Shows
Positively Dog Training - The Official Victoria Stilwell PodcastTraining Holidays & Spicy Dogs: Adam Daines Brings the FunWe’re keeping it light this summer with episodes every other week so you can stay inspired without missing the sunshine.In this episode of the Victoria Stilwell Positively Podcast, Victoria sits down with UK-based trainer, and VSPDT, Adam Daines. Adam shares the story of how a difficult experience with traditional training methods as a 14-year-old shaped his unwavering commitment to positive reinforcement. Now running his successful business, Avon Dog Services, Adam opens up about his work with working-line dogs who often “go self-employed” when their natural needs aren’t being met. From practical enrichment ideas like tracking...2025-05-1349 minPositively Dog Training - The Official Victoria Stilwell PodcastBreaking Barriers - Inclusivity in Dog Training with Neika SmessaertIn this heartfelt and eye-opening episode, Victoria Stilwell speaks with Neika Smessaert, a veterinary technician, certified dog trainer, and trailblazer for inclusivity within the dog training and veterinary worlds. Neika shares her journey from working in small animal clinics to becoming a vital advocate for deaf and hard-of-hearing trainers. With humor and humility, she recounts how learning ASL during the pandemic led her to mentor VSA’s first deaf student, Leah, opening the door for broader accessibility within the program. Together, they co-created the Puppy Progress Planner—a 12-week confidence-building resource for puppies and their humans—and launche...2025-04-2951 minPositively Dog Training - The Official Victoria Stilwell PodcastUnleashing Success - Jamie Diaz’s Journey to Dog Training StardomIn this episode, Victoria Stilwell welcomes Jamie Diaz, founder of Dynamite Dog Training and a rising star in the dog training world. Jamie shares her journey from starting her Florida-based training business to building a massive online following by showcasing real-time, authentic dog training content. She discusses the challenges of working in an industry often dominated by outdated methods, her strategies for creating meaningful content, and the impact of social media on dog training education. Jamie also highlights the importance of resilience, balancing business with family life, and staying true to her values in the face of online criticism...2025-03-2548 minPositively Dog Training - The Official Victoria Stilwell PodcastThe Power of Kindness - A Conversation with Patricia McConnellIn this deeply moving episode, host Victoria Stilwell welcomes renowned author and applied animal behaviorist Patricia McConnell to discuss her impactful career, powerful personal journey, and her unwavering dedication to improving the lives of dogs and their people. Patricia reflects on how her book The Other End of the Leash revolutionized dog training by shifting the focus toward understanding canine communication and building relationships based on empathy and respect.The conversation delves into Patricia's early experiences navigating a male-dominated industry and her efforts to elevate dog training as a respected profession. Patricia shares personal stories about her...2025-03-1852 minPositively Dog Training - The Official Victoria Stilwell PodcastThe Heart of Rescue - Behind the Scenes of The Dog House with Sue KetlandIn this episode, Victoria Stilwell welcomes Sue Ketland, the renowned behavior and training specialist from Woodgreen Pets Charity, and a familiar face from The Dog House on Channel 4. With 35 years of experience in dog welfare, Sue shares behind-the-scenes insights on how the show has reshaped the public’s view of adoption, the complexities of matching dogs with families, and the heartwarming successes that keep her motivated. She also opens up about the emotional challenges of rescue work, the importance of patience in adoption, and the role of positive reinforcement in helping dogs transition into new homes.Victoria an...2025-03-0454 minPositively Dog Training - The Official Victoria Stilwell PodcastAcing Adolescence - Understanding & Supporting Teenage Dogs with Sarah FisherAdolescence can be one of the most challenging stages in a dog's life—and for their caregivers! In this episode, renowned canine behavior expert Sarah Fisher joins Victoria Stilwell to discuss how we can better support adolescent dogs through their period of rapid growth, exploration, and change. Sarah shares insights from her ACE Free Work approach and explains why movement