad mental health was discussed, your advocacy helps destigmatize it

Great talk, thanks for your honesty !

Love this video, dogs are not only good for our mental health but also physical wellbeing. I’m sure the walks are an important contribution to my overall health.

You are so amazing. Thank you for the work you do. The world needs more people like you.

Will, this is my favorite Channel for pets. Reason: outdoor film shoot (mother nature) representation & energy levels.

Thanks for sharing Will

as usual a top presentation in easy to understand language, thank you Will💖

Great video man, I love how you described that taking care of your dogs helps you take care of you. I can relate in a way, I use my dog as a way to help me get exercise. We play and walk a lot although he would say more is always ok lol.

Thank you. The mental health piece is exactly what I needed to hear right now. I’m on the road to getting a cavalier to help with my mental health. And it feels so validating hearing you say the part about doing what’s right for them helps you back, because that’s exactly why I want a dog. To get me out of bed, to give me structure and motivation etc. because that’s what they need (and me too). I can’t wait to begin training. ❤️

Awesome, really helpful video. Great advice 👍🏻