obedience T
he variety of dog training options avail- able to humans is about as vast as the abundance of tea varietals. And just like tea, the different training methodolo- gies range from subtle to strong with
varying results. A polarizing subject, each train- ing method has its detractors and supporters. Victoria Stilwell has been described as
America’s no-nonsense trainer in press releases. An author and television personality best known as the star of Animal Planet’s It’s Me or the Dog, Victoria is, in fact one of the most approachable and forthcoming humans we have encountered in the dog business. She has always made herself available to speak with us via phone, and earlier this year, she took time out of her busy schedule to meet with us in Orlando. She is a petite woman with a large, endear-
ing presence. Her megawatt smile engages those around her in easy conversation. As she is listen- ing, she looks directly at the person talking to her, even though a dog is usually competing for her attention. When asked about various dog training
methods, Victoria responded, “As a scientist friend of mine is fond of saying, ‘the great thing about scientific fact is that you are free to dis- agree with it, but you’ll be wrong.’ Well, the argument may be raging on, but the debate is over. The world’s top scientists and behaviorists as well as the most respected veterinary institu- tions are now warning the public against using compulsion training. They are encouraging dog owners and trainers to use positive reinforce- ment methods instead.” Some detractors of positive reinforcement
claim that because Victoria is a positive trainer, she doesn’t work with aggressive dogs or ‘red zone’ dogs. “That couldn’t be farther from the truth,” she said. “I work extensively with canine aggression in private homes and shelters. I work hard to rehabilitate dogs that have bitten and get them to a place where they no longer feel the need to bite. I do it without yanking, jerking, hitting, kicking, poking, restraining or using shock collars.”
Rita our (seemingly) incorrigible and always-jumping Min Pin, became putty in Victoria’s. hands. "Get dogs to think for themselves through a discovery process," encouraged Victoria. With a small treat in her hands and without saying a word, Victoria observed Rita to deter- mine how she could be motivated to sit, our goal for the moment. Rita sniffed, trying to figure out a way to retrieve the treat in Victoria's hands. When Rita sat, looking at Victoria's hand, she was praised and given the treat. To this day, we are able to ask Rita to sit before feeding her or giving her a treat. Thank you, Victoria. Photography by Anna Cooke.
74 THE NEW BARKER
www.TheNewBarker.com
Victory, Victoria.
Score One for the Dogs.
A conversation with Victoria Stilwell of Animal Planet’s
“It’s Me Or the Dog.” –by Anna Cooke
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84 |
Page 85 |
Page 86 |
Page 87 |
Page 88 |
Page 89 |
Page 90 |
Page 91 |
Page 92 |
Page 93 |
Page 94 |
Page 95 |
Page 96 |
Page 97 |
Page 98 |
Page 99 |
Page 100