Positively Dog Training – The Official Victoria Stilwell Podcast
- Episodes
- 232
- Released
- every two weeks
- Latest episode
- Nov 10, 2026
About the podcast
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.
Contributors
Episodes 232
Pilots to the Rescue with David Schneider
Michael Schneider from Pilots to the Rescue speaks to Victoria about his inspiring journey of using aviation to rescue animals, including endangered species and victims of natural disasters. Discover how his …
Show notes
Michael Schneider from Pilots to the Rescue speaks to Victoria about his inspiring journey of using aviation to rescue animals, including endangered species and victims of natural disasters. Discover how his organization is scaling efforts to save thousands of animals and the critical role of transport in animal rescue.
- 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.
- Launch or level up your career as a professional dog trainer with the Victoria Stilwell Academy. Learn more here.
- Solve behavior problems and find tools to help live your best dog life at Positively.com.
Chapters (9)
The Social Lives of Dogs and What They Teach Us with Sindhoor Pangal
In this episode, we explore the social health of dogs, insights from free living dogs, and how understanding their behavior can improve our relationships with our pets. Sindhoor Pangal joins Victoria following …
Show notes
In this episode, we explore the social health of dogs, insights from free living dogs, and how understanding their behavior can improve our relationships with our pets. Sindhoor Pangal joins Victoria following her presentation at the 2026 Dog Behavior Conference to share her research, observations, and practical advice for dog lovers and professionals.
- 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.
- Launch or level up your career as a professional dog trainer with the Victoria Stilwell Academy. Learn more here.
- Solve behavior problems and find tools to help live your best dog life at Positively.com.
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The Work of the RSPCA with David Bowles
David Bowles, Head of Public Affairs and Campaigns for the RSPCA, joins Victoria to talk about the history, achievements, and ongoing challenges in animal welfare campaigning, specifically with the RSPCA. They …
Show notes
David Bowles, Head of Public Affairs and Campaigns for the RSPCA, joins Victoria to talk about the history, achievements, and ongoing challenges in animal welfare campaigning, specifically with the RSPCA. They discuss legislation, public engagement, recent Crufts controversies, Lucy's Law, and the future of animal welfare efforts.
- 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.
- Launch or level up your career as a professional dog trainer with the Victoria Stilwell Academy. Learn more here.
- Solve behavior problems and find tools to help live your best dog life at Positively.com.
Chapters
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Senior Dogs, Dementia, and Brain Games with Kay Attwood
UK dog trainer Kay Attwood joins Victoria to share behind-the-scenes stories from her new UK TV series, Wagging Rights, which features comedians and their dogs, and why she never hesitated to speak up for the …
Show notes
UK dog trainer Kay Attwood joins Victoria to share behind-the-scenes stories from her new UK TV series, Wagging Rights, which features comedians and their dogs, and why she never hesitated to speak up for the dogs on set. She then explains what canine cognition really means and how brain games can transform the way dogs and their people work together.
The conversation turns to dementia in senior dogs: the early signs that are often mistaken for "naughty" behavior, whether enrichment still helps, and simple ways guardians can make life easier for a dog whose world is changing. Drawing on their own experiences caring for aging dogs, Victoria and Kay offer insight and compassion for anyone sharing their home with a senior dog.
- 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.
- Launch or level up your career as a professional dog trainer with the Victoria Stilwell Academy. Learn more here.
- Solve behavior problems and find tools to help live your best dog life at Positively.com.
A Growing Concern for the Welfare of Dogs at Crufts with Yaz Porritt
Victoria delves into the systemic welfare issues at Crufts 2026 with canine massage therapist and consultant Yaz Porritt, highlighting incidents of mishandling, lack of welfare measures, and the need for …
Show notes
Victoria delves into the systemic welfare issues at Crufts 2026 with canine massage therapist and consultant Yaz Porritt, highlighting incidents of mishandling, lack of welfare measures, and the need for significant reforms to protect dogs. Join them as they discuss actionable solutions, the importance of accountability, and the future of dog shows.
- 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.
- Launch or level up your career as a professional dog trainer with the Victoria Stilwell Academy. Learn more here.
- Solve behavior problems and find tools to help live your best dog life at Positively.com.
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Habituation and Watching the World Go By with Irith Bloom
Join Victoria and Irith Bloom as they explore habituation, stress coping skills for animals, and how to effectively use these techniques in training and behavior modification. Irith shares insights on …
Show notes
Join Victoria and Irith Bloom as they explore habituation, stress coping skills for animals, and how to effectively use these techniques in training and behavior modification. Irith shares insights on non-associative learning, practical applications, and her upcoming certification program, Carefree Companion.
- 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.
- Launch or level up your career as a professional dog trainer with the Victoria Stilwell Academy. Learn more here.
- Solve behavior problems and find tools to help live your best dog life at Positively.com.
Chapters
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Canine Intelligence and Puppy Kindergarten with Vanessa Woods
Join Victoria Stilwell as she interviews Vanessa Woods, a renowned researcher and director of Duke Puppy Kindergarten, about canine cognition, bonobos, and innovative puppy training methods. Discover how …
Show notes
Join Victoria Stilwell as she interviews Vanessa Woods, a renowned researcher and director of Duke Puppy Kindergarten, about canine cognition, bonobos, and innovative puppy training methods. Discover how scientific research is transforming our understanding of dogs and improving training and welfare.
