Positively Dog Training - The Official Victoria Stilwell Podcast

Victoria Stilwell

World-renowned dog trainer Victoria Stilwell (It’s Me or the Dog) talks pet topics, answers fan questions, and gives dog training and behavior advice.

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224 episodes
Updated July 21

Episodes224

Newest first

Learned Helplessness and Learned Control with Kristina Spaulding
In this episode, Victoria and Kristina Spaulding discuss learned helplessness and learned control in dogs, exploring their neurobiology, impact of trauma, and implications for training and rescue. They explore science-based strategies to enhance canine resilience, and how drastically a dog’s wellbeing can change as a result. Launch or level up your career as a professional dog trainer with the Victoria Stilwell Academy. Learn more here. Create your free Positively account here. Solve behavior problems and find tools to help live your best dog life at Positively.com. Launch or level up your career as a professional dog trainer with the Victoria Stilwell Academy. Learn more here.
July 21 · 56 min
Away to Me and the Ridglan Beagles with Patricia McConnell
In this episode, famed dog behavior expert Patricia McConnell joins Victoria Stilwell to discuss Patricia's new mystery novel, Away to Me, why no dogs die in her book, and the heart-wrenching saga of the Ridglan Beagles. Victoria asks Patricia about her influential books, her journey from traditional to modern dog training, and her activism against unethical animal research. They explore the emotional and scientific aspects of animal behavior, the power of storytelling, and the importance of advocacy. Launch or level up your career as a professional dog trainer with the Victoria Stilwell Academy. Learn more here. Create your free Positively account here. Solve behavior problems and find tools to help live your best dog life at Positively.com. Solve reactivity with Victoria's powerful course on Positively.com: Help! Stop Reactivity. Learn more & enroll here. Launch or level up your career as a professional dog trainer with the Victoria Stilwell Academy. Learn more here.
July 7 · 1 hr 4 min
Unlocking Supportive Walking with Andrew Hale
Andrew Hale joins Victoria to explore supportive walking and practical strategies for understanding and managing dogs' behavior in challenging environments. They answer listener’s questions and discuss creating supportive and individualized environments for dogs and their owners, to build connection, communication, and trust for better outcomes. Launch or level up your career as a professional dog trainer with the Victoria Stilwell Academy. Learn more here. Create your free Positively account here. Solve behavior problems and find tools to help live your best dog life at Positively.com. Launch or level up your career as a professional dog trainer with the Victoria Stilwell Academy. Learn more here.
June 23 · 50 min
An in-depth look at separation anxiety with Malena DeMartini
Separation anxiety expert Malena DeMartini joins Victoria to explore the causes, symptoms, and effective treatment strategies for canine separation anxiety. They explore how behavior modification, management, and professional help can improve your dog’s quality of life. Guest Links: Malena DeMartini's Website CSAT Certification Program Find a CSAT Trainer Near You Launch or level up your career as a professional dog trainer with the Victoria Stilwell Academy. Learn more here. Create your free Positively account here. Solve behavior problems and find tools to help live your best dog life at Positively.com. Launch or level up your career as a professional dog trainer with the Victoria Stilwell Academy. Learn more here.
June 9 · 1 hr 3 min
Misadventures of the Okayest Dog Trainer and Misogyny in the Dog Training Industry with Melissa McCue-McGrath
Melissa McCue-McGrath joins Victoria to discuss her new book 'Misadventures of the World's Okayest Dog Trainer,' her experiences with unconventional cases, and the challenges faced by women in the dog training industry. This episode offers insights into real-world dog training, industry dynamics, and empowering women professionals. Guest Links: Melissa McCuma McGrath's Website: https://www.melissamcgrath.com Book: Misadventures of the World's Okayest Dog Trainer - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C7F4X9XK Launch or level up your career as a professional dog trainer with the Victoria Stilwell Academy. Learn more here. Create your free Positively account here. Solve behavior problems and find tools to help live your best dog life at Positively.com. Solve reactivity with Victoria's powerful course on Positively.com: Help! Stop Reactivity. Learn more & enroll here. Launch or level up your career as a professional dog trainer with the Victoria Stilwell Academy. Learn more here.
May 26 · 1 hr 7 min
Giving Dogs a Good End with Helen St. Pierre
Helen St. Pierre joins Victoria to share her inspiring journey from shelter work to founding Old Dogs Go to Helen, a sanctuary dedicated to providing end-of-life care for senior and special needs animals. They explore quality of life and how to support aging pets with dignity. They also talk about disease trajectories in aging pets, signs that indicate it's time for end-of-life decisions, the euthanasia process and what to expect, and supporting pet owners through grief and decision-making. Launch or level up your career as a professional dog trainer with the Victoria Stilwell Academy. Learn more here. Create your free Positively account here. Solve behavior problems and find tools to help live your best dog life at Positively.com. Launch or level up your career as a professional dog trainer with the Victoria Stilwell Academy. Learn more here.
March 24 · 56 min
Shock Collars, Ask the Dog, and Advances in Veterinary Medicine with Steve Dale
In this podcast episode, Victoria Stilwell and Steve Dale discuss his new book, Ask the Dog, and the importance of consent and bite prevention. Their freewheeling conversation explores humane dog training, the dangers of aversive methods like shock collars, veterinary breakthroughs, and the far-reaching impact of scientific research in feline health. Launch or level up your career as a professional dog trainer with the Victoria Stilwell Academy. Learn more here. Create your free Positively account here. Solve behavior problems and find tools to help live your best dog life at Positively.com. Launch or level up your career as a professional dog trainer with the Victoria Stilwell Academy. Learn more here.
March 17 · 57 min
Puppy Socialization with Jo Pay
