Ep 4. The Fickle Five
- TV-PG
- November 1, 2008
- 39 min
In the fourth episode of season one of It's Me or the Dog, titled "The Fickle Five," host Victoria Stilwell meets a family struggling to get their five dogs to behave. The family has a mix of small and large dogs, and they all have very different personalities, which has made training them to behave a challenge.
The episode starts with Victoria observing the family and their dogs in their natural habitat. She quickly notices that the dogs are dominating the household and taking control over the family's daily routines. Each dog has its own set of problems, from aggression towards other dogs to destructive behavior like chewing shoes and furniture.
Victoria sets out to teach the family how to take control back from their dogs. She starts by explaining the importance of establishing a routine and being consistent with their discipline. She also shows the family how to read their dogs' body language and use positive reinforcement to encourage good behavior.
One of the biggest challenges in the episode is the family's Great Dane, Lucy. Lucy is the largest of the dogs and also the most dominant. Victoria observes that Lucy is very possessive of her toys and food and will snap at any of the other dogs who try to come near her belongings.
To break Lucy's possessive behavior, Victoria introduces a new toy to the household and shows the family how to use it as a reward for good behavior. As the family works with Lucy to establish new boundaries, they start to see positive changes in her behavior.
Another issue in the family's household is their Chihuahua, Diego. Diego is giving the family and other dogs a difficult time with his barking and biting behavior. Victoria shows the family how to redirect Diego's attention and teach him to behave appropriately.
As the episode progresses, the family becomes more confident in their ability to train their dogs. They start to use the techniques Victoria has taught them and see immediate results. By the end of the episode, each dog has made significant progress, and the family has reclaimed control over their household.
Overall, the episode "The Fickle Five" is a great example of the It's Me or the Dog series. Victoria Stilwell's techniques are effective and easy to understand, and the challenges faced by the family in the episode are relatable to many dog owners. If you're looking for advice on dog training, this episode is a must-watch.