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Positively Podcasts

Join Victoria and her co-host (and It's Me or the Dog alum) Holly Firfer as they discuss everything from the hottest dog-related topics of the day to the inside scoop from the set of It's Me or the Dog and everything in between.

A fun, and informative look into Victoria's life and work, the Positively Podcast also offers listeners the opportunity to have Victoria answer their questions on the air during the 'Ask Victoria' segment and listen in to fun and fascinating conversations with special guests on the Positively Hotline.

Subscribe via your favorite podcast platform: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts,  PodBean, Android, Stitcher, I Heart Radio, Tune In and more.

Email the show or submit a question to Ask Victoria.

Podcast Episodes:

Episode 838	What do the Beatles, Rolling Stones and Long Lost Family have to do with dogs? BAFTA winning radio and TV presenter, Nicky Campbell joins Victoria to talk all things music, TV, and most importantly, how dogs make the world a better place.
Episode 837	Obedience training has long been the accepted path to teaching dogs’ manners, but the concept of obedience might be doing dogs a disservice. Andrew Hale joins Victoria to go beyond the operant.
Episode 836	What is Free Work and how do dogs benefit? Dog behaviour expert Sarah Fisher joins Holly and Victoria to discuss how Free Work is changing dogs’ lives all over the world.
Episode 835	After a second ‘nipping’ incident in the White House, Victoria is joined by Veterinary Behaviorist Sarah Heath to discuss why some dogs like Major Biden show conflict behavior, and why understanding dogs’ emotional experience is the first step to helping them acclimate to new environments.
Episode 834	Is the dog in your home a genius and are some dogs smarter than others? Adam Miklosi, ethologist and founder of the Family Dog Project in Budapest, Hungary unlocks the canine mind.
Episode 833	Dogs share a common ancestor – the wolf – but how did wolves turn into dogs and what can we learn from wolves that might help us with the relationship we have with our dogs? Behavioral scientist Clive Wynne joins the podcast to talk about the similarities and differences between dogs and wolves.
Episode 832	Aggression is a serious behavior issue that is all too common in our domestic dogs. Aggression expert Michael Shikashio joins Victoria and Holly to talk about why dogs aggress and what dog lovers can do about it.
Episode 831	Why do dogs become anxious when home alone and how can this be prevented? Dog trainer Lisa Waggoner joins Victoria and Holly for this podcast on a common behavior problem that is hard to treat.
Episode 830	Do people respond differently to Pitbull type dogs? Holly and Victoria are joined by Heather Paul to start off this new year of podcasts to explore how people react to their dogs when out in public.
Episode 829	Advocating for Animals. Victoria and Holly are joined by actor and animal activist, Peter Egan to discuss dogs, moon bears and how animals can make us more compassionate human beings.
Episode 828	Victoria is joined by dog behaviour expert and a driving force behind the UK Dog Behaviour & Training Charter Andrew Hale to discuss the interesting results to come out of the latest dog shock collar studies.
Episode 827	The rescue of 180 Chihuahuas sparks a larger conversation on how to transition dogs from crisis situations into homes.
Episode 826	How do dogs perceive sound and can music help dogs suffering with separation anxiety and aggression? Joshua Leeds and Alynn Lecznar join Victoria for part two of this fascinating exploration into a dog’s ear.
Episode 825	How does sound help reduce canine anxiety and can music really help prevent and reduce canine fear and noise phobias? Sound researcher and founder of Through A Dog’s Ear Joshua Leeds, joins Victoria along with Animal Scientist Aly Lecznar, to discuss the latest research on how sound can prevent and treat canine anxiety.
Episode 824	What should you do if your pet is stolen and why should veterinarians scan new patients? Debbie Matthews from www.vetsgetscanning.co.uk joins Victoria to talk about pet theft, Fern’s Law and the importance of compulsory scanning.
Episode 823	Victoria is joined by Certified Animal Behaviourist Andrew Hale, to talk about the new UK Dog Behaviour and Training Charter and how a different way of viewing canine behavior can improve the human/canine relationship.
Episode 822	In this episode, Aly Lecznar joins Victoria to talk about canine fitness and how to exercise safely with your dog.
