Positively Dog Training - The Official Victoria Stilwell Podcast

Austin Weishel's National Fire Dog Monument in Washington, DC. On this final episode of Season 5 of the Positively Podcast, Victoria and Holly discuss a disturbing video of a Rottweiler growling at a young child who is being videotaped hugging and petting the dog. They talk about the importance of teaching parents and children about dog safety and dog bite prevention, and how you can prevent your child from being bitten by a dog. They also chat with award-winning working dog sculptor Austin Weishel, who is best known for sculpting the National Fire Dog Monument in Washington, DC. They talk about his work, how he got started as a sculptor, and what we can expect to see from him in the future. Check out more about Austin on the Arson Dogs video series or on his website.

Filming with Tia and Louise of Villalobos Rescue Center during "It's Me or the Dog." Victoria and Holly chat about the upcoming lottery drawing and what they would do to help animals if they win the jackpot. They also discuss Holly's annual "Regiftmas" party that she hosts to help people get rid of their most terrible holiday gifts. Victoria talks about Villalobos Rescue Center, the pit bull rescue featured on Animal Planet's Pit Bulls and Parolees and her upcoming visit to the center in New Orleans. Ask Victoria questions include: * What is the right dog for a busy physician who works full time? * What can you do to work with a dog that's nervous around strangers and pees and growls when nervous? * How do you get a 9 month old puppy to stop pottying in the house? * How can a person get over their fear of pit bulls?

Photo Courtesy of Rebecca Kronenberg and Cooper Victoria and Holly get together on Christmas Eve for a special holiday edition of the Positively Podcast. They chat about their holiday pet peeves, including people’s poor driving and the madness of holiday shopping. Victoria talks about one of her favorite online comedians, Matt Bellassai, who has a video about why he hates holiday shopping. They also discuss an amazing 100-year-old animal rescue volunteer who is helping the Georgia SPCA get animals adopted, and the cringe-worthy Miss USA pageant that happened several nights ago. Ask Victoria questions include: • How to help a dog become less fearful while we’re cooking after he was traumatized by the sound of the fire alarm? • How do you help a dog become more social around other dogs? • What is “suburban dog syndrome” and how can you get a dog used to the sights and sounds of the city? • What is the appropriate diet for a 4 month old puppy and how do you give a friend advice about their dogs?

Victoria and Holly talk about the viral story of a military working dog and his handler that were injured during a building search, and the incredible bond between military dogs and their handlers. The pair in this particular story has been recovering together, and both are expected to make a full recovery. They also chat with Kristen Maurer, the co-founder of Mission K-9 Rescue, an organization dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and reuniting military working dogs with their handlers. Kristen explains how the group got started, what they do, and how people can help from anywhere in the world. Ask Victoria questions include: • How you can stop a puppy’s excessive teething and mouthing? • What’s the best way to manage multiple dogs on walks that bark and pull on leash? • How can you prepare for bringing home two puppies and creating a successful routine? • How can you stop dogs from fighting when they get overexcited or overaroused? • How can you restore trust between you and your dog after a traumatic incident that broke that trust?

Victoria's mother stops by from England over the holidays to check in on Victoria and Holly, including a discussion about their recent trip to Savannah, Georgia. A brief history of the state of Georgia ensues, resulting in a mini-review of the new Broadway smash hit, Hamilton. Random enough? Victoria's daughter, Alex, gets some help from her friend Sofia to try and stump Holly and Victoria with a new animal academy quiz. Ask Victoria questions include: * An increasingly aggressive 5 year old German Shepherd who doesn't like when the owners get up and leave the room. * A 4-year old Pomeranian who pees and poops on the owner's boyfriend. * A mourning Weimeraner who wants to stay in her kennel after the passing of the owner's husband. * And more….

Fresh off their 6th straight appearance as the co-hosts of the Atlanta Botanical Garden's annual Reindog Parade, Victoria and Holly jump in the studio to discuss this year's entrants and how events where we put dogs into costumes are more for the human satisfaction than the dogs' benefit. Positively's Director of Digital Content, Alex Andes, drops by to discuss this season's holiday promos and online events, including the 12 Dogs of Christmas contest. Also discussed was the viral story about the dog owner who duct-taped her Chocolate Lab's snout shut in order to stop it from barking (see video of Victoria talking about the case on HLN below). On the Positively Hotline, Victoria and Holly are joined by the amazing Gracie Hamlin of the W-Underdogs program, which combines work with rescue dogs and underserved children in one of Atlanta's most dangerous neighborhoods. W-Underdogs info: * W-Underdogs website * W-Underdogs Facebook page * wunderdogsatlanta@gmail.com Link to HLN video of Victoria discussing woman who duct-taped her dog's mouth shut.