Jo Pay joins Victoria to discuss her journey of raising a new puppy, Jig, a 16-week-old border collie. They explore the challenges and joys of puppy training, the importance of socialization, and the realities of managing expectations as a dog trainer and owner. Jo shares her experiences with choosing the right breeder, the significance of sleep for puppies, and strategies for socializing Jig in a safe and controlled manner. The conversation emphasizes the emotional resilience needed for both puppies and their owners, highlighting the rewarding yet demanding nature of raising a puppy. Launch or level up your career as a professional dog trainer with the Victoria Stilwell Academy. Learn more here. Create your free Positively account here. Solve behavior problems and find tools to help live your best dog life at Positively.com. Launch or level up your career as a professional dog trainer with the Victoria Stilwell Academy. Learn more here.
March 10 · 52 min
Supportive Walking and Threat Circuits with Andrew Hale
Andrew Hale joins Victoria to discuss the profound impact of Sarah Fisher on the dog training community, emphasizing the importance of curiosity in both personal and professional development. They explore the joy of working with dogs, the concept of supportive walking, and the significance of understanding a dog's internal environment. The conversation also delves into the complexities of threat circuits and how they affect both humans and dogs, highlighting the need for a compassionate approach in dog training. Finally, they touch on the value of conferences and community in fostering growth and learning in the field of animal behavior. Links to conferences mentioned in podcast: Emotional Wellbeing in Animals Conference 2026, Torquay Dog Behavior Conference - Registration now open! Launch or level up your career as a professional dog trainer with the Victoria Stilwell Academy. Learn more here. Create your free Positively account here. Solve behavior problems and find tools to help live your best dog life at Positively.com. Launch or level up your career as a professional dog trainer with the Victoria Stilwell Academy. Learn more here.
March 3 · 51 min
Understanding Canine Pain with Yaz Porritt
Yaz Porritt joins Victoria to discuss the critical aspects of pain management and nutrition in dogs, including the importance of understanding pain as a multifaceted issue and the role of the microbiome in overall canine health. Their discussion also covers hydration, the four pillars of pain assessment, and the impact of dog conformation on health. They also delve into the controversial practices at Crufts, advocating for better welfare initiatives and the need for a shift in breeding standards to prioritize the health and well-being of dogs. Launch or level up your career as a professional dog trainer with the Victoria Stilwell Academy. Learn more here. Create your free Positively account here. Solve behavior problems and find tools to help live your best dog life at Positively.com. Launch or level up your career as a professional dog trainer with the Victoria Stilwell Academy. Learn more here.
February 24 · 54 min
The Battle Over Conformation with Beverley Cuddy
Beverly Cuddy joins Victoria to discuss the complexities surrounding dog breeding and health assessments in the UK, including the newly introduced Innate Health Assessment (IHA) tool, which aims to help potential dog owners choose healthier breeds. Beverley shares her concerns regarding the tool's effectiveness and the potential negative impact on certain breeds, underscoring the importance of ethical breeding practices and the need for legislation that protects both dogs and responsible breeders. Launch or level up your career as a professional dog trainer with the Victoria Stilwell Academy. Learn more here. Create your free Positively account here. Solve behavior problems and find tools to help live your best dog life at Positively.com. Solve reactivity with Victoria's powerful course on Positively.com: Help! Stop Reactivity. Learn more & enroll here. Launch or level up your career as a professional dog trainer with the Victoria Stilwell Academy. Learn more here.
February 17 · 1 hr 7 min
India’s Free-Living Dogs in Crisis - Sindhoor Pangal
Victoria is joined by canine behavior consultant, anthropozoologist, and upcoming Dog Behavior Conference speaker Sindhoor Pangal to explore the pressing issues surrounding free-living dogs in India, particularly in light of recent government actions aimed at mass dog relocation. Sindhoor’s focus highlights the importance of understanding the ecological and ethical implications of such measures, including an appreciation of how counterproductive to public health and animal welfare they are. They also discuss the misconceptions surrounding free-living dogs and the societal dynamics that contribute to their treatment in urban environments. The conversation delves deep into the emotional and social health of dogs, contrasting the Western approach to dog ownership with the more communal and symbiotic relationships seen in India. Sindhoor advocates for a shift in perspective, urging listeners to recognize the value of free-living dogs in their communities and the importance of fostering coexistence rather than conflict. Hear more from Sindhoor at this year’s Dog Behavior Conference in April! Launch or level up your career as a professional dog trainer with the Victoria Stilwell Academy. Learn more here. Create your free Positively account here. Solve behavior problems and find tools to help live your best dog life at Positively.com. Launch or level up your career as a professional dog trainer with the Victoria Stilwell Academy. Learn more here.
February 10 · 1 hr
Trauma-Informed Care with Daniel Shaw
Victoria and Daniel Shaw delve into the complexities of canine behavior, focusing on trauma-informed care, the impact of stress on dogs, and the importance of understanding the dog’s individual needs. Daniel shares insights from his background in psychology and neuroscience, discussing how these fields inform his approach to working with dogs and cats. They also touch on the challenges of assessing dog behavior in legal contexts and developing more appropriate risk assessment tools when evaluating behavior while emphasizing the importance of context, secure relationships, and realistic expectations in canine care. Launch or level up your career as a professional dog trainer with the Victoria Stilwell Academy. Learn more here. Create your free Positively account here. Solve behavior problems and find tools to help live your best dog life at Positively.com. Launch or level up your career as a professional dog trainer with the Victoria Stilwell Academy. Learn more here.
February 3 · 52 min
Multi-Dog Households with Kamal Fernandez
