We love our dogs and they love us – so much so that dogs respond to our emotions, almost as though they are empaths. Dogs love us so much that they care about us being sad and notice when we are scared and stressed.
Dog training is about teaching your dog to behave in the way you want it to behave. They do that by understanding that you are their safe space, you are “Alpha,” you are in charge and they can look to you for their own health and safety.
You can imagine, then, that a dog that senses that something is wrong may also start to behave differently than you want them to behave. If you struggle with anxiety, depression, or another mental health condition, then there is a risk that your dog may sense those emotions and react in a way that is not ideal. For example:
- If your dog senses your anxiety around people, then they may start to worry that people are something to be feared. They may bark, run away, or otherwise act in such a way that they are not behaving on walks and when people visit the way they should.
- If you’re feeling sad then your dog may feel sad. They may be less motivated to play, go on walks, or even listen in some situations because they may not be in the right mood.
- If you’re feeling stressed, your dog may not be able to feel calm. They may have trouble listening, or may not feel like you’re able to protect them the way they need to and then struggle with their place in the pack.
These are only a few of the examples of ways that a dog’s behavior can be affected by that of their owner.
Addressing YOUR Mental Health for the Sake of Your Dog
“Our dogs need their owners to help them understand the world” says Marc of Chicago Dog Trainer. “The more you take care of yourself, the more you’ll be able to take better care of your pet as well.”
There so many personal reasons to consider addressing your mental health. But sometimes, it’s hard to have that motivation when it has to come from within. If you need that extra little kick to help you get the support you need, consider the benefits that addressing your mental health will improve the behavior of your dog. Your dog wants you happy. Therapy can help you achieve that.
For more information about psychotherapy, please reach out to Flourish Psychology, today.