Episode 821	Holly is back to give a journalist’s perspective on latest events and to talk about her senior dogs and canine cancer.
Episode 820	Victoria explores why teaching obedience cues like ‘sit’ should not be the focus of dog training.
Episode 819	Victoria is joined by VSPDT Kat Kekel, Behavior Tech at Cherokee County Animal Shelter, to talk about sheltering, fostering and adopting animals during the pandemic.
Episode 818	Petrepreneur marketing guru J. Nichole Smith joins Victoria to discuss the importance of identifying and building around your ‘why.’
Episode 817	Victoria is joined by Holly Root-Gutteridge, post-doctoral researcher at the University of Lincoln, to talk about how science is unlocking the canine mind.
Episode 816	Do dogs feel love? Are they capable of hatred? Victoria connects with one of her favorite dog experts, Clive Wynne to explore.
Episode 815	Is your dog happy? Victoria is joined by Zazie Todd, author and creator of Companion Animal Psychology to discuss her upcoming Dog Behaviour Conference presentation.
Episode 814	Victoria talks with veterinary behaviorist Dr. Meghan Herron about training methods, modifying behavior in a shelter environment, as well as her work for Gigi’s, an Ohio based organization that helps homeless dogs get into homes sooner.
Episode 813	What is e-learning, and what should you look for in an online course? Victoria and Aly break it all down here.
Episode 812	Victoria visits Dr. Duffy Jones to talk through safety tips, the latest on the virus’ effect on our pets, and best practices for veterinary success during the pandemic.
Episode 811	What’s the secret to staying engaged, productive and efficient when working or learning from home in the age of social distancing?
Episode 810	Victoria and Dr. Paula Bloom discuss the emotional impact of the coronavirus on people and their pets.
Episode 809	Tips for dog owners whose dogs are entering elderly status in order to keep them alert, active and healthy.
Episode 808	The animal rescue scene in Puerto Rico following the recent natural disasters, updates on Victoria’s Unsung Heroes video series, and Holly’s trip to an experiential art institution.
Episode 807	Puppies! Whether to comfort a crying puppy, top tips for puppy housetraining, how long it takes for puppies to adjust to a new home, and more.
Episode 806	Following the death of UK presenter Caroline Flack, Victoria and guests share a special podcast focusing on mental health, depression and bullying on social media.
Episode 805	Victoria shares details of how she helped HSI close a South Korean dog meat farm, plus a new direction for the podcast.
Episode 804	Victoria & Holly kick off the new decade by talking about the debate over shock collars, the lineup for the 2020 UK Dog Behaviour Conference, and more.
Episode 803	Aly and Victoria discuss how you can make your dog feel more comfortable during the holidays. Whether your dog is shy of people or a social butterfly, discover great ways to prevent overwhelm and set your dog up for success. How can you teach visiting children to understand what your dog needs and to respect your dog’s space? Can you feed your dog table scraps?
Episode 802	Victoria and Aly share great ideas on how to provide enrichment for your dog when it’s cold outside. Aly shares some great canine fitness ideas, how to play hide and seek with your dog and making meal times more enriching.
Episode 801	Victoria is joined by Victoria Stilwell Academy's Curriculum Manager, Aly Lecznar, to talk about VSA's newly-launched Online Dog Trainer Course and the introductory Fundamentals of Dog Training & Behavior Course, including what makes VSA such a groundbreaking new learning opportunity both for dog owners and aspiring professional dog trainers.
Episode 710	Victoria and Holly ring in the new year with a special guest in studio and discussing several of the new projects and developments coming in 2018 in the Positively ecosystem.
Episode 709	Special Boxing Day episode finds Victoria explaining what’s special about December 26th to Holly as well as a dog-themed quiz, a discussion about avalanche dogs and a new batch of Ask Victoria training questions.
Episode 708	Victoria shares her list of things she's thankful for in the dog world this holiday season. Plus, Holly stumps her on some basic holiday trivia...
Episode 707	K9 officer Shawn Humphreys talks with Victoria and Holly about the world of police dog training, its challenges, and the changes he’s noticing with his move towards more positive training. Also, new VSA course dates, how to find a licensed trainer as well as leash-walking and separation anxiety issues.
