Victoria Stilwell Dog Training: A Positive Approach to Canine Behavior

Victoria Stilwell is a renowned dog trainer and behaviorist who has revolutionized the way we approach canine behavior. Her positive approach to dog training emphasizes rewarding good behavior rather than punishing bad behavior.

Positive reinforcement is a key principle of Victoria Stilwell's dog training method. By focusing on rewarding desired behaviors, you can encourage your dog to learn and grow at a faster rate.

Victoria Stilwell's training approach is based on the science of learning theory, which suggests that behavior is shaped by its consequences. By understanding this principle, you can tailor your training approach to your dog's unique needs and personality.

Victoria Stilwell's website offers a wealth of resources and information on positive dog training, including articles, videos, and training tips.

If this caught your attention, see: Dog Training Positive Reinforcement

Victoria Stilwell originally trained as an actress, playing roles in ITV1's The Bill in 1994, and onstage in London's West End theatre.

She received a BA honours degree in Theatre from Middlesex University, which shows that she has a solid educational background in the performing arts.

Stilwell's veterinary nurse sister suggested that she start a dog walking agency to supplement her income as an actress, which led her to explore the world of dog training.

Victoria Stilwell's career is a fascinating blend of the arts and animal behavior. She originally trained as an actress, landing roles in ITV1's The Bill in 1994 and performing onstage in London's West End theatre.

She received a BA honours degree in Theatre from Middlesex University, which provided a solid foundation for her future endeavors. Her sister, a veterinary nurse, suggested starting a dog walking agency to supplement her income as an actress.

This agency eventually led to her expanding her focus to dog training, a career path that would take her to the United States with her husband in 1999. She co-founded several dog training companies up and down the East Coast, leveraging her passion for animal behavior and training.

Today, Victoria Stilwell is certified by the Animal Behaviour and Training Associates, and is a longtime member of the US Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT).

For another approach, see: Dog Training Behavioral Issues

Victoria's podcast has received a range of ratings and reviews from listeners.

Some fans have been loyal and vocal about their love for the podcast, with one listener, Dobemom1, stating they'd give 5 stars if Holly were part of the show again.

Reviews have been mixed, with some listeners feeling that the hosts spend too much time chatting and not enough discussing valuable information.

A few listeners have even expressed concern about the accuracy of the information being shared, with Zak George warning that anyone can claim to be an expert these days.

On the other hand, some listeners have found the podcast to be incredibly helpful, with Wow in the World rules!! praising the show for providing valuable information that helped them train and treat their dog correctly.

Victoria Stilwell is a dedicated philanthropist, with a strong focus on animal welfare and rescue. She created the Victoria Stilwell Foundation to provide financial support and canine behavior expertise to assistance dog organizations and small animal rescue shelters.

Stilwell works with animal rescue organizations around the world, serving as a behavior adviser for shelters in Atlanta, New York, the United Kingdom, and Hong Kong. She also gives regular seminars on dog rescue, training, and rehabilitation.

Victoria Stilwell has received numerous awards and recognition for her contributions to the pet industry and animal welfare. She was honored with the "Excellence in Journalism and Outstanding Contributions to the Pet Industry" award at the 2011 Global Pet Expo and was named 'Dog Trainer of the Year' by Dog World magazine.

She has been featured in numerous magazines, including The New York Times, USA Today, and Cosmopolitan, among others.

She is a regular columnist for The Bark, Dog World, and American Dog magazines, sharing her expertise on dog training and pet behavior.

She has appeared on numerous talk shows, news broadcasts, and radio shows in the US, Europe, and Asia.

She is the resident pet expert for CNN's HLN network and the BBC's The One Show.

Her international broadcasts have reached a wide audience, showcasing her expertise and passion for animal welfare.

Victoria Stilwell's charitable work is a testament to her dedication to animal welfare. She created the Victoria Stilwell Foundation to support assistance dog organizations and small animal rescue shelters.

The foundation's mission is to promote reward-based, positive reinforcement dog training philosophies in the United States. This approach has been shown to be effective in improving animal welfare.

Stilwell works with animal rescue organizations worldwide, serving as a behavior adviser for shelters in Atlanta, New York, the United Kingdom, and Hong Kong. She also gives regular seminars on dog rescue, training, and rehabilitation.

Her involvement in animal welfare organizations includes serving as an Advisory Board Member of RedRover and a National Ambassador for American Humane.

Vicki Stilwell has received numerous awards and recognitions for her contributions to the pet industry. She was honored with the "Excellence in Journalism and Outstanding Contributions to the Pet Industry" award at the 2011 Global Pet Expo.

Stilwell's work has also been recognized by Dog World magazine, which named her 'Dog Trainer of the Year' at the 55th Annual Purina Pro Plan Show Dogs of the Year Awards.

In addition to these awards, Stilwell was named among 2009's '100 Best & Brightest' in the dog world in The Bark magazine.

Victoria Stilwell's approach to dog training is rooted in positive reinforcement techniques. She uses this method to help families with problem pets on her TV show, It's Me or the Dog.

The show has been widely successful, airing in over 125 countries and featuring over 110 episodes worldwide. Originally produced for Channel 4 in the UK, it premiered in the US on Animal Planet in April 2007.

Stilwell's experience working with families and their dogs has taught her the importance of understanding the causes of problem behavior. She observes the issues on site and then presents her opinion to the family, offering a fresh perspective on how to correct their dogs' behavior.

Expand your knowledge: Dog Behavioral Training

Victoria Stilwell is a renowned dog trainer who has worked with unruly dogs on her TV show, It's Me or the Dog, which has aired in over 125 countries.

Stilwell's approach to dog training emphasizes positive reinforcement techniques, which she has successfully used to help families with problem pets.

Her show features over 110 episodes, each showcasing her expertise in using positive reinforcement to correct dogs' behavior.

Stilwell's methods have been effective in addressing mild issues, but she also acknowledges the importance of balance training for more severe cases of aggression and disrespect.

A good balance trainer is firm but fair, using both rewards and aversive consequences to achieve a more permanent solution.

Stilwell's own TV series, Dogs With Extraordinary Jobs, highlights the incredible work of dogs around the world, demonstrating their ability to assist humans in various roles.

She met her husband, actor Van Zeiler, while working on the West End theatre production of Buddy - The Buddy Holly Story. This is a great example of how meeting someone in a creative field can lead to a fulfilling personal life.

After years of international travel for her TV shows, Stilwell finally adopted a rescued chocolate Labrador named Sadie. This shows that even with busy schedules, it's possible to make time for pets and provide a loving home.

Stilwell fostered a Chihuahua/Miniature Pinscher mix named Jasmine in 2011 and decided to adopt her. This highlights the importance of giving back to the community and helping animals in need.

Following Sadie's death at the age of 15 in 2018, Stilwell adopted an elderly mixed breed dog named Bella. This demonstrates the emotional process of losing a pet and finding comfort in adopting a new one.

Stilwell and her husband have re-homed over 50 dogs and cats, providing a safe haven for animals in need. This is a remarkable example of the positive impact one person can have on their community.

Here's a list of Stilwell's notable characteristics and interests: