The YouTube video “Abandoned Dog Gets His Chance at a New Life” posted on the Will Atherton Canine Training channel tells the remarkable transformation story of Chance—a young Cane Corso mix who went from out-of-control adolescent to adoptable, affectionate companion through structured training, consistency, and compassionate leadership. This blog repurposes the video to help pet parents understand the challenges and needs of large-breed dogs, especially those who enter rescue with little to no prior training.
Whether you’re considering adopting a rescue dog, navigating big-dog adolescent behavior, or simply fascinated by canine rehabilitation, Chance’s journey offers invaluable lessons for every dog owner.
Who Is Chance? Understanding the Dog Behind the Behavior
Chance is an adolescent Cane Corso mix, most likely predominantly Cane Corso. Under a year old at the time of intake, he entered the rescue center after his previous family was unable to manage him—almost certainly due to behavioral challenges stemming from a lack of structure and guidance.
Upon arrival, Chance displayed:
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Extreme jumping
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Zero impulse control
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Intense lead pulling
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High arousal to every stimulus
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Chaos-level excitement in the kennel
Described as “100 miles an hour full steam ahead,” his behavior made everyday handling difficult and dangerous—not because he was aggressive, but because he was strong, adolescent, and unmanaged.
Despite these challenges, trainers saw something deeply important: Chance was a sweet dog who had simply been failed by his environment, not by his genetics or temperament.
How Poor Structure Creates Big Problems in Large-Breed Dogs
The Cane Corso is a mastiff-type breed known for its power, intelligence, and protective tendencies. Without boundaries, training, and leadership, these natural traits can quickly become overwhelming.
Chance is a perfect example of how:
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Lack of early training
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Zero impulse control development
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No boundaries or expectations
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Unstructured adolescence
can lead to severe behavior problems—especially in a large, muscular, fast-growing breed.
These issues are preventable with leadership and structure. But when they aren’t addressed early, they become a safety concern for both dog and handler.
The First Step: A Tailored Behavioral Assessment
Before training began, the rescue team conducted a full diagnostic assessment to understand Chance’s triggers and underlying issues. This included:
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Observing kennel behavior
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Testing leash reactivity
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Measuring excitement thresholds
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Evaluating responsiveness to commands
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Assessing his temperament and motivation
This assessment allowed the trainer to build a behavior modification plan customized to Chance’s needs.
This is crucial for all rescue dogs—especially powerful breeds. Not all behavior stems from aggression; in Chance’s case, the core issue was overexcitement and lack of impulse control, not fear or dominance.
Intensive Behavior Modification: Bringing Structure Back Into Chance’s World
The training program started by focusing on the most dangerous behavior: jumping. For a large breed like a Cane Corso, jumping isn’t just annoying—it can knock someone down, especially a child or older adult.
Step 1: Eliminate Jumping
The trainer worked to teach Chance:
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Calm greetings
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Respect for personal space
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Controlled arousal around people
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Default behavior of sitting or holding position instead of jumping
With consistency, Chance stopped jumping and learned to seek guidance instead of reacting impulsively.
Step 2: Loose Lead Walking
Next, the focus shifted to:
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Reducing pulling
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Maintaining a position beside the handler
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Staying calm outside
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Matching the handler’s pace
The transformation was described as “monumental”—Chance went from dragging handlers to walking politely by their side.
Step 3: Building a Calmer State of Mind
Once the high-risk behaviors improved, the trainer worked on:
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Crate training
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“Place” command sessions
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Better kennel manners
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Controlled exposure to new environments
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Practicing calmness before movement
Chance began learning not just commands, but emotional stability.
The Sweet Dog Behind the Chaos: Chance’s True Personality
One of the most touching parts of the video is watching Chance’s real personality emerge once the bad behaviors were addressed. Beneath the hyperactivity, he is:
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Affectionate
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Cheeky and full of character
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Eager to please
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Gentle, despite his size
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Extremely bonded to people
His transformation proves a valuable lesson:
Many “problem” dogs are not bad dogs—they are untrained dogs.
What Chance Needs in His Forever Home
Even after training, Chance needs the right kind of adopter. The trainer clearly outlines the ideal candidate:
Experience with large breeds
Cane Corso mixes are powerful and require confident handling.
A calm, assertive leader
Dogs this strong should never be put in a position to feel responsible for protection.
Consistency
Chance thrives when rules are followed every time.
Patience
He is still young and learning the world at his own pace.
Willingness to use structure
This includes:
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Crate training
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Regular “place” sessions
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Controlled exposure to new environments
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Daily exercise, about 30 minutes once or twice a day
For homes dedicated to this structure, Chance will be a loving, loyal companion.
Maintaining Chance’s Training: Long-Term Commitment
Even though Chance shows massive improvement, ongoing reinforcement is crucial. Without consistency, dogs can regress.
His new family should:
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Practice loose lead walking daily
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Maintain crate and place training routines
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Avoid overly stimulating situations too soon
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Continue impulse control drills
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Uphold calm, confident leadership
A clean, structured home makes training easier
For dogs like Chance, a tidy, low-stress environment helps reinforce calm behaviors.
To keep bedding, carpets, and living areas clean while training an active large breed, we recommend:
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Carpet Deodorizers to neutralize odors
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Laundry Powders for washing dog beds, blankets, and training mats
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All-Purpose Cleaners to freshen crate trays, floors, and high-traffic areas
A clean environment helps dogs settle better and reduces stress—for both pet and owner.
The Sanctuary’s Commitment: Free Support for Adopters
One of the standout aspects of Will Atherton’s program is the promise of free post-adoption support. Any adopter of Chance will receive:
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Ongoing behavioral consultations
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Troubleshooting guidance
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Transition support
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Training advice as Chance matures
This ensures that Chance—and dogs like him—have the best possible chance at keeping their forever homes.
Why Chance’s Story Matters
Chance’s journey teaches us powerful lessons about rescue, training, and responsible large-breed ownership:
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Many behavioral problems stem from lack of boundaries, not aggression.
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Tailored training plans are essential—what works for one dog may not work for another.
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Impulse control is a foundational skill that changes everything.
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Structure is a form of love.
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Every dog, especially rescues, deserves clarity, consistency, and calm leadership.
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With the right guidance, even the most challenging dogs can thrive.
Chance isn’t just a rescue story—he’s a reminder that dogs don’t fail people; people often fail dogs.
But with compassion and training, those failures can be rewritten.
Final Thoughts
Chance’s story is a testament to the resilience of dogs and the extraordinary impact of structured training and supportive leadership. Dogs like Chance often end up in shelters through no fault of their own—but with proper rehabilitation, they become wonderful family pets.
If you’re passionate about helping rescue dogs succeed, creating a clean and stable home environment is part of that journey. Explore our natural, pet-safe cleaning essentials:
For more pet-care education and eco-friendly home tips, visit our blog:
https://www.goodnaturedbrand.com/pages/blog