Episode 706	The widespread outbreak of campylobacter infections due to poor practices on the part of Petland pet stores. A chat with Finding Shelter’s Grace Kelly Herbert in her fight against Amish puppy mills, the state of anti-puppy mill legislation, and how people can get involved locally to fight the puppy mill trade.
Episode 705	Victoria and Holly discuss overweight pets and are joined by the star of Animal Planet’s ‘My Big Fat Pet Makeover’, Travis Brorsen.
Episode 704	Why dogs and Halloween don’t mix, November’s pet awareness holidays, how to detect signs your dog is in pain. Also, consistency when paper training pups, mouthing puppies, constant barking, issues that come with adopting street dogs.
Episode 703	What’s the real reason so many people won’t adopt rescue dogs, and what happens when fosters or adoptions don’t go well? Also, a discussion about ‘foster failures’, bullied dogs, dogs that don’t like kids, dogs that lean on guests, and dogs that won’t potty outside.
Episode 702	How to be prepared for natural disasters with your pet, what happens to dogs rescued from dogfighting rings, how to help your dog want to go out for walks, how to get your dog back inside after potty breaks, stopping barking in shelter dogs, and whether to adopt littermates into a single household.
Episode 701	Victoria and Holly reconnect after a few months away and discuss how to recognize signs of pain in your older dog, keys to curbing rambunctious dog play, managing noisy nighttime behavior, overcoming anxiousness when guests visit your dog, and how to get dogs used to water.
Episode 610	Victoria's segment on CNN and the launch of Victoria's latest series, 'Guardians of the Night.'
Episode 609	A discussion about canine cognition, plus a chat with K-9 Ninja Roo Yori.
Episode 608	Victoria and Holly chat about the Victoria Stilwell Academy. VSA Mentor Coordinator Aly Lecznar joins the show to chat about the latest updates from the program.
Episode 607	Victoria and Holly chat with Marc Abraham (Marc the Vet) about the latest  campaigns to shut down puppy mills in both the US and the UK.
Episode 606	It's the annual Holiday Episode of the Positively Podcast! Enjoy some great training tips and feel-good holiday pet stories with Holly and Victoria.
Episode 605	Holly & Victoria are stuffed after Thanksgiving! Find out how Holly ended up with a deer eating her dinner, plus Victoria's thoughts on prong collars.
Episode 604	A special episode on "petrepreneurs" and how to launch a successful career working with dogs, featuring Nichole Smith of Working with Dog.
Episode 603	Get an inside scoop on Victoria's latest TV project and hear Holly and Victoria's thoughts on dog cafes.
Episode 602	Victoria and Holly chat about the Thanksgiving holiday and what they're thankful for. They also talk about why more deer/car collisions happen in November than in any other month.
Episode 601	Victoria and Holly start Season 6 off with a bang! They catch up on the year's travels and are back in action with brand new Ask Victoria and Animal Academy questions.
Episode 511	Victoria opens up about her police dog bite incident and chats with Holly about her upcoming UK Dog Bite Prevention & Behaviour Conference.
Episode 510	Victoria and Holly close Season 5 with a discussion on a disturbing video of Rottweiler growling at a child that is persistently trying to hug him, and they chat with award-winning working dog sculptor Austin Weishel.
Episode 509	Victoria and Holly chat about what they would do for animals if they won the lottery, Holly's annual "Regiftmas" party, and Victoria's upcoming trip to Villalobos Rescue Center.
Episode 508	Victoria and Holly get together on Christmas Eve for a special holiday edition of the Positively Podcast. They chat about a 100-year-old animal rescue volunteer, their holiday pet peeves, and the cringe-worthy Miss USA pageant night.
Episode 507	Victoria and Holly talk about the viral story of a military working dog and his handler that were injured during a building search and chat with founder of Mission K-9 Rescue, an organization helping similar dogs and handlers.
Episode 506	Victoria's mother stops by to discuss the history of Georgia, and the group discusses the Broadway musical Hamilton while being quizzed by Alex and a friend. Ask Victoria questions include a GSD who gets aggressive when owners leave the room, a Weimeraner mourning the passing of one of her owners, and a Pom who pees on the boyfriend.