is critical for development, how we often misinterpret mouthing behavior, and why traditional training methods may not always be the best approach.From the emotional and sensory needs of teenage dogs to the importance of rethinking play, en...2025-02-251h 05Positively Dog Training - The Official Victoria Stilwell PodcastStop Being Such a Human - Seeing the World Through a Dog’s Eyes with Sam WikeIn this thought-provoking episode, Victoria Stilwell welcomes Sam Wike, a former police officer and certified explosive detection K9 handler who now dedicates his expertise to companion dog training. Sam discusses the challenges humans create in training due to their need for control and how true partnerships with dogs require understanding their perspective rather than imposing our own. He emphasizes the importance of communication, patience, and respecting dogs as intelligent beings with their own emotional landscapes.Sam also explores the power of positive reinforcement in high-stakes environments like police work, dismantling the myth that harsh training methods are...2025-02-1849 minPositively Dog Training - The Official Victoria Stilwell PodcastUnderstanding & Helping Fearful Dogs with Zazie ToddVictoria Stilwell welcomes Zazie Todd, PhD, an award-winning author, animal behavior expert, and founder of Companion Animal Psychology on the podcast to discuss the science of stress in dogs, how to identify signs of anxiety, and the role of medications in behavior modification. The conversation touches on cognitive bias in dogs, optimism vs. pessimism, and how early positive experiences shape a dog’s outlook. Zazie shares insights on why fear and anxiety in dogs are on the rise, how counter-conditioning works, and why first-time experiences matter so much for a dog’s learning. Zazie also highlights the impor...2025-02-1145 minPositively Dog Training - The Official Victoria Stilwell PodcastThe Science and Art of Being Social - Understanding Dogs and Ourselves with Andrew HaleIn this insightful episode, Victoria Stilwell welcomes back Andrew Hale to discuss the deep connections between human and canine social experiences. As a certified animal behaviorist and advocate for dog-centric care, Andrew delves into the importance of secure attachments, social safety, and emotional regulation in both species. The conversation challenges traditional views on training, highlighting how reactivity and behavior issues often stem from social processing struggles rather than mere disobedience. They also explore how punishment-based methods can create long-term emotional damage, making a strong case for humane, positive approaches.Drawing parallels between societal issues and dog behavior...2025-02-0448 minPositively Dog Training - The Official Victoria Stilwell PodcastBeverley Cuddy - Championing Dog Welfare and Tackling Industry ChallengesIn this episode, Victoria Stilwell interviews Beverley Cuddy, editor of Dogs Today magazine, as it celebrates 35 years of championing dog welfare. Beverley shares her experiences advocating for responsible breeding, her views on the Kennel Club's recent controversies, and the importance of holding organizations accountable. They delve into breed-specific legislation, including the XL Bully ban, and explore how media and education can shape public perception of dog ownership.Beverley’s candid insights into her career, her advocacy work, and the future of dog welfare offer listeners a mix of inspiration and thought-provoking commentary. Whether you're a pet professional or...2025-01-2849 minPositively Dog Training - The Official Victoria Stilwell PodcastRevolutionizing Shelter Care with Tom CandyIn this episode, Victoria Stilwell welcomes Tom Candy, clinical animal behaviourist and founder of Simplifying Shelter Behaviour. Tom shares insights into the current state of shelters in the UK, highlighting the challenges brought on by the pandemic, the cost-of-living crisis, and changing adoption patterns. He delves into the frustrations faced by both dogs and their guardians in shelter and rescue scenarios, emphasizing the importance of innovative solutions like preventive rescue and in-home support programs. Tom also provides a behind-the-scenes look at how shelters are adapting to better serve both dogs and potential adopters.The conversation extends beyond...2025-01-2143 minPositively Dog Training - The Official Victoria Stilwell PodcastInside the Dog World - Sue Sternberg on Behavior, Training, and Shelter ChallengesIn this enlightening