Ep 3. The Triplets of Terror

In episode 3 of It’s Me or the Dog season 1, titled “The Triplets of Terror,” dog trainer Victoria Stilwell takes on the challenge of three unruly bulldogs living in the same household. The triplets – Bruce, Willy, and Frankie – are causing chaos with their destructive behavior and constant barking, leading their owners to their wit's end.

Victoria first meets with the dogs' owners, a couple named Lynn and Ed, to assess the situation and gather information about their dogs. She quickly determines that the dogs lack discipline and structure, leading to their bad behavior. Victoria advises the owners to create a set routine and implement basic obedience training with the dogs.

The first step in Victoria’s training plan is to establish a clear hierarchy within the household. She explains that the owners must assert their authority and take control of their dogs to earn their respect and obedience. To accomplish this, Victoria works with each dog individually to teach them basic commands like sit, stay, and come.

While working with the dogs, Victoria also observes their relationship with each other. She learns that Bruce, the alpha of the group, often bullies his brothers and takes their toys and food. To address this issue, Victoria recommends that the owners feed the dogs separately to prevent competition and reduce conflict.

Despite their progress with basic obedience, the triplets still exhibit destructive behavior in the home. Victoria discovers that the dogs are bored and need more stimulation and exercise. She recommends that the owners incorporate daily walks and playtime to keep the dogs physically and mentally stimulated.

Throughout the episode, Victoria also addresses the owners’ personal habits that contribute to the dogs’ bad behavior. She notes that they unintentionally reward the dogs’ negative behavior with attention and affection. She teaches the owners to ignore the dogs’ undesirable actions and reward positive behavior instead.

In the end, with the help of Victoria’s training techniques and the owners' commitment to consistency, the triplets’ behavior improves significantly. They become more obedient, less destructive, and their barking subsides. The owners are thrilled with the transformation and grateful for Victoria’s guidance.

Overall, episode 3 of It’s Me or the Dog season 1, “The Triplets of Terror,” is an insightful and practical guide for viewers struggling with multiple-dog household dynamics. Victoria Stilwell’s training strategies emphasize the importance of discipline, routine, and consistency to achieve a well-behaved and happy pack of dogs.