Episode 505	Victoria and Holly recap this year's Reindog Parade and talk about dog costumes, the various Positively holiday contests, and the woman who taped her dog's mouth shut. They call W-Underdogs' founder, Gracie Hamlin to discuss the amazing work she does with Atlanta's underserved dogs and children.
Episode 504	In this special Thanksgiving edition of the podcast, Victoria and Holly welcome back Dr. Paula Bloom, who peppers Victoria with questions about her new puppy, Suki. Victoria catches up with the Positively mailbag in Ask Victoria, and Alex makes a guest appearance to stump the grownups with some tough questions in the (not so) Animal Academy.
Episode 503	Dr. Paula Bloom joins Victoria and Holly in studio to talk through the aftermath of the Paris terror attacks and their effect on how we deal with it. Also discussed: Diesel, the French police dog who died while apprehending one of the terrorists, Holly’s recent interview with Dr. Ruth, and Paula’s troubling experience with Vegemite.
Episode 502	Victoria and Holly talk about their experiences in Greece, where there is a massive stray dog problem. They interview Victoria Stilwell Dog Training Academy Director Tia Guest, and Victoria answers some tough Ask Victoria questions.
Episode 501	Victoria and Holly start Season 5 of the Positively Podcast off with a bang, including some great Ask Victoria questions and an interview with 'Of Dogs and Men' filmmaker Patrick Reasonover.
Episode 409	Victoria and Holly chat about a controversial new documentary that Victoria participated in with the police K-9 unit she has been filming with. They also chat with pet radio host Steve Dale about the unique behavioral and medical issues that senior cats may face.
Episode 408	Victoria and Holly talk about international dog welfare controversies, and get Canine Assistants founder Jennifer Arnold on the Positively Hotline to discuss her new concept for training both service dogs and companion dogs.
Episode 407	As Victoria wraps up her #poopandtell campaign, she and Holly read some of their favorite submissions. Radio host and pet journalist Steve Dale calls in to the Positively Hotline to chat about cat socialization and stress-free veterinary care for cats.
Episode 406	This podcast is all about Dog Bite Prevention Week! Victoria and Holly chat with State Farm's Heather Paul to discuss why being a responsible pet parent is much more important than a dog's breed.
Episode 405	Victoria and Holly celebrate 10 years of It’s Me or the Dog by recapping some of their favorite moments from the show. Just in time for warmer weather, they also discuss the dangers of keeping a dog in a hot car. And you won’t want to miss this episode’s guest caller – Ceva’s veterinary behaviorist, Valarie Tynes.
Episode 404	In this episode, Victoria and Holly talk about Holly’s interesting experience sitting next to a military working dog on her flight. State Farm Arson Dog Program Coordinator Heather Paul joins the show to chat about Victoria’s ‘Arson Dogs’ series and upcoming Arson Awareness Week. And Victoria answers some tricky ‘Ask Victoria’ questions.
Episode 403	Victoria and Holly (joined by guest host Alex Andes) talk about Victoria’s new #poopandtell campaign, and Holly’s dog experiences in San Diego. This week’s Ask Victoria questions get her all fired up, and Alex stumps both Holly and Victoria with Animal Academy.
Episode 402	Victoria and Holly talk about their dogs’ recent health issues, including Jasmine’s dental and Kashmir’s major surgery.  Victoria catches up on Ask Victoria questions, and dog trainer Nando Brown pops in for a chat about the upcoming Dog Bite Prevention Conference and their time at Crufts.
Episode 401	In this episode of the Positively Podcast, Victoria and Holly catch up on what they’ve been up to including Victoria’s new web series Holly’s travels for CNN. Also discussed: dog shows, controversies at Crufts, and stress-relieving training tool Adaptil.
Episode 322	Holly stumps Victoria with an Animal Academy after Victoria recaps her skiing trip. Dr. Duffy Jones discusses allergies in pets, including Victoria's Chocolate Lab, Sadie, who suffers from extreme itching and licking on her foot during allergy season.
