I have long been an admirer of “positive” dog trainer Victoria Stilwell of Animal Planet’s It’s Me Or The Dog fame. I thoroughly approve of her positive training philosophy (consistently rewarding good behavior and constructively refocusing bad behavior, as opposed to punishment), and I often contribute to her website. So it was with great pleasure that I accepted an invitation from Victoria to join her on one of her film shoots to co-manage a really tough case—an out-of-control Wheaton terrier on New York’s Staten Island. As you may know, Wheatons are high-energy dogs—but this particular one was over the top, even for one of his kind. He was highly reactive and spun like a top whenever the doorbell rang, practically bouncing off the walls as he did so. He herded people, and would bite visitors as they left the home, or family members if they tried to restrain him. I will spare you the details of how we agreed to proceed, but let it suffice to say that the owners needed advice about providing sufficient natural outlets for this dog’s seemingly boundless energies, as well as some suggestions for how to train him and care for him medically.
As we brainstormed over the details of the case and discussed the matter with the family, I realized that Victoria is more than a dog training celebrity; she really has her heart in what she does. She is a totally genuine, pro-dog trainer who cares deeply about the lives of the dogs she works with as well as current issues and schisms in the dog training world. She is clearly dedicated to improving dogs’ lives, not simply to making a name for herself. I found Victoria to be as charming in person as she is on TV: She is the real deal, and I hope her influence in the dog training community will prevail in years to come.
From: Julia Kendle | 11/26/10 at 7:53 am
Does anyone have any help they can offer for and 8mth old castrated GSD. Needs constant attention . Main problem is dog aggression. He can go on dog training walks and walk with others but as soon as a dog meets us when we are on our own he goes balistic! Totally out of my depth here and considering re homing elzewhere.
From: Paula (owner of Rocky) | 12/28/10 at 8:11 pm
I am the owner of the Wheaten that Dr Dodman was referring to. Everything he said is true. Rocky is out of control. Dr Dodman was kind enough to come to our home and help Victoria Stillwell with Rocky. He also spoke with our Vet to discuss what meds. Rocky should be changed to. I want to thank them both for their help. Rocky still has a long way to go, but at least we now know what we are dealing with.