Ep 12. Calamitous Canines

It's Me or the Dog season 3 episode 12, titled "Calamitous Canines," follows dog behavior expert Victoria Stilwell as she takes on two unique cases with highly problematic pooches. In the first segment, Victoria works with a pair of feisty Jack Russells named Lottie and Bruno, who have a tendency to fight and lunge at people and other dogs. Their owners are at their wit's end and are considering giving the dogs up for adoption if Victoria isn't able to help. Victoria quickly identifies that the root of Lottie and Bruno's aggression is a lack of structure and leadership in their home, and sets about implementing a strict regimen of rules and boundaries that the dogs must follow. She also works on building the dogs' confidence through positive reinforcement training, which helps to reduce their anxiety and curb their aggressive tendencies. In the end, Lottie and Bruno's owners are amazed at the transformation in their pets and vow to keep up the newfound structure and discipline.

In the second segment, Victoria works with a basset hound named Jack who has a serious case of separation anxiety. Jack howls and cries whenever his owners leave the house, making it impossible for them to go anywhere without him. Victoria spends time with Jack's owners to evaluate his behavior and discover the underlying reasons for his separation anxiety. She determines that Jack's anxiety is rooted in his fear of abandonment, which stems from being adopted from a shelter and having multiple owners in his short life. Victoria works with Jack's owners to create a soothing and predictable routine that includes plenty of exercise to help burn off his nervous energy. She also recommends the use of a special "chill out" mat that has calming scents and textures, which helps Jack relax when his owners are away. By the end of the episode, Jack's owners are finally able to leave the house without worrying about him barking and howling, thanks to Victoria's expert guidance.

Throughout the episode, Victoria emphasizes the importance of consistent training and clear communication with dogs in order to establish a healthy and happy relationship. She notes that dogs are highly intelligent and intuitive animals who thrive on structure and boundaries, and that by providing them with clear guidance and positive reinforcement, owners can help them overcome even the most challenging behavior problems. "Calamitous Canines" is a testament to the power of patience, empathy, and effective training techniques in resolving dog behavior issues and strengthening the bond between dogs and their owners.