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.
- 224 episodes
- Updated July 21
Episodes224
- Jun 18, 2024 · 51 min
- PDJun 11, 2024 · 55 min
The Science of Dog Training with Zazie Todd
Join Victoria as she welcomes Zazie Todd, PhD, an award-winning author, animal behavior expert, and founder of Companion Animal Psychology. Zazie's acclaimed books, Wag and Purr, demystify the science of animal behavior and provide practical insights on how to apply this knowledge in our everyday lives with our pets. In this engaging discussion, Victoria and Zazie delve into two recent research articles. The first article explores new guidelines on spaying and neutering, focusing on when to spay/neuter and potential impacts on pet health. The second article discussed aggression and different characteristics of the dogs included in the study. Listeners will gain valuable insights from Zazie's expertise and learn how to integrate scientific findings into their approach to pet care. Whether you're a pet owner, trainer, or animal enthusiast, this episode promises to enrich your knowledge and enhance your relationship with your furry companions.
- PDJun 4, 2024 · 1 hr 1 min
A Roundtable Discussion - The Harmony Model
In this Roundtable Discussion, Victoria and the Positively team discuss the Harmony Model. The Harmony Model serves as a guide to the essential elements of living with our dogs. These elements include: Training Safety and Wellness Socialization Communication and Enrichment To learn more about the Harmony Model, visit Positively.com or enroll in our FREE course.
- PDMay 28, 2024 · 53 min
Tender Paws: How Science Based Parenting Can Transform Our Relationship with Dogs with Wendy Lyons Sunshine
Victoria is joined by Positively team member and published author, Wendy Lyons Sunshine. Wendy has co-authored many parenting books and brings this expertise to her new book, Tender Paws: How Science Based Parenting Can Transform Our Relationship with Dogs. Join Victoria and Wendy as they discuss the science, their personal experiences, and the experiences of others in the field that are included in the book. Shared excerpts from the book lead this brilliant discussion about the “do-over”, discipline, mutual respect, and more. To learn more about Wendy, visit https://www.wendylsunshine.com/about/. To learn more about Tender Paws and where to purchase visit: Simon and Schuster.
- PDMay 7, 2024 · 57 min
Roundtable Discussion - Understanding Aggressive Behavior in Dogs
In this roundtable discussion, Victoria and her team talk about what aggression is, what it looks like, why it happens, and what we can do to help ourselves and our dogs. Living with a dog that displays aggressive behaviors can feel overwhelming, scary, and sometimes embarrassing. Many of the team have shared these same feelings and are here with some great tips on how to help both you and your dog.
- PDApr 23, 2024 · 58 min
All Things Dogs with Anna Webb
In this episode, Victoria is joined by Anna Webb, a broadcaster, and behavior and nutrition expert. She is the host of A Dog's Life podcast where she explores all levels of modern dog ownership and brings to life why every dog is extraordinary. Stay tuned for nuggets of information, on topics including: Sniffing out truffles Differences between the US and UK Dog Walking Nutrition and more. To learn more about Anna, visit https://annawebb.co.uk/pages/about-anna. Subscribe to A Dog's Life podcast on Apple, Spotify, or your favorite streaming app.
- PDApr 16, 2024 · 58 min
The Importance of Movement with Sarah Fisher
In this episode, we are joined by the Sarah Fisher, who delves into why movement is the foundation for all behavior. Sarah passionately explains her philosophy that understanding and facilitating movement can significantly help animals find their natural flow. This conversation sheds light on the importance of meeting the needs of the beings in front of us, emphasizing that movement isn't just a part of life—it's integral to life itself. Sarah's expertise offers a profound understanding of how movement influences behavior and wellbeing, providing listeners with a deeper appreciation of its pivotal role. Visit Sarah's website or attend the Dog Behavior Conference to learn more.
- PDApr 9, 2024 · 58 min
A Roundtable Discussion - Strange Behavior in Dogs
Join Victoria and her team as they discuss strange behavior dogs do in the latest roundtable discussion. From cleaning out the cupboards to obsessive licking, no behavior was left out. Learn why dogs might engage in these behaviors and how Victoria and her team work through them. You will be surprised by what you learn in this entertaining and eye opening episode. Don't forget to visit Positively.com to learn more and answer the question... Why Does My Dog...?
- PDApr 2, 2024 · 51 min
Bringing C.A.K.E. to Dog Training with Andrew Hale
On this episode, Victoria and Andrew talk about his upcoming presentation for the Dog Behavior Conference. Andrew shares his mantra with us: "learn, support, and teach. Learn from the dog first, support what you have learned, and teach things that are likely to be intrinsically valuable for that dog. After that, train what you like." C.A.K.E. is about understanding this: Compassion Awareness Knowledge Empathy To learn more about Andrew Hale, visit https://trainpositive.co.uk/. Don't forget to join the Dog Behavior Conference to learn more about Bringing CAKE to Dog Training.
- PDMar 26, 2024 · 49 min
Understanding Why Dogs Chase with Jo Pay
In this episode, Victoria talks with Jo Pay about her upcoming presentation at the Dog Behavior Conference: Understanding Why Dogs Chase and What You Can Do About It. For dogs, chasing is an enriching activity. It's not wrong to the dog, but it certainly can be a problem in our human world. Stay tuned for a sneak peak into what Jo will be talking about at the 2024 Dog Behavior Conference. To learn more about Jo, visit https://standishdogtrainer.co.uk/.