Genius of Dogs by Vanessa Woods - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00A7U4V4Q
Duke K9 Cognition Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/duke_k9_cognition/
Lola ya Bonobo Sanctuary - Friends of Bonobos
Canine Cognition Center at Duke University - https://sites.duke.edu/dognition/
Twitter - https://twitter.com/VanessaWoods
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/duke_k9_cognition/
- 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.
- Launch or level up your career as a professional dog trainer with the Victoria Stilwell Academy. Learn more here.
- Solve behavior problems and find tools to help live your best dog life at Positively.com.
Chapters
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How to Get Ahead in the Dog Training Business with Gina Phairas and Veronica Boutelle
Running a dog training business? Victoria hosts Gina Phairas and Veronica Boutelle from Dogbiz to discuss how dog trainers can build successful, sustainable businesses, the importance of community, and …
Show notes
Running a dog training business? Victoria hosts Gina Phairas and Veronica Boutelle from Dogbiz to discuss how dog trainers can build successful, sustainable businesses, the importance of community, and strategies for professional growth in the industry.
- 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.
- 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.
Chapters
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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 …
Show notes
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.
- 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.
- Launch or level up your career as a professional dog trainer with the Victoria Stilwell Academy. Learn more here.
- Solve behavior problems and find tools to help live your best dog life at Positively.com.
Chapters
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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 …
Show notes
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.
- 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.
- 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.
Chapters
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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 …
Show notes
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.
- 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.
- Launch or level up your career as a professional dog trainer with the Victoria Stilwell Academy. Learn more here.
- Solve behavior problems and find tools to help live your best dog life at Positively.com.
Chapters
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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 …
Show notes
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:
- 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.
- Launch or level up your career as a professional dog trainer with the Victoria Stilwell Academy. Learn more here.
- Solve behavior problems and find tools to help live your best dog life at Positively.com.
Chapters
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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 …
Show notes
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
- 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.
- 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.
Chapters
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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 …
Show notes
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.
- 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.
- Launch or level up your career as a professional dog trainer with the Victoria Stilwell Academy. Learn more here.
- Solve behavior problems and find tools to help live your best dog life at Positively.com.
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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 …
Show notes
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.
- 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.
- Launch or level up your career as a professional dog trainer with the Victoria Stilwell Academy. Learn more here.
- Solve behavior problems and find tools to help live your best dog life at Positively.com.
Chapters
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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 …
Show notes
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.
- 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.
- Launch or level up your career as a professional dog trainer with the Victoria Stilwell Academy. Learn more here.
- Solve behavior problems and find tools to help live your best dog life at Positively.com.
Chapters
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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 …
Show notes
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!
- 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.
- Launch or level up your career as a professional dog trainer with the Victoria Stilwell Academy. Learn more here.
- Solve behavior problems and find tools to help live your best dog life at Positively.com.
Chapters
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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 …
Show notes
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.
- 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.
- Launch or level up your career as a professional dog trainer with the Victoria Stilwell Academy. Learn more here.
- Solve behavior problems and find tools to help live your best dog life at Positively.com.
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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 …
Show notes
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.
- 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.
- 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.
Chapters
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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 …
Show notes
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!- 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.
- Launch or level up your career as a professional dog trainer with the Victoria Stilwell Academy. Learn more here.
- Solve behavior problems and find tools to help live your best dog life at Positively.com.
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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 …
Show notes
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.
- 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.
- Launch or level up your career as a professional dog trainer with the Victoria Stilwell Academy. Learn more here.
- Solve behavior problems and find tools to help live your best dog life at Positively.com.
Chapters
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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 …
Show notes
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.
- 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.
- Launch or level up your career as a professional dog trainer with the Victoria Stilwell Academy. Learn more here.
- Solve behavior problems and find tools to help live your best dog life at Positively.com.
Chapters
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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 …
Show notes
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.
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 …
Show notes
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.
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 …
Show notes
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.
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 …
Show notes
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.
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 …
Show notes
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.
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 …
Show notes
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.
Ask the Dog: From Fear to Fierce Advocate with Amr Nawwar
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 …
Show notes
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 navigating cultural stereotypes about dogs and masculinity—especially within male-dominated, punishment-heavy training circles in the Middle East. He also shares insights on the power of effective social media communication and the ethical responsibility of trainers. This episode highlights the intersection of compassion, faith, and evidence-based practice, offering hope for a kinder future in dog training across the globe.
Amr's contact information:
Molly's Dog House
Instagram: @dubaidogstrainer
Arabic Content: Tik TokBreaking Barriers - Inclusivity in Dog Training with Neika Smessaert
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 …
Show notes
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 accessibility within the program. Together, they co-created the Puppy Progress Planner—a 12-week confidence-building resource for puppies and their humans—and launched a beautifully inclusive e-course designed to support learners of all backgrounds. Neika candidly discusses the importance of community, the emotional impact of hearing loss, and how curiosity—rather than perfection—is the true key to inclusion. This episode isn’t just about dog training. It’s about seeing each other fully and creating spaces where everyone belongs.
To find out more about Neika, visit Vet Tech Coach.
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