episode, Victoria Stilwell welcomes the legendary Sue Sternberg, a trailblazer in dog training and behavior. They explore Sue’s journey from 1981 to now, highlighting industry changes, the rise of trainer wars, and the complexities of shelter work. Sue shares candid insights into her groundbreaking HBO documentary, Shelter Dogs, her philosophy on crafting authentic relationships with dogs, and the need for a more holistic approach to canine care.The conversation takes a deep dive into the difficulties of being a dog in today's world, from the pressures of modern training methods to the challenges of ne...2025-01-141h 00Positively Dog Training - The Official Victoria Stilwell PodcastDecoding Canine Behavior: Expert Insights with Veterinary Behaviorist, Dr. Maggie O’BrianIn this episode, Victoria Stilwell sits down with Dr. Maggie O’Brian, a board-certified veterinary behaviorist, to uncover the complexities of animal behavior. They dive deep into the critical role veterinary behaviorists play in addressing issues like aggression, compulsive disorders, and cognitive decline, alongside the importance of collaboration with trainers and vets. Dr. O’Brian also busts myths about pet medication and offers practical advice for traveling with anxious pets during the holidays.Listeners will gain insights into identifying when to refer pets to a veterinary behaviorist, handling resource guarding, and understanding the nuances of canine cognitive dysf...2024-12-1752 minPositively Dog Training - The Official Victoria Stilwell Podcast20 Years of ‘It’s Me or the Dog’ with special host, Holly FirferJoin Victoria Stilwell and Holly Firfer as they celebrate 20 years of "It's Me or the Dog." Holly is the VP of programming and Development for ReachTV and Scripps New Anchor. She is a former radio DJ, news correspondent and Victoria's podcast companion for many years. Victoria shares her journey from acting to dog training, the creation of her groundbreaking TV show, and the evolution of her mission to educate pet owners and trainers worldwide. The episode highlights memorable moments from the show, the challenges of tackling severe behavioral issues, and the joy of fostering relationships between dogs a...2024-12-101h 22Positively Dog Training - The Official Victoria Stilwell PodcastRevolutionizing Dog Training: The Charter for Positive Change with Carolyn MenteithIn this episode, Victoria Stilwell hosts Carolyn Menteith, an award-winning trainer and behaviorist, to discuss the UK Dog Behavior and Training Charter. They explore its importance in setting ethical training standards, the advocacy for banning shock collars, and its broader implications for dogs and trainers. Carolyn shares insights into unifying professional organizations under a common mission and highlights her ongoing efforts to promote science-based, positive reinforcement methodologies.The episode also dives into the transformative power of ethical training on dogs' welfare, the challenges in influencing legislation, and the inspiring collaboration among organizations to create meaningful change. A...2024-11-2652 minPositively Dog Training - The Official Victoria Stilwell PodcastA Roundtable Discussion - The Future of Dog TrainingIn this Roundtable Discussion, Victoria Stilwell and the Positively Team explore the evolving landscape of dog training. Together, they address recent controversies in the industry, including a flawed study promoting the use of shock collars, and emphasize the need to move beyond outdated methods like punishment and reward-based systems. The trainers advocate for a shift toward relationship-centered training, where the focus is on enhancing the well-being and cooperation between dogs and humans.Through real-life stories, analogies, and insights from the panel, listeners are encouraged to think critically about their own approach to dog training. The conversation touches...2024-10-221h 05Positively Dog Training - The Official Victoria Stilwell PodcastTraining Dogs with Science and Kindness with Paul Owens, The Original Dog WhispererIn this episode, Victoria Stilwell speaks with Paul Owens, widely known as the original Dog Whisperer. Paul reflects on his remarkable 50-year career as a professional dog trainer, transitioning from traditional punitive methods to pioneering force-free, positive reinforcement techniques. They discuss Paul's journey, including the pivotal moment when he embraced a more compassionate approach to dog training and the evolution of his teaching. Paul