Episode 321	Holly introduces Victoria to After the Rapture, Victoria talks ski vacations, & Dr. Marty Becker (America's Vet) calls in to discuss his new fear free vet visit program.
Episode 320	Global Pet Expo, the Oscars, Dr. Marty Becker's fear-free vet visit protocol, Victoria's Swedish dog training seminar, the Miami Dog Bite Prevention conference on April 26th, and Victoria's recent inclusion on the board of directors for Canine Assistants.
Episode 319	The stay cue, Banana Joe the Affenpinscher, Dognition exclusive discount, cold weather tips, indoor scent marking, eating before your dogs, bad bedtime behavior and Jane's Addiction.
Episode 318	Valentine's Day gifts, the beauty of Ireland, Westminster Dog Show, dog photo contest winner, the launch of Dognition, the importance of recall, a new Animal Academy quiz and more.
Episode 317	Victoria's trip to Ireland for an upcoming project, how Holly lost her verbal filter, the Miami Dog Bite Conference & a chat with VSPDT trainer Amy Weeks.
Episode 316	The dangers of tethering, the Miami Dog Bite Prevention Conference, a chat with Family Paws Parent Education founder Jennifer Shryock about dog/child safety, Ask Victoria questions and a new contest to win a signed copy of Victoria's new book.
Episode 315	Holly's CNN shoot in Jerome, AZ, Victoria's resolution to for eat more healthily, how to feed your dogs a better diet, animal cruelty, MN-based VSPDT trainer Amy Sandmann talks about her therapy dog work with Pet Partners & more.
Episode 314	Recaps of new year's eve, re-giftmas, an interview with expert trainer Pia Silvani, the concept of 'dog psychology' in training, housebreaking Great Dane puppies, grieving dogs and more.
Episode 313	A holiday-themed podcast (warning - not a ton of dog talk here).
Episode 312	Dr. Paula Bloom joins the podcast to discuss dangerous foods for dogs, holiday cards, holiday puppies and more, plus new Ask Victoria questions.
Episode 311	Victoria talks to BAT creator Grisha Stewart, Reindog parade recap, shock collars, Noah's Ark animal sanctuary, Peter Emily's veterinary dentistry and Ask Victoria questions about redirection, growling and more.
Episode 310	Dogs Today editor Beverley Cuddy calls the Positively hotline to discuss everything from how the book 50 Shades of Grey relates to dog training to the battle between dominance positive training. Also, new Ask Victoria questions.
Episode 309	Thanksgiving recaps, cat quiz, an interview with VSPDT trainer Sam Wike, and Ask Victoria questions about bullying Pomeranians, a hat-stealing Collie, drugs for foster Terriers and unhousetrained Beagles.
Episode 308	A Thanksgiving-themed episode where Victoria and Holly are joined by their husbands (and Alex) and they all discuss what they're most thankful for. Holly quizzes the whole group with a new Animal Academy segment and Victoria's daughter Alex showcases her memorization skills by singing the 'Fifty Nifty United States' song.
Episode 307	Recaps of 40th birthday plans, the Denver Dog Bite Conference and VSPDT member retreat, interview with dog trainer Sue Sternberg, and Ask Victoria questions about digging dogs, aggressive farm dogs, rough play and more.
Episode 306	Recaps of the Hero Dog Awards and preview of the Denver Dog Bite Conference, child/dog safety tips, the opposition to BSL in Savannah, Holly's pizzas for charity and Ask Victoria questions.
Episode 305	Victoria & Holly catch up on overdue Ask Victoria questions, talk about how to help military working dogs in Afghanistan, and Victoria's canine forensic investigation work with Jim Crosby.
Episode 304	After restoring order following their husbands' hijacking of the podcast to discuss their fantasy football teams, Victoria & Holly are joined by the founder of Detroit Dog Rescue and the producer of her new Ehow Pets YouTube channel.
Episode 303	Victoria & Holly talk to the director of the Penn Vet Working Dog Center & the handler of a 9/11 working dog. Also discussed: the eleventh anniversary of 9/11, resource guarding, nipping, play drive in dogs and coexisting cats.
