Ep 9. Untamed and Untrained

In It's Me or the Dog season 1 episode 9, titled "Untamed and Untrained," dog trainer Victoria Stilwell takes on a challenging case with a couple who have two untrained and undisciplined dogs. The couple, Paul and Jo, are struggling to control their two large and unruly dogs, Tara and Max, who constantly fight for dominance and attention.

Victoria observes the dogs' behavior and quickly realizes that they have never been given any clear boundaries or rules. She spends some time training the dogs individually, teaching them basic obedience commands and showing them how to behave properly both inside and outside the house. However, Paul and Jo's inconsistent approach to training complicates the situation, as they are not always willing to follow through with the techniques Victoria has taught them.

To make matters worse, Victoria discovers another issue with Tara and Max – they have a strong prey drive and are prone to chase and attack wildlife and smaller animals. This puts them at risk of injuring themselves or causing harm to other creatures. Victoria works with the couple to address this problem, teaching them how to manage the dogs' instincts and redirect their attention to appropriate outlets.

Throughout the episode, Victoria emphasizes the importance of establishing a clear hierarchy within the household, with the humans in positions of authority and the dogs in roles of obedience. She encourages Paul and Jo to be consistent in their training methods, so that Tara and Max know what is expected of them and feel more secure in their environment. By the end of the episode, Tara and Max have made significant progress and are on their way to becoming well-behaved and well-adjusted members of the family.

"Untamed and Untrained" is a powerful reminder of the importance of proper training and discipline for dogs, especially those with challenging behavior issues. Victoria Stilwell's hands-on approach and expert guidance help Paul and Jo turn their chaotic household into a peaceful and harmonious one, with their dogs no longer ruling the roost. The episode is a must-watch for anyone dealing with similarly stubborn or disobedient dogs, and showcases the effectiveness of positive reinforcement training methods.