Ep 7. The Wild and Wacky Weimaraners

It's Me or the Dog season 1 episode 7, titled "The Wild and Wacky Weimaraners," follows dog behavior specialist Victoria Stilwell as she works with a family struggling to control their two energetic and mischievous Weimaraners.

The episode begins with Victoria meeting the family and their two dogs, who are named Turbo and Bindi. The family explains that Turbo and Bindi have become increasingly difficult to control, and have developed destructive behaviors like chewing on furniture and digging holes in the backyard.

Victoria observes the dogs' behavior and quickly realizes that the family has been unintentionally reinforcing their bad habits. The family has been giving the dogs attention and treats when they misbehave, which has only encouraged them to continue their bad behavior.

Through a series of training exercises and behavior modification techniques, Victoria teaches the family how to properly train and interact with their dogs. She emphasizes the importance of positive reinforcement and consistency in order to create a well-behaved and obedient dog.

One of the main challenges in this episode is Turbo's habit of jumping up on guests and pulling on his leash during walks. Victoria spends a lot of time working on these behaviors, using positive reinforcement to redirect Turbo's energy and encourage him to behave appropriately.

Another issue that the family is dealing with is Bindi's separation anxiety. Bindi becomes extremely anxious and destructive whenever the family leaves the house, causing damage to the furniture and other belongings.

To help address Bindi's separation anxiety, Victoria teaches the family how to gradually acclimate her to being alone through a process called "gradual absences." This involves leaving Bindi alone for short periods of time and gradually increasing the duration as she becomes more comfortable with the routine.

Throughout the episode, Victoria also emphasizes the importance of exercise and mental stimulation for dogs, particularly high-energy breeds like Weimaraners. She encourages the family to engage their dogs in activities like long walks, playtime, and puzzle toys.

As the episode comes to a close, the family is shown interacting with their dogs in a more controlled and structured manner. Turbo and Bindi are no longer jumping on guests or destroying furniture, and Bindi's separation anxiety has greatly improved.

Overall, "The Wild and Wacky Weimaraners" is an informative and engaging episode of It's Me or the Dog that offers valuable insights into dog behavior and training. Victoria's expertise and patience shine through as she works with the family to turn their mischievous Weimaraners into well-behaved and happy pets.