- PDMar 12, 2024 · 1 hr 7 min
A Roundtable Discussion - Changes
Join Victoria and her team in this roundtable discussion about changes that we and our dogs face as we travel through life together. The team leaves nothing unsaid as they explore past and current planned and unplanned changes, plan for future changes, and talk about building resilience in our dogs to help them accept and recover from change. Find more information about the Brave Collection and the Building Resilience course at Positively.com.
- PDMar 5, 2024 · 49 min
Enriching Our Dog’s Lives with Steve Dale
In this episode, Victoria and Steve Dale talk about his upcoming presentation at the Dog Behavior Conference, Dogs weren’t Bred to be Couch Potatoes: Why We Must Enrich their Lives. Enrichment is for all animals: from those living in the zoo to our companions (dogs and cats too). Enrichment is individual. We need to know and understand our animal’s preferences and that their stage of life and breed may influence what enrichment looks like for them. Victoria and Steve leave nothing unsaid in this entertaining, enlightening, and inspiring episode. Listen in to find out just how enriching a big pile of bed pillows can be for one cat in particular. To learn more about Steve, visit stevedale.tv.
- PDFeb 27, 2024 · 1 hr 3 min
Understanding Aggression with Michael Shikashio
In this episode, Victoria talks with Michael Shikashio about his upcoming presentation at the Dog Behavior Conference, Hostility in the Home: Dog Aggression Directed at Family or Visitors. Victoria and Michael discuss the importance of understanding dog behavior and body language, the role of empathy in training, and innovative approaches to managing and helping dogs and their families. To learn more about Michael, visit aggressivedog.com or find him on Facebook or instagram.
- PDFeb 6, 2024 · 53 min
A Roundtable Discussion - Puppies
Join Victoria and her team in this roundtable discussion about building resilience in puppies and give them the tools they need to be successful in all stages of life including adolescence and as an adult. The team opens up about the importance of providing safety, understanding that there are important milestones in their lives, and what each puppy needs may be different based on their new home's family members, lifestyle, and environment. Don't have a puppy, don't worry. There are a lot of nuggets that will benefit dogs at all stages.
- PDJan 30, 2024 · 1 hr
A Roundtable Discussion - Habit Stacking
In this roundtable discussion, Victoria and her team share valuable insights and tips for creating effective training habits that benefit both dogs and their owners. They stressed the importance of considering a dog's individual needs and tailoring training methods accordingly. They discussed various training hacks and habit loops, emphasizing the significance of making training feel less overwhelming for clients. One key takeaway was the concept of "habit stacking," where trainers encourage clients to integrate short training sessions into their daily routines. By pairing training moments with activities they already do, such as feeding, walking, or going to get the mail, clients can effortlessly incorporate training into their lives.
- PDJan 23, 2024 · 53 min
Rocket Recall with Brad and Lisa Waggoner
On this episode, Victoria is joined by Brad and Lisa Waggoner, owners and founders of Cold Nose College. Brad and Lisa share their individual journeys into dog training, stories of their dogs, and the secret sauce to achieving a fast and joyful recall. Lisa's book, Rocket Recall, is helping trainers and people grow their relationship with their dog while training this important life skill. Lisa defines a Rocket Recall as “that glorious moment when anytime and anywhere you say ‘Come!’ and your dog immediately and enthusiastically turns on a dime and bounds rapidly to you.” Stay tuned to learn more.
- PDJan 16, 2024 · 1 hr 10 min
Talking Puppy Raising with Holly Firfer
The fabulous Holly Firfer is back on the podcast and talking puppies! Holly is the VP of programming and Development for ReachTV and Scripps News Anchor. She is a former radio DJ, news correspondent and Victoria's podcast companion for many years, but recently she has taken on a new role - mum to Artemis, a rescued pitbull puppy. What has Holly's experience raising a puppy been like and did she make the right decision to go down the puppy path again? What were the biggest challenges and how is she coping with the next phase - adolescence? In this episode, Holly shares the ups and downs of raising a puppy, living with a pitbull and the responsibility she feels to undo the misconceptions people have of the pitbull breed type.
- PDJan 9, 2024 · 48 min
The Dial Method with Justine Schuurmans
In 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 plan. The book, workbook, and video course are available at The Family Dog. If you are a dog professional, sign up to become a Dial Guide. The next training session is February 24-25, 2024. The Dial Method isn't just for dog professionals or families with kids and dogs. Everyone can benefit from the information shared in this podcast. Enjoy!
- PDJan 2, 2024 · 57 min
A Holistic Approach to Training with Sean Brown
In 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 learn the connection between seat belts and the dog training industry. Find Sean on Instagram or Facebook.
- PDDec 20, 2023 · 1 hr 3 min
A Roundtable Discussion - Site Launch and the Holidays
In this roundtable discussion, Victoria and her team discuss the exciting newly launched Positively website and give you tips to help you during the holidays with your dog. As we head into the holidays, we reflect on how much our dogs mean to us. How can we learn to be better listeners? How can we help them to understand our world? How can we help them become more BRAVE? To find out, head over to Positively.com (after listening to the podcast of course) and register for a FREE account and take your first course on us. Happy Holidays, Victoria and the entire team at Positively