In this conversation, Kamal Fernandez and Victoria take a trip down memory lane discussing their rich and varied history together on TV shows like The Dog Academy and Dogs Might Fly, while exploring the complexities of living in a multi-dog household, the challenges that arise, and the importance of truly understanding dog behavior in dynamic situations. Kamal shares some key insights about the keys to living successfully in multi-dog households and his upcoming presentation about the topic at the 2026 Dog Behavior Conference. The discussion also delves into the concept of drive in dogs, highlighting the difference between arousal and purposeful drive, and the implications for training and behavior management. An finally, Victoria and Kamal reflect on the legacy of the beloved Sarah Fisher, a true guiding light in the world of dog training and beyond. Launch or level up your career as a professional dog trainer with the Victoria Stilwell Academy. Learn more here. Create your free Positively account here. Solve behavior problems and find tools to help live your best dog life at Positively.com. Launch or level up your career as a professional dog trainer with the Victoria Stilwell Academy. Learn more here.
January 27 · 1 hr 1 min
Tackling Separation Anxiety with Nicola Cook
What is separation anxiety and why do so many dogs suffer with this condition? How can you tell the difference between separation anxiety and boredom? Why is it so difficult to treat and what therapies are out there that can help? Victoria chats with VSPDT trainer Nicola Cook from the Poochie People about her work with dogs that have separation anxiety and what experts like Nicola can do to help families navigate the tricky waters of this common, but complex, issue. Victoria also introduces VSA’s brand new course for professional dog trainers: Reactivity for Dog Training and Behavior Professionals. This is a new and comprehensive approach to working with reactive behavior inside and outside the home, that will be available worldwide to all dog trainers and behavior professionals in the Autumn. The Reactivity for Dog Training and Behavior Professionals course incorporates The Reactivity Zones Approach, an innovative and effective method of helping dogs and guardians tackle reactive behavior without having to adopt tricky, long-winded DS/CC protocols. This course is a game changer for trainers, guardians and dogs that work and live with reactive behaviors.
Aug 5, 2025 · 58 min
Ask the Vet with Dr. Callie Harris
Victoria chats with Dr. Callie Harris about her experiences in veterinary medicine, including what it’s like to work in emergency vet med as well as being cast as a judge on the creative grooming TV show, Pooch Perfect with Rebel Wilson and as a veterinary expert for DogTV’s brand new show, The Experts. A graduate of the prestigious College of Veterinary Medicine at Tuskegee University, Dr. Harris shares her tips on keeping pets safe during the summer months as well as her expertise regarding our senior pets and how to recognize and help elderly dogs with cognitive decline and ‘old dog’ vestibular disease.
Jul 8, 2025 · 55 min
What Pet Dogs Can Do for Conservation with Melissa McCue-McGrath
What do pet dogs, invasive insects, and a ragtag group of behavior cases have in common? In this wildly inspiring and often hilarious episode, Victoria talks with longtime VSA faculty advisor Melissa McCue-McGrath about her groundbreaking work in a national study training pet dogs to detect spotted lanternfly eggs—an invasive species threatening agriculture across the U.S. From snowy deliveries of fly eggs in a Pokémon lunchbox to solving odor puzzles during heatwaves and blizzards, Melissa shares the extraordinary journey her students and their reactive, anxious, or aging dogs took to prove that even the “underdogs” can contribute to science. You'll hear how scent theory, behavior consulting, and teamwork came together in a study that saw pugs outperform German shepherds, pet dogs locate hidden satchels in fields, and one handler dodge a school resource officer while explaining, “It’s for science!” Melissa also reflects on her role as a VSA faculty advisor, her passion for teaching, and the power of accessibility in modern dog training education. This episode is a heartfelt reminder that training is for everyone—and every dog. To learn more about Melissa visit https://melissamccuemcgrath.com/, or follow on Instagram.
Jun 24, 2025 · 1 hr 6 min
Healing Through Training - What Dogs Teach Us with Shane Hartshorn
We’re keeping it light this summer with episodes every other week so you can stay inspired without missing the sunshine. In this heartfelt and often hilarious episode, Victoria catches up with her longtime friend and colleague Shane Hartshorn, a VSA graduate, VSPDT, and one of the behind-the-scenes heroes of The Dog Academy. From wrinkled green shirts and sweaty filming days to profound reflections on positive reinforcement, Shane shares his inspiring journey from corporate training to canine behavior. He opens up about the impact his beloved dog Bertie had on his transition to humane, science-based methods and how encountering VSPDT Gemma Ibbotson changed everything. Victoria and Shane passionately discuss the dangerous persistence of punitive tools like shock and prong collars, the need for regulation in the industry, and the power of teaching empathy—especially to kids. The episode closes with a celebration of dogs' resilience, the joys of support training on set, and the profound bond between people and their dogs. It's a touching and motivating listen for anyone who believes dogs deserve better. To learn more about Shane, visit K9 Education or follow him on Instagram.
Jun 10, 2025 · 53 min
Changing the Industry One Sign at a Time with Leah Bornstein and Neika Smessaert
We’re keeping it light this summer with episodes every other week so you can stay inspired without missing the sunshine. This powerful and eye-opening episode explores accessibility, empathy, and innovation in the dog training industry. Victoria is joined by VSA graduate and trailblazer Leah Bornstein, who shares her journey as a Deaf dog trainer and founder of Born to Be Dog Training. Alongside her are her interpreter Katie Fusilier and longtime collaborator Neika Smessaert, who helped make Leah’s training journey more inclusive—and ultimately life-changing for both of them. Together, they discuss the value of accessibility in dog training education, how it expands opportunity for clients and trainers alike, and what the industry still gets wrong when it comes to serving diverse learners. Leah also shares how she created the first comprehensive ASL-based online training course and co-authored the Puppy Progress Planner, a practical guide for structured and inclusive puppy raising. The conversation is honest, funny, emotional, and deeply hopeful—a must-listen for anyone who wants to build a more compassionate and truly inclusive profession.
May 27, 2025 · 58 min
Training Holidays & Spicy Dogs: Adam Daines Brings the Fun
We’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 and “search and retrieve” games to his pioneering Training Holidays, Adam is redefining what pet dog training can look like. Plus, the two discuss their behind-the-scenes experiences on the Dog Academy series—camera interruptions and all! Whether you're a dog guardian struggling with reactivity or a future trainer trying to find your path, this episode is packed with insight, humor, and heart. To learn more about Adam, visit Avon Dog Services.
May 13, 2025 · 49 min

