Victoria Stilwell
Victoria Stilwell - positively positive!
Lately you may have seen a new show on Animal Planet, 'It's Me or the Dog'.
We've been watching it and really like Victoria's positive approach to dog training and managing dog behavior.
So we decided to create this lens to share info on Victoria and also to shed light on the great positive methods of dog training she practices.
Thanks Victoria, for all you do for us pups!
About Victoria!
Victoria was born and raised in Wimbledon, England and has been working as a dog trainer in London and New York since 1990.
On the early 1990's, Victoria created her own successful dog-walking company and immediately recognized the need for qualified professionals to help her clients with the training process. While pursuing a successful acting career (working in the West End as well as in numerous films, TV series, commercials and voiceovers), she expanded her focus into dog training and behavior counseling by working with some of Britain's most respected positive-reinforcement dog trainers and behaviourists.
In 1999, Victoria moved to Manhattan where she co-founded Dog Trainers of New York, a dog training and behavior modification company working primarily with families and educating children on safe and effective dog handling. Her unique background, personal sensitivity and innate training skills quickly made her one of New York City's most sought-after dog trainers. With a particular fondness for rescue animals in need of behavior rehabilitation, she devoted much of her time and energy to a number of the many animal rescue organizations in New York, serving as an advisor and giving regular seminars on the subject of dog rescue, training and rehabilitation.
In 2002 Victoria expanded her business and created Dog Trainers of New Jersey, earning further acclaim as one of the nation's top dog trainers.
For the past 3 years, Victoria has been working with some of Britain's most unruly dogs (and owners!) on her TV show, 'It's Me or the Dog,' counseling families with problem pets and solving their dogs' behavior problems. Her two books ("It's Me or the Dog: How to Have the Perfect Pet" and "Fat Dog Slim: How to Have a Healthy, Happy Pet") detail her reward-based training philosophies and give dog owners the keys to a happy, confident pet and relationship: 'Thinking Dog' and learning the power of body language in both owner and dog to develop and maintain the unique bond only a balanced, healthy dog-owner relationship can create.
Source: Victoria Stilwell Official Website.
Casting Call for It's Me or The Dog!
Need Victoria's help?
For casting calls visit Animal Planet's Casting Calls site!
Victoria was one of the judges on the hit series - Greatest American Dog!
Victoria was one of the judges on the reality series, Greatest American Dog. For 10 weeks, pups all over the country were glued to the TV, wondering who would get top dog.
Victoria was one of the distinguished canine critics along with Wendy Diamond and Allan Reznik, with Jarod Miller hosting.
Cool Stuff for Cool Dogs!
Be sure and visit my website - JohannTheDog.com - where you can shop for cool stuff for cool dogs!
We've put together, in one place, all the cool stuff you need for your dog!
Find dog beds, all natural foods and treats, collars, leashes, charms, training and agility gear, vitamins and supplements, books, clothing, toys and more!
And the best part is we donate 10% of our profits to dog rescues and shelters!
Watch Victoria's methods in action!
Quick, what do you think of Victoria Stilwell?
Great Victoria Stilwell stuff from Amazon!
Share your stories, sightings, thoughts, rants, raves...
Are you in the Victoria Stilwell Fan Club?
I've seen some of her vids and she is really good at what she does.
@anonymous: Although your pup is 5 months old by now and i hope you already made it without have to give him to a shelter, you can visit Stilwell's forum
- AUTHOR
@anonymous: I'm so sad you are having troubles with your pup Monica. Here are some ideas for you:
You could visit Victoria's website, there is information there and a forum that may be of help. http://positively.com/
Also you could apply to be on Victoria's show here: http://animal.discovery.com/tv/its-me-or-dog/casti...
Or another idea, is you could find a positive trainer in your area. We like the trainers that have been trained through the Karen Pryor Academy, you can find one in your area here: http://www.karenpryoracademy.com/find-a-trainer
Good luck and keep us posted, hope all goes well with you and your pup!
Johann
I need to get in touch with Victoria. The vet advised my family to either find a trainer or get rid of it. I know that if we take our Husky to the animal shelter they will put him down because he's aggressive. He's only three months old and I'm trying to train him its just I'm the youngest and can't share my input even though its been working for mine and his relationship. He's biting me less and less everyday! I really need her help. Can some one push me in the right direction, please?!
I LOVE Victoria Stilwell! Not in her fan club, but I do watch her show a lot!
elise i feel the same but when the dog / cat or any type of animal gets the taste of blood there is no chance of keeping him/her as it will attact again so sorry that u feel that way but i think she done the right thing about the decisition she made is the right one
@anonymous: I have to say that Elise has a valid point. Now I am not agreeing that a dog can bite a child and the injuries were excessive. However, I strongly believe that Benji was a victim of the training techniques that were being used. At no time did I see any +R trainining being used around the children and only dominance used (and not consistantly by the Father) when the children were present.
