Positively Dog Training - The Official Victoria Stilwell Podcast

What do pet dogs, invasive insects, and a ragtag group of behavior cases have in common? 

In this wildly inspiring and often hilarious episode, Victoria talks with longtime VSA faculty advisor Melissa McCue-McGrath about her groundbreaking work in a national study training pet dogs to detect spotted lanternfly eggs—an invasive species threatening agriculture across the U.S. From snowy deliveries of fly eggs in a Pokémon lunchbox to ...

We’re keeping it light this summer with episodes every other week so you can stay inspired without missing the sunshine.

In this heartfelt and often hilarious episode, Victoria catches up with her longtime friend and colleague Shane Hartshorn, a VSA graduate, VSPDT, and one of the behind-the-scenes heroes of The Dog Academy. 

From wrinkled green shirts and sweaty filming days to profound reflections on positive reinforcement, Shane s...

We’re keeping it light this summer with episodes every other week so you can stay inspired without missing the sunshine.

This powerful and eye-opening episode explores accessibility, empathy, and innovation in the dog training industry. Victoria is joined by VSA graduate and trailblazer Leah Bornstein, who shares her journey as a Deaf dog trainer and founder of Born to Be Dog Training. Alongside her are her interpreter Katie  Fusili...

We’re keeping it light this summer with episodes every other week so you can stay inspired without missing the sunshine.

In this episode of the Victoria Stilwell Positively Podcast, Victoria sits down with UK-based trainer, and VSPDT, Adam Daines. Adam shares the story of how a difficult experience with traditional training methods as a 14-year-old shaped his unwavering commitment to positive reinforcement. Now running his successfu...

In this profoundly moving episode, Victoria speaks with Amr Nawwar, a VSA graduate and professional dog trainer based in Dubai. Born in a small village in Egypt and once fearful of dogs, Amr’s transformation is a testament to courage, curiosity, and conviction. With a background in pharmacy and a deep respect for science, Amr’s journey led him to question traditional training methods rooted in punishment and dominance. Now a vocal ...

In this heartfelt and eye-opening episode, Victoria Stilwell speaks with Neika Smessaert, a veterinary technician, certified dog trainer, and trailblazer for inclusivity within the dog training and veterinary worlds. Neika shares her journey from working in small animal clinics to becoming a vital advocate for deaf and hard-of-hearing trainers. 

With humor and humility, she recounts how learning ASL during the pandemic led her to me...

In this episode, Victoria reconnects with Yaz Porritt to discuss the uncomfortable truths behind what they witnessed at Crufts 2025. They begin by acknowledging the backlash they’ve received for attending and supporting the event, despite their intentions to promote ethical training and welfare-centered education. Yaz shares how her Your Dog’s Pain Diary is being used by both pet parents and professionals to identify hidden pain, s...

Victoria opens the episode by introducing the talented cast of trainers from The Bad Dog Academy, sharing how the show has taken off across the UK—and beyond—for its honest, emotional approach to training. Kamal reflects on how the show felt like something truly special from the start, allowing space for deep vulnerability in the human-dog bond. Sean emphasizes how emotionally intense the work is, even comparing it to the pressure ...

In this groundbreaking episode, Victoria welcomes Kari Bastyr—a Certified Professional Canine Nutritionist (CPCN) through the Feed Real Institute, certified behavior consultant, and gluten detection dog trainer—to explore the powerful link between canine nutrition, behavior, and emotional well-being. With certifications from the IAABC and VSPDT, and professional memberships with O.D.O.R. Service Dogs, the Pet Professional Guild, an...

In this gripping episode, Victoria chats with Jim Crosby—former police officer, canine behavior expert, and forensic investigator—about the heartbreaking and vital work of understanding fatal dog attacks. Jim opens up about his transition from law enforcement to animal behavior and being one of the only experts to combine behavioral science with crime scene investigation. From dogfighting raids to fatality cases, Jim shares powerfu...

In this episode, Victoria Stilwell welcomes Jamie Diaz, founder of Dynamite Dog Training and a rising star in the dog training world. Jamie shares her journey from starting her Florida-based training business to building a massive online following by showcasing real-time, authentic dog training content. She discusses the challenges of working in an industry often dominated by outdated methods, her strategies for creating meaningful...

In this deeply moving episode, host Victoria Stilwell welcomes renowned author and applied animal behaviorist Patricia McConnell to discuss her impactful career, powerful personal journey, and her unwavering dedication to improving the lives of dogs and their people. Patricia reflects on how her book The Other End of the Leash revolutionized dog training by shifting the focus toward understanding canine communication and building r...

In this insightful episode, Victoria talks with Standish Dog Trainer Jo Pay. They dive deep into understanding and managing canine aggression. Drawing from her experiences on The Dog Academy, Jo emphasizes the importance of recognizing subtle body language cues, implementing effective management strategies, and building trust through humane training techniques. She recounts her powerful experience working with Marvin, a Border Coll...

In this episode, Victoria Stilwell welcomes Sue Ketland, the renowned behavior and training specialist from Woodgreen Pets Charity, and a familiar face from The Dog House on Channel 4. With 35 years of experience in dog welfare, Sue shares behind-the-scenes insights on how the show has reshaped the public’s view of adoption, the complexities of matching dogs with families, and the heartwarming successes that keep her motivated. She...

Adolescence can be one of the most challenging stages in a dog's life—and for their caregivers! In this episode, renowned canine behavior expert Sarah Fisher joins Victoria Stilwell to discuss how we can better support adolescent dogs through their period of rapid growth, exploration, and change. Sarah shares insights from her ACE Free Work approach and explains why movement is critical for development, how we often misinterpr...

In this thought-provoking episode, Victoria Stilwell welcomes Sam Wike, a former police officer and certified explosive detection K9 handler who now dedicates his expertise to companion dog training. Sam discusses the challenges humans create in training due to their need for control and how true partnerships with dogs require understanding their perspective rather than imposing our own. He emphasizes the importance of communicatio...

Victoria Stilwell welcomes Zazie Todd, PhD, an award-winning author, animal behavior expert, and founder of Companion Animal Psychology on the podcast to discuss the science of stress in dogs, how to identify signs of anxiety, and the role of medications in behavior modification. The conversation touches on cognitive bias in dogs, optimism vs. pessimism, and how early positive experiences shape a dog’s outlook. 

Zazie shares insight...

In this insightful episode, Victoria Stilwell welcomes back Andrew Hale to discuss the deep connections between human and canine social experiences. As a certified animal behaviorist and advocate for dog-centric care, Andrew delves into the importance of secure attachments, social safety, and emotional regulation in both species. The conversation challenges traditional views on training, highlighting how reactivity and behavior iss...

In this episode, Victoria Stilwell interviews Beverley Cuddy, editor of Dogs Today magazine, as it celebrates 35 years of championing dog welfare. Beverley shares her experiences advocating for responsible breeding, her views on the Kennel Club's recent controversies, and the importance of holding organizations accountable. They delve into breed-specific legislation, including the XL Bully ban, and explore how media and educat...