Episode 302	TV vet Marc Abraham joins the podcast to discuss his Where's Mum and upcoming Pup Aid benefits, and Holly has a new batch of Ask Victoria fan questions.
Episode 301	Victoria & Holly's new podcast season includes a recap of the past several months, a chat to Canine Assistants founder Jennifer Arnold, and a report on the Lennox case.
Episode 211	Victoria finally sings in this holiday episode and is joined in studio by her mother, from whom Holly tries to uncover dirt from Victoria's past.
Episode 210	Victoria & Holly recap the Reindog Parade, Holly's work on CNN and Homeless Pets Clubs. Pedigree Dogs Exposed filmmaker Jemima Harrison calls in to discuss breed standards issues.
Episode 209	Victoria recaps her recent trip to the UK. Holly talks about her work this week on CNN. Victoria's & Holly's husbands join them in studio to defend their dog-owning habits and shed light on the co-hosts' life beyond the cameras.
Episode 208	Why do some people choose domination with their dogs and/or kids? Victoria, Holly, and Dr. Paula Bloom discuss this, interesting dog trivia and more.
Episode 207	Victoria & Holly discuss Thanksgiving traditions and safety tips in this holiday edition. They're also joined by VSPDT trainer Daphne Robert-Hamilton for Ask Victoria, and Holly tries to stump Victoria in Animal Academy.
Episode 206	Discussion of new study regarding the way kids are disciplined & how it relates to dog training. Also: author Bob Vetere on how +R training applies to business, why Holly & Victoria don't shop with their husbands, dogs in show biz & more.
Episode 205	Victoria and Holly discuss pets as therapy for their owners with Dr. Paula Bloom.  Also, adding cats to dog families, fear of fire, dogs that chase trucks & more.
Episode 204	Dr. Duffy Jones calls Victoria & Holly on the Positively Hotline to discuss canine halitosis & how to brush your dog's teeth. Also: dogs chasing livestock, potty training, why older teenagers shouldn't trick or treat & more.
Episode 203	Victoria and Holly are joined in studio by Dr. Paula Bloom as they discuss how to change perceptions of pit bulls, dogs digging in backyards, when doggie daycare is the right fit and more.
Episode 202	Victoria and Holly are joined by Through A Dog's Ear's Lisa Spector, who worked with Victoria and psychoacoustician Joshua Leeds to create the new Canine Noise Phobia Series.
Episode 201	Victoria and Holly discuss what they've been up to in this first episode of the new season.  Includes: 8th season of IMOTD, dog knee surgery, Hero Dog Awards, BSL and more.
Episode 109	In this special 'Ask Victoria' episode, Victoria devotes the entire episode to answering listeners' questions.
Episode 108	Victoria and Holly discuss pet bereavement and grief, including anti-anxiety treatements for pets, raw BARF diets, how animals learn, Michael Vick and merengue dancing dogs.
Episode 107	Victoria trains a piglet and chickens, discusses VSPDT and her influences as a dog trainer, answers fans' questions & talks about good friend and songwriter Elio Pace.
Episode 106	Victoria discusses her history as a dog walker, appearances on Regis & Kellly and the Today Show, Cats and Dogs, the AVMA Conference, AVSAB, American Humane, behaviorists vs trainers, and the Lion King on Broadway.
Episode 105	Victoria is joined in studio by her daughter, who discusses her career plans.   Also discussed:  pit bulls, BSL, the AVMA conference, and how she met her husband  (who also joins her in studio) in London's West End.
Episode 104	Victoria and Holly talk about anthropomorphizing dogs via painting contests, Victoria's early NYC episodes, dog senses, Holly's new coffeeshop, and Holly's career history.
Episode 103	Victoria discusses her recent travels, the new season of It's Me or the Dog in NYC, a behind-the-scenes look at what goes into each episode of the show, and more.
Episode 102	In this episode, Victoria and Holly discuss her recent vacation, animal cruelty laws, the special PAWS Atlanta episode of It's Me or the Dog, and much more.
Episode 101	In this inaugural edition of Victoria Stilwell's Positively Podcast, Victoria and her cohost Holly Firfer describe what the podcast series is all about.