If the dog made the association that when the children were around he was being dominated by the parents then it is natural (and already proven by the 3 bites before Stilwell intervened) that Benji was going to become dominant over the weaker people in the family. However if the dogs had been taught with cliker and +R training from the outset and the association made that the children were not weak and were actually rewarding to be around I think that this dog would still be alive and the child would have a loving dog.
Just my opinion.
@anonymous: in reply to elise's comment about victoria advising owner to have cocker spaniel destroyed, how would you feel if it had been your child that had been bitten and not just once! As a former dog warden and dog lover Ive witnessed dog behaviour in various shapes and forms, any dog that has bitten will without doubt do it again and is a danger to the public. Benji may have had neurological or psyhcological problems but who comes first, a child or a potentially dangerous dog?
- AUTHOR
Hi there everyone! Sure glad you stopped by. I just want you to know that this lens isn't monitored by Victoria. We suggest for contact and info you visit her website and forums to learn more. http://positively.com/
I am extremely upset and angry about the episode i watched on sky3 19 Apr 10. Victoria advised an owner to put down their spaniel after it attacked their child. Yes she had bruises and a few little cuts but to kill a dog because of this is absolutely disgusting - it's not like it did serious damage. I thought you were a dog trainer? Maybe you should learn a bit of dog psychology and then maybe you can save those who need more than a little training. That poor dog clearly had psychological problems that will have most likely been the owner's fault. How dare you tell them to kill their dog and not to rehome!!! Why couldn't they rehome him to a real dog lover with no children! I have a rottweiler mix that bit me quite badly, he was a rescue. I persevered with dog psychology and training and now he is fine with me and mine. You disgust me. This family and their dog put their trust in you and as far as i'm concerned you let them down. That poor young dog has lost it's life because of your incompetence! Shame on you!
We have a wonderful male dog but he is troublesome in the car, by which I mean he squeekes all the time and it is impossible to take any type of journey with him in the car either alone or with our other dog. Is there a way to stop him squeeking and driving us all mad. We are willing to try whatever you suggest. Thank you.
Victoria,
My family and I just got a dog a few weeks ago. She is a German Sheperd ROtweiler mix. We have recently found out that she is not nice to dogs. When the other dog got into her face she growled and snipped back at the other dog. We are not sure how to fight this, because she is an older dog. Please help us!
Hi Victoria
I'm an absolutely huge fan!!!
I've watched probably 90% of the "it's me or the dog" series so far
When i'm older i realy want to train dogs like you...
I really want to get a dog but my dad won"t let me so my family and I are trying to convince him.
I've already learnt all the tricks, commands and techniques you use!
CJ XXX
P.S.How old were you when you starting training?
I love Victoria Stilwell. Anyone Know her E-Mail?
hi!need help!my dog chews all the furniture and the cords when nobody is home.what should i do??
i love watching your programmes and i think you are great. Do you remember a lady called Barbra Woodhouse. I think your methonds are much better. I only wish i knew about you years ago as i had a female staffy cross who attacked my sons and myself when out for a walk. She was taken away by the R.S.P.C.A. Ive had a couple dogs before her and they were well behaved (sometimes) now i have a cat.
was up i have a dog that is very bad i need your help!>>?
Hubby and I enjoy watching Victoria on tv even though we don't have a dog. You have really cornered the canine niche with all your lenses. This is the first time I have been the first to rate a lens. congrats on your good work,
- AUTHOR
[in reply to Naomi] To get in contact with Victoria, we recommend visiting her website: http://www.victoriastilwell.com/index
I as also wondering, what is her E-Mail???
- AUTHOR
[in reply to savannah] You can find all of It's Me or the Dog casting calls here: http://animal.discovery.com/tv/casting/casting-cal...
r they doing casting calls in san antonio texas?
- AUTHOR
To all: If you are looking to get in touch with Victoria, we recommend visiting her site for more information about casting calls, seminars, etc. Here is the link: http://www.victoriastilwell.com/index
what is her email my dog has probs and i need her help i have a little yorkie that is being kinda annoying and i need him to calm down... lol i want to be a vet when i get older but i need help from her now.
[in reply to Rachel] what is her email?
i love victoria!!!!!! i watch her show all the time. in fact i think ive seen like all of her episodes! i cant wait 2 see the new ones in augest!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I love victoria. Her training methods are great. My friend and I are donating money to paws atlanta.
