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 shar...
Jun 24, 2025•1 hr 6 min
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 ...
Jun 10, 2025•53 min
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 L...
May 27, 2025•58 min
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 wit...
May 13, 2025•49 min
In this profoundly moving episode, Victoria speaks with Amr Nawwar, a VSA graduate and professional dog trainer based in Dubai. Born in a small village in Egypt and once fearful of dogs, Amr’s transformation is a testament to courage, curiosity, and conviction. With a background in pharmacy and a deep respect for science, Amr’s journey led him to question traditional training methods rooted in punishment and dominance. Now a vocal advocate for positive reinforcement, he discusses his challenges ...
May 06, 2025•41 min
In 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...
Apr 29, 2025•51 min
In this episode, Victoria reconnects with Yaz Porritt to discuss the uncomfortable truths behind what they witnessed at Crufts 2025. They begin by acknowledging the backlash they’ve received for attending and supporting the event, despite their intentions to promote ethical training and welfare-centered education. Yaz shares how her Your Dog’s Pain Diary is being used by both pet parents and professionals to identify hidden pain, setting the stage for the broader conversation about canine well-b...
Apr 22, 2025•50 min
Victoria opens the episode by introducing the talented cast of trainers from The Bad Dog Academy , sharing how the show has taken off across the UK—and beyond—for its honest, emotional approach to training. Kamal reflects on how the show felt like something truly special from the start, allowing space for deep vulnerability in the human-dog bond. Sean emphasizes how emotionally intense the work is, even comparing it to the pressure of playing professional rugby. Jo shares how surprised she was t...
Apr 15, 2025•59 min
In this groundbreaking episode, Victoria welcomes Kari Bastyr—a Certified Professional Canine Nutritionist (CPCN) through the Feed Real Institute, certified behavior consultant, and gluten detection dog trainer—to explore the powerful link between canine nutrition, behavior, and emotional well-being. With certifications from the IAABC and VSPDT, and professional memberships with O.D.O.R. Service Dogs, the Pet Professional Guild, and the Animal Behavior Society, Kari brings both science-backed in...
Apr 08, 2025•52 min
In this gripping episode, Victoria chats with Jim Crosby—former police officer, canine behavior expert, and forensic investigator—about the heartbreaking and vital work of understanding fatal dog attacks. Jim opens up about his transition from law enforcement to animal behavior and being one of the only experts to combine behavioral science with crime scene investigation. From dogfighting raids to fatality cases, Jim shares powerful stories of real dogs, real outcomes, and real evidence, emphasi...
Apr 01, 2025•59 min
In 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 educatio...
Mar 25, 2025•48 min
In 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 delve...
Mar 18, 2025•52 min
In this insightful episode, Victoria talks with Standish Dog Trainer Jo Pay. They dive deep into understanding and managing canine aggression. Drawing from her experiences on The Dog Academy , Jo emphasizes the importance of recognizing subtle body language cues, implementing effective management strategies, and building trust through humane training techniques. She recounts her powerful experience working with Marvin, a Border Collie who transformed from a fearful, reactive dog to a confident c...
Mar 11, 2025•1 hr 6 min
In 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, th...
Mar 04, 2025•54 min
Adolescence 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 alw...
Feb 25, 2025•1 hr 6 min
In 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...
Feb 18, 2025•50 min
Victoria 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-co...
Feb 11, 2025•45 min
In 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 ...
Feb 04, 2025•49 min
In 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 i...
Jan 28, 2025•50 min
In 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...
Jan 21, 2025•44 min
In 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 de...
Jan 14, 2025•1 hr
In 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 hol...
Dec 17, 2024•52 min
Join 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 s...
Dec 10, 2024•1 hr 22 min
In this insightful episode, Victoria interviews dog behavior expert Bob Ryder on the complexities of canine separation anxiety. Bob shares his own journey from avoiding cases of separation anxiety to becoming a certified expert in it. He discusses how separation anxiety is often misunderstood as misbehavior or stubbornness, instead highlighting it as an involuntary and intense fear response. By likening this anxiety to human phobias, he invites listeners to view affected dogs with compassion and...
Dec 03, 2024•54 min
In 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....
Nov 26, 2024•52 min
In this episode, host Victoria talks with seasoned dog trainer Julie Schmitt about the evolution of dog training methods from traditional compulsion-based techniques to modern positive reinforcement approaches. Julie shares her transformative journey, starting over 25 years ago with Guide Dogs for the Blind, where food rewards were initially discouraged. She reveals how the field has since shifted to embrace compassionate and scientifically backed training methods that prioritize a dog's mental ...
Nov 19, 2024•1 hr 1 min
In this impactful episode, Victoria sits down with Kat Kekel, a seasoned dog trainer and rescue worker, to explore the intense realities of puppy mill rescues, cruelty cases, and the transition of dogs from shelters to homes. Kat shares stories from her years in the field, from managing large-scale rescues to preparing dogs for adoption, offering invaluable insights into the process of rehabilitation and the emotional complexities involved. Listeners will hear about the challenges of caring for ...
Nov 12, 2024•47 min
In this episode, Victoria and the Positively Team discuss how dogs perceive the world around them, exploring topics such as sensory awareness, contrasts, and how dogs navigate change. With holidays approaching, the group also delves into the effects of holiday activities on dogs, from fireworks to increased guest presence, and offers practical tips to help pet owners prepare their dogs for these changes. They emphasize empathy and proactive steps to create safe, comfortable environments tailored...
Nov 05, 2024•59 min
In this episode, Victoria sits down with Yaz Porritt, founder of Yorkshire Pooches Therapies , to discuss the complexities of canine pain management. With extensive experience in canine massage therapy and natural pain management, Yaz shares her insights into recognizing pain in dogs, the role of behavior as an indicator, and how the bond between dogs and their guardians can affect both wellness and recovery. She discusses her published book, "Your Dog's Pain Diary, A Blueprint for Monitoring a ...
Oct 29, 2024•56 min
In 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....
Oct 22, 2024•1 hr 6 min
