Like many dogs, mine enjoy a bit of telly. The Sunday talking heads, C-Span: I’m told they’re attracted to howling, shreiking and growling.But, they also seem to enjoy shows on nature channels.
For a while, National Geographic Channel’s “The Dog Whisperer” interested them, but they’re completely over Cesar. They’ve got a crush on Victoria. The stiletto-booted, motorcycle- jacketed strict -nanny host of Animal Planet’s British import “It’s Me or the Dog” has my boys sitting up. Most episodes feature multiple varieties of lurching, yapping, peeing dogs, British dogs. Good TV. And I think it’s good for them.
Victoria Stillwell, actress turned dog trainer, uses positive training techniques with attention to diet and behavior modification. She’s not committed to one size fits all solutions. And there’s something special about British pet fanciers.
Victoria has a page on Animal Planet’s website with episode outlines, schedules, and links to Victoria Stillwell books and merchandise: It’s Me or the Dog
Here’s a sample of Victoria’s training philosphy.
Victoria’s Top Ten Training Tips
- 1. Keep training. Owners often think that once a dog is trained, there is no need to carry on. But your dog never stops learning, and training should be reinforced throughout your pet’s life.
- 2. Think dog. Take time to think about how your dog perceives the world, and use this knowledge to make training easier.
- 3. Exercise your dog. A tired dog is a happy dog. Ensure, however, that the exercise is appropriate for your dog’s age and breed.
- 4. To feel secure, all dogs need a calm, confident leader. Effective leadership isn’t about dominating your dog and making him submissive toward you. It’s about being a teacher and building his confidence. You can achieve that by encouraging and rewarding good behavior.
- 5. Look at your dog’s diet, and see how you can improve it. You are what you eat, and the same is true for your dog. Many behavior and medical problems can be attributed to poor diet, so make sure your dog is eating the very best.
- 6. Sign up for an activity that you both enjoy, such as an agility class, flyball, heel to music, etc. Dogs get bored easily, so get yours out and moving.
- 7. Get your dog microchipped, if you haven’t already. Also, don’t forget his yearly checkup with the veterinarian.
- 8. Keep playing. One of the best ways to bond with your dog is to play games that you both enjoy. Play is a great stress reliever for both dog and human.
- 9. Keep your dog safe. Don’t leave your dog alone in a car or tied up outside a shop. Dog theft is on the rise, so be careful.
- 10. Have fun and enjoy your dog. A dog should never be a burden. If you take the time to train your dog, you’ll give him the tools he needs to live successfully in a human world.