In this special Thanksgiving edition of the podcast, Victoria and Holly welcome back Dr. Paula Bloom, who peppers Victoria with questions about her new puppy, Suki, and how she's getting along (or not) with her existing dog. Topics touched on include: * Whether you should train and raise different types of dogs differently * What to do when the new puppy seems to like one person in the family more than another * Victoria's thoughts on the concept of 'sibling rivalry' between multiple dogs in the same household * How to deal with an existing dog who is showing her teeth to the new puppy in the house. Ask Victoria questions include: * How long is it ok to leave dogs on their own during the day? (Addie, NYC) * Do dogs recognize and develop prejudices against certain breeds? (Brooklyn from Chicago) * Whether it is ethical to buy breeds known to have health issues even if they come from responsible breeders? (David from Vancouver) * What makes a dog smart or intelligent? (Holly from Perth, Virgin Islands) Victoria's Animal Academy returns with a twist: Victoria's daughter, Alex, stumps Holly, Victoria and Paula with some pretty random, difficult (and usually not particularly dog-related) quiz questions. Ask Victoria is sponsored by Zukes - check 'em out this Thanksgiving!

Dr. Paula Bloom joins Victoria and Holly in studio to talk through the aftermath of the Paris terror attacks and how we process tragedies: * integrating the information into our lives * how to talk to kids about tragedies * The way we’re wired for empathy, making it extra hard to process * The concept of compassion fatigue Victoria recounts the story of Diesel, a police dog who was killed in the line of duty while apprehending the lead organizer of the terrorist attacks. Paula asks whether it is right to ask dogs to work in military and police settings, and whether dogs are capable of giving their ‘consent’ to go into dangerous situations. Do dogs feel and experience actual love, or is their affectionate behavior just a representation of their need for safety and pleasurable experiences. Holly describes her recent interview experience with acclaimed psychologist Dr. Ruth Westheimer, Victoria talks about the need for women to have the opportunity to communicate with each other, and Paula opens up about a troubling experience she encountered with Vegemite. Sponsored by Zuke's!

Holly and Victoria are back with a new season of the Positively Podcast after a summer hiatus. They've got a lot of catching up to do, as they have both been traveling all over the world. Victoria catches everyone up on her new TV show that will be airing in the UK next year, and Holly tells the story of how she learned what "bear spray" is. Calling in to the Positively Hotline this episode is filmmaker Patrick Reasonover, one of the creators behind the new documentary 'Of Dogs and Men.' The film covers the difficult topic of police shooting dogs, and Victoria was featured in the film along with several of the police officers she has been filming with for an upcoming project. Patrick talks about what inspired him to create the film, and steps people can take to prevent their pet from being a victim. Holly and Victoria can't get enough of a funny video of a very loud Marmot. You can see it for yourself here. This season's 'Ask Victoria' segment is sponsored by Zuke's. Ask Victoria questions include: * How can I stop by high-strung Weimaraner from acting fearful and aggressive? * How can I help my sound sensitive border collie overcome her fear of fireworks and other loud noises? * What can I do to stop my Dalmation from dragging me down the road? * How can I stop my Mastador puppy from peeing in the house and chewing things up when left alone? * Why is my Spaniel no longer making eye contact and spinning compulsively in circles? This season of Ask Victoria is sponsored by Zuke's! Listen to prior episodes of the Positively Podcast.

On this episode of the Positively Podcast, Victoria and Holly discuss their travels to Greece, a country with a massive stray dog overpopulation problem. Holly shares her stories of rescuing several dogs off the streets, and Victoria talks about a crisis that's currently affecting an animal welfare group in Santorini. They are joined on the podcast by Victoria Stilwell Academy for Dog Training and Behavior Director Tia Guest, who shares the latest information about Victoria's brand new school for aspiring dog trainers. They discuss what makes VSA different, and why it's so important that dog trainers invest in a great education. They also laugh about a video of Malamute puppies reacting to music. If you want to watch the video, see it here. Ask Victoria questions include: * How can I stop my dog from chasing cars? * What should I do when my dog acts aggressively when people approach my wheelchair? * How can I stop my Boxer from darting out the door whenever he gets the opportunity? * How can I use positive training to stop my dog from constantly pawing at me? * Why are my Westie littermates fighting and how can I stop it? This season of Ask Victoria is sponsored by Zuke's! Listen to prior episodes of the Positively Podcast.

On this special episode, Victoria and Holly wrap up Season 4 by dedicating the entire show to answering your Ask Victoria dog training questions. From what to do if your dog bites someone to how to improve a dog's fear of loud noises, this episode covers all of your most pressing training questions. Ask Victoria questions include: * How can you help a dog with severe noise phobias? * What should you do to stop a dog with strange licking habits? * When will Victoria be on TV again? * What should you do if your dog bites someone? * How can you stop a dog from crying when put in a crate? * What is the best collar or harness to use for a dog? * How can you help a dog that doesn't like to be handled, and bites when people try to put the leash on? Listen to prior episodes of the Positively Podcast.

On this episode, Victoria and Holly discuss a controversial new documentary, Of Dogs and Men. The documentary explores the recent epidemic of dogs being shot by law enforcement officials. Victoria participated in the documentary with the police K-9 unit that star with her in her upcoming web series, Guardians of the Night, and gives her take on the importance of the film. They also chat about this week’s Dog Bite Prevention Week in the UK. On the Positively Hotline is pet expert and radio host Steve Dale, who revisits the podcast to share some important information on the unique behavioral and medical conditions that can afflict senior cats. He has some especially great insights to share on Feline Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome, which is similar to Alzheimer's in people. Ask Victoria questions include: * How can you stop a dog from jumping on and barking at people? * How should you interact with a dog that you've never met before? * What can you do to stop a puppy from constantly whining and pacing?

Victoria and Holly talk about international dog welfare controversies, including the horrific dog meat trade and the amazing organizations that are working to stop it. They also discuss a recent international rescue of almost 40 Golden Retrievers. Calling in to the Positively Hotline is Canine Assistants founder Jennifer Arnold, who is revolutionizing the way people train both service dogs and pet dogs. She discusses her new training techniques, and how pet parents can apply the concepts with their dogs at home. Ask Victoria questions include: * How can you stop a dog from licking people compulsively? * How can you prepare yourself for getting a new dog? * What's the best way to convince a punishment-based trainer that reward-based training is the way to go?

As Victoria’s #poopandtell campaign with Earth Rated comes to a close, she and Holly read some of their favorite submissions. One dog pooped his way into his forever home, and another even let one loose in the UK Prime Minister’s VIP carriage! Radio show host and pet journalist Steve Dale calls the Positively Hotline to discuss cat socialization and the importance of stress-free veterinary care for cats. He talks about kitten socialization classes, and how they could benefit cats in the US. But as Steve explains, it’s extremely important that the kitties are within a very specific age window. Ask Victoria questions include: -How can you stop a dog from pooping as soon as she comes inside? -How do you motivate an older dog that’s not highly interested in toys or treats? -What do you do to stop a puppy from whining and crying throughout the night?

Holly starts off the podcast with some great news about her dog, Kashmir. Victoria talks about her experience at the National Press Club as part of a Dog Bite Prevention press conference. She joined State Farm, American Humane, the AVMA, the US Postal Service, Prevent the Bite, Elle the Pit Bull, and other Dog Bite Prevention Coalition partners to help educate the public about how to prevent dog bites. Victoria and Holly chat with State Farm's Heather Paul to talk about the company's dedication to dog bite prevention. They discuss the importance of not focusing on a dog's breed, but rather focusing on the pet parent's responsibility to prevent dog bites through responsible pet ownership. They also discuss that there is a difference between a dog bite and a dog-related incident, but that all dog-related incidents are classified under a dog bite claim, and how that can affect pet parents. Ask Victoria questions include:  * How do you stop a dog from chasing cars? * Which basic cues should you teach a new puppy, and in what order? * What should you do to stop a puppy from guarding resources?