Positively Dog Training - The Official Victoria Stilwell Podcast

Learned Helplessness and Learned Control with Kristina Spaulding

Away to Me and the Ridglan Beagles with Patricia McConnell

Unlocking Supportive Walking with Andrew Hale

An in-depth look at separation anxiety with Malena DeMartini

Misadventures of the Okayest Dog Trainer and Misogyny in the Dog Training Industry with Melissa McCue-McGrath

Giving Dogs a Good End with Helen St. Pierre

Shock Collars, Ask the Dog, and Advances in Veterinary Medicine with Steve Dale

Puppy Socialization with Jo Pay

Supportive Walking and Threat Circuits with Andrew Hale

Understanding Canine Pain with Yaz Porritt

The Battle Over Conformation with Beverley Cuddy

India’s Free-Living Dogs in Crisis - Sindhoor Pangal

Trauma-Informed Care with Daniel Shaw

Multi-Dog Households with Kamal Fernandez

Tackling Separation Anxiety with Nicola Cook

Ask the Vet with Dr. Callie Harris

What Pet Dogs Can Do for Conservation with Melissa McCue-McGrath

Healing Through Training - What Dogs Teach Us with Shane Hartshorn

Changing the Industry One Sign at a Time with Leah Bornstein and Neika Smessaert

Training Holidays & Spicy Dogs: Adam Daines Brings the Fun