shares the importance of blending science and heart in training, ensuring a relationship of trust and kindness with our canine companions. Listeners will be inspired by his stories and wisdom about how positive reinforcement impacts...2024-10-1552 minPositively Dog Training - The Official Victoria Stilwell PodcastUnlocking Canine Wellness: The Power of Myotherapy for Dogs with Julia RobertsonIn this episode, host Victoria Stilwell chats with Julia Robertson, founder of Galen Myotherapy and author, to explore how her techniques have transformed the lives of thousands of dogs. Julia explains how muscular compensation and adaptive changes in dogs can lead to behavioral issues, often mistaken for aggression or anxiety, when they are actually rooted in pain. Her work emphasizes the importance of recognizing physical discomfort and offering choice-based treatments that empower dogs during therapy.Victoria and Julia also discuss the critical role of guardian empowerment, drawing parallels between canine Myotherapy and progressive dog training approaches. The e...2024-10-0848 minPositively Dog Training - The Official Victoria Stilwell PodcastAnimal Advocacy: Claudine Wilkins on Fighting for JusticeDISCLAIMER: Before we begin, please be aware that this episode contains discussions of sensitive topics that may not be suitable for all audiences. Listener discretion is advised.In this insightful episode, Victoria Stilwell sits down with Claudine Wilkins, a pioneering attorney and animal law expert, to discuss the intersection of law, animal protection, and advocacy. Claudine shares her journey from a prosecutor to the founder of the Animal Law Source and the creator of the Animal Protection Expo, which has trained over 11,000 professionals in animal law. Claudine recounts her work on high-profile cases, including puppy mill rescues...2024-09-2455 minPositively Dog Training - The Official Victoria Stilwell PodcastZak George on Dog Training’s Future: Science, Advocacy, and EthicsIn this episode, Victoria Stilwell interviews Zak George, a prominent voice in the dog training community, about the importance of ethical dog training methods rooted in science. Zak discusses his journey in dog training, the rise of YouTube in shaping public perception, and the critical need for the industry to embrace non-aversive methods. He highlights the updated 2021 statement from the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior, stressing that pain and fear are unnecessary and counterproductive in behavior modification. Zak also delves into the ongoing challenges with misinformation and the push for legislation to regulate dog training.They...2024-09-1745 minPositively Dog Training - The Official Victoria Stilwell PodcastMastering Difficult Dialogues: Communication Tips for Dog Trainers with Carmaleta AufderheideIn this episode of the Positively Podcast, Victoria Stilwell sits down with Carmaleta Aufderheide, a certified professional dog trainer who specializes in conflict resolution and separation anxiety. Carmaleta discusses the often-overlooked challenges dog trainers face when dealing with clients, especially when communication breaks down or when different training philosophies clash. With her background in nonviolent communication, Carmaleta offers practical strategies for navigating difficult conversations, whether it's with clients who haven't followed through on training or partners who disagree on methods. She emphasizes the importance of empathy, emotional intelligence, and creating a safe space for dialogue, which are essential skills...2024-09-1054 minPositively Dog Training - The Official Victoria Stilwell PodcastEmpower Your Dog: Unveiling New Training Courses with Victoria Stilwell and Aly Lecznar UglumOn this week's episode, learn more about the courses that are offered on Positively. Victoria and Aly Lecznar Uglum take you on a deep dive thru the courses passing on nuggets of information that will help you and your dog out today. Enroll in the Positively Pillars Course or the Harmony Model Course at no cost and begin your learning journey with your dog now. 2024-09-0355 minPositively Dog Training - The Official Victoria Stilwell PodcastBuilding Bonds: Safe, Positive Training for Dogs and Kids with Lorena Patti (VSPDT)In this insightful episode of the Positively Podcast, Victoria Stilwell sits down with Lorena Patti, an accomplished dog trainer with a wealth of certifications, including Fear Free Certified Professional and Certified Separation