I know I really want to know how to contact her too!!! I have a psyco dog!!![in reply to Rachel]
Victoria, you are my role model!!!!! One day I'm going to be a dog trainer... I already am in my neighborhood! I want to meet you soooooo badly!!!!!
wat is her email?[in reply to Rachel]
You are awsome Victoria
I want to meet u sometime!!
what is it i have to know i want to tell her about my evil crazy puppy
Me to she is my roll model !
and i know her email
Victoria Stilwell is my rolemodel. I want go to college to beome a dog trainer!
My wish is to meet her one day. Not going to happen with my dog. She graduated as the best dog in her obedience school! I'm vert proud of her!
I use lots of Victoria's methods too!
What's cool is I have the same name as her! I'd love going to go to one of her meet and greets! It would be so cool! I would bring Chamois my labrador too!
- AUTHOR
[in reply to sarah] Hi Sarah! Suggest you go to Rescue Me - http://helpingpups.com - lots of great resources to find your new 'best friend'!
hi, my family is looking for a dog that is small-medium size, light short coat, 3 years and older, well behaved, housetrained, well in small town!!
thanks!!!
sarah <3
well victoria i truefully has watched every episode and i have learnd alot cause i have this new puppy and he is a HANDFUl
(victoria you are my idol)
I LOVE YOU VICTORIA!!! I REALLY REALLY REALLY WANT TO MET YOU AND IF YOU DO JUST COME VISIT AND I WOULD LOVE YOUR AUTOGRAPH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! MY FAVE EPISODE IS THE ONE WITH THE POODLE BECAUSE I HAVE TWO. IF YOU READ THIS GO TO THIS WEBSITE walker28.gotpetsonline.com/ THIS IS MY WEBSITE PLEASE LEAVE A MESSAGE IN THE MESSAGE BOARD!!!
how much is it for you to come to my home?
Hello Victoria after reading about you I am truly amazed I expected you to have a house full of pets. After seeing all you do and all of acomplishments I can see why you dont. Just wanted to say your show is so wonderfull keep up the good work well done.
Cheryl
I record all of Victoria shows and watch them everyday.
- AUTHOR
[in reply to Luvenia Hopkins] Hi Gerald! I would recommend contacting Victoria through her website: http://www.victoriastilwell.com/index Good luck! And happy early birthay to Luvenia!
Hello victoria my name is gerald and my daughter luvenia watches your show and uses your
methods of dog training like it's the bible of dog training my one wish is for her to meet
you face to face and learn first hand how to be a better dog owner it would be especially
nice if you can do it on her birthday which is march 17. P.S. this will be her sweet 16th
birthday
I LOVE VICTORIA STILLWELL!!! I also watch her shows every day even if its a repeat!! I can't get enough of them!! I would love to meet her in person!!!
I think Victoria is the BEST! I watch her show all the time. I need her to come to my house and teach my dogs some obedience.
Victoria is the best, watching her on tv helps me so much with my 1 year old lab mix and my 5 year old Bermes Mountain Dog Newfoundland Mix. Both of my dogs still need a lot of work though but for that i need Victoria=]
i love victoria stilwell she has a great aprrocah on dogs.she does not take no for an awnser.i would love to meet her!![dont we all]
i am jordan and i admire the way victoria trains is she doesn't hit .... she uses treats to congradulate the goodness but ignores the rude behavior: example-when jumped on by any dog she folds her hands and turns away. she also uses quick, sharp voice commands whitch gets the dogs attention and that takes the dogs attention off jumping or whatever it was doing! victoria's method is perfect in every way! ps. sorry if i didn't explain it quite right
Victoria has proven that with consistancy,and positive renforcement ANY dog can be trained
to be an enjoyable member of the family.
Training isn't only for the dog though, we humans need training as well.
I've implemented some of Victoria's methods with
our dog Ginger who is a pomeranian shiba inu mix
and she catches on quickly which is exciting to see. Victoria is fabulous at what she does!
Thank you Victoria for all the fine work you
do for both the dogs and their owners alike!
Most Sincerely,
Tammy R. King,
United States
Victoria is the best! She is my hero. I do her stuff on my Great Dane and it works most of the time. I would like to meet her some day. My Great Dane can use a little of her magic. She is the best dog trainer in the world!!!!
We've employed her method with our 15wk old bulldog puppy and the results are wonderful. We are bonding with him and he is absolutely responding to positive reinforcement training. Victoria is a genius. Try her method of training and you will be amazed at how great you dog training will go.
Victoria Stilwell is the greatest and if anyone thinks otherwise shame on you!!!!!
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