Ep 11. Ask Victoria

It's Me or the Dog is a reality show that follows renowned dog trainer Victoria Stilwell as she works with families struggling with their pets' behavior. In season 2, episode 11, titled "Ask Victoria," Victoria tackles a variety of issues submitted by viewers.

The show begins with Victoria reading through letters and emails from owners seeking help with their dogs. The first request comes from a man who has recently adopted a rescue dog who growls and snaps at strangers. Victoria visits their home and discovers that the dog has never been properly socialized. She works with the owner on ways to introduce the dog to new people in a controlled environment, using positive reinforcement training.

The next request comes from a family who is having trouble with their dog's excessive barking. Victoria observes that the dog seems to bark whenever someone leaves the room, indicating a possible case of separation anxiety. She recommends creating a calm and consistent routine for the dog when the owners leave the house, including providing puzzle toys and leaving a TV or radio on in the background. She also teaches the family how to desensitize the dog to triggers that cause barking, such as the doorbell ringing.

Another request comes from a woman who is having trouble with her young dog nipping at her heels and her daughter's clothing. Victoria observes that the dog is likely doing this out of playfulness and lack of boundaries. She teaches the owner how to teach the dog to get its energy out in other ways, such as playing with toys or going for walks, and also sets boundaries for the dog's behavior in the household.

Victoria also addresses a request about a dog who is constantly pulling on its leash and lunging at other dogs on walks. She teaches the owner how to train the dog to walk politely on a leash using a head halter and positive reinforcement training. She also advises the owner to give the dog more exercise and mental stimulation to reduce its pent-up energy before walks.

Finally, Victoria addresses a request about a dog who jumps on people for attention. She teaches the owner how to teach the dog a command that redirects its attention away from jumping and towards a more positive behavior, such as sitting or playing with a toy. She also advises the owner to consistently reward the dog for good behavior and to ignore the dog when it jumps, so as not to reinforce the behavior.

Throughout the episode, Victoria emphasizes the importance of using positive reinforcement training techniques and setting consistent boundaries for dogs. She also emphasizes the importance of good communication between owners and their pets, and the value of taking the time to understand a dog's behavior and motivations. In the end, all of the owners are able to make progress with their dogs' behavior issues, thanks to Victoria's expert guidance.

Overall, "Ask Victoria" is a helpful and informative episode of It's Me or the Dog that provides a range of solutions for common dog behavior issues. Whether you're a dog owner struggling with your pet's behavior or just a fan of Victoria Stilwell's compassionate training methods, this episode is sure to provide valuable insights and techniques for working with your furry friend.