Anxiety Trainer. Lorena shares her journey as a VSPDT (Victoria Stilwell Positively Dog Trainer) and the rigorous process of becoming part of this elite group. They discuss the challenges and rewards of training dogs, with a special focus on creating safe and positive interactions between children and dogs. Lorena emphasizes the importance of educating both children and parents about dog behavior to prevent incidents and foster strong...2024-08-2757 minPositively Dog Training - The Official Victoria Stilwell PodcastAsk the Vet with Dr. Mark BelyeuIn this episode of the Positively Podcast, Victoria Stilwell chats with Dr. Mark Belyeu from Peachtree Hills Animal Hospital about veterinary care and dog behavior. They dive deep into topics like the importance of fear-free handling, the role of medication in managing canine anxiety, and the impact of pain on dog behavior. Dr. Belyeu also shares invaluable advice on maintaining a work-life balance as a veterinarian and strategies for preventing burnout in the profession. This episode is packed with insights that will help dog guardians better understand how medical issues can influence behavior and how veterinarians and t...2024-08-2046 minPositively Dog Training - The Official Victoria Stilwell PodcastIt's Me or the Dog with Victoria StilwellOn this special edition, Victoria goes in depth on all things It's Me or the Dog. Learn more about Victoria as she talks about what she did before the show, how the show came about, and what lies ahead for It's Me or the Dog. You don't want to miss this one!2024-08-1456 minPositively Dog Training - The Official Victoria Stilwell PodcastThe Dial Method with Justine SchuurmansIn this episode, Victoria Stilwell hosts Justine Schuurmans from the Family Dog and author of The Dial Method, the busy parent’s shortcut to raising a family dog right. They share personal stories and experiences that emphasize understanding dogs’ needs, improving relationships, and the importance of accessible resources for families and professionals who work with dogs. “The Dial Method is a multi-functional system that could be used in different ways, meeting you exactly where you are and when.” The four core principles of The Dial Method are: see your dog, parent your dog, teach your kids, and create a...2024-01-0948 minPositively Dog Training - The Official Victoria Stilwell PodcastA Holistic Approach to Training with Sean BrownIn this episode, Victoria Stilwell hosts Sean Brown, owner of Petsercise UK and a former rugby player. He's featured on "Dog Academy,” a show which can be viewed on Channel4.com. Sean is working with Pawsable Assistance Dogs, helping household pets become therapy or assistance dogs.Victoria and Sean dive into positive training, emphasizing the importance of holistic training, encompassing both behavior and emotional well-being. The heart of their conversation centers on offering dogs enriching experiences that allow dogs to be themselves, fostering understanding, deepening the human-canine connection, in turn creating behavior change.Stay tuned to...2024-01-0257 minPositively Dog Training - The Official Victoria Stilwell PodcastRaising Service Dog Heroes (Abigail Witthauer)The art of raising well-adjusted assistance dogs - specifically Golden Retrievers - is a passion of this week’s guest, VSPDT trainer and #DogBehaviorConference presenter Abigail Witthauer. Victoria and Abigail share thoughts on what goes into her unique approach at her Alabama-based Roverchase Foundation as well as what she’ll be discussing during her DBC talk, “Service Dogs: Lessons learned while raising heroes.”Get dog training solutions at Victoria’s official Positively website.Become a dog trainer with the Victoria Stilwell Academy.2023-03-2845 minPositively Dog Training - The Official Victoria Stilwell PodcastHow to Truly ‘See the Dog’ (Suzanne Clothier)Victoria geeks out chatting to one of the most formative influences on her life and career as a dog trainer: Suzanne Clothier. Suzanne shares her fascinating background as a groundbreaking thinker in the world of animal training and behavior, especially surrounding the concept of what she coined Relationship-Centered Training and the unique journey her approach has undergone over the past several decades. Victoria digs into the importance of Suzanne’s Dog Behavior Conference presentation, ‘See the Dog: Temperament, Training, Choices & Relationships.’Get dog training solutions at Victoria’s official Positively website.Become a...2023-03-211h 22