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, and the Animal Behavior Society, Kari brings both science-backed insight and hands-on experience to the table.

Kari opens up about her personal health journey with celiac disease and her dog Birdie—a trained gluten detection dog from Willow Service Dogs, where Kari also completed an internship with trainer Dawn Scheu. She explains how the gut-brain axis, microbiome diversity, and food-based inflammation can profoundly affect a dog’s behavior, contributing to issues like anxiety, fear, reactivity, and cognitive decline.

The conversation also includes practical takeaways, such as how to use prebiotics, probiotics, and fresh food toppers to support your dog’s health and behavioral wellness. Kari shares why minimally processed food matters, how nutrition can make or break a behavior plan, and why food truly affects mood—for both humans and dogs. Whether you're a trainer, pet parent, or someone navigating complex canine behavior challenges, this episode is a must-listen.

To learn more about Kari or to get in touch with her, visit Wag and Train or Celiac Service Dogs. 

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 powerful stories of real dogs, real outcomes, and real evidence, emphasizing how understanding canine behavior can save both human and animal lives.

They discuss the realities behind canine aggression, how trauma and environment influence behavior, and why breed-specific legislation misses the mark. Jim also dives into the work he's doing with the Canine Brain Project at Harvard, stressing the importance of accurate data collection and individualized assessment over knee-jerk reactions. Whether you're a trainer, pet parent, or policy-maker, this episode is a sobering but essential reminder that behavior is complex, context matters, and prevention starts with listening.

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 content, and the impact of social media on dog training education. Jamie also highlights the importance of resilience, balancing business with family life, and staying true to her values in the face of online criticism. If you're a trainer, aspiring influencer, or dog lover seeking inspiration, this episode is a must-listen!

You can connect with Jamie through the following channels:

https://www.instagram.com/dynamitedogtraining/
https://www.tiktok.com/@dynamitedogtraining

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 relationships based on empathy and respect.

The conversation delves into Patricia's early experiences navigating a male-dominated industry and her efforts to elevate dog training as a respected profession. Patricia shares personal stories about her struggles with PTSD and how her bond with her dog, Will, played a crucial role in her healing journey. Her book The Education of Will reveals the profound connection between human trauma and canine behavior, showing how kindness and understanding can be transformative forces for both dogs and their people.

Patricia and Victoria also discuss the vital role of play in learning, the challenges facing positive reinforcement trainers in an industry still grappling with outdated methods, and the importance of trainers embracing their role as emotional supporters for clients navigating difficult decisions. Patricia’s heartfelt reflections remind listeners that kindness—not just for dogs but for ourselves—is essential in fostering positive change.

As a pioneer in the dog training world, Patricia’s influence continues to inspire trainers worldwide, encouraging them to embrace science-based methods grounded in compassion. Don’t miss this powerful conversation filled with wisdom, warmth, and inspiration. Be sure to visit Patricia’s blog for invaluable insights into behavior, training, and the magic of the human-animal bond.

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 Collie who transformed from a fearful, reactive dog to a confident companion through patience and structured guidance.

Jo addresses the growing issue of aggression in dogs, linking it to poor breeding practices, lack of proper socialization, and environmental stressors. She offers practical advice for trainers and dog guardians alike, highlighting the value of prevention, clear communication, and compassion in fostering safer, happier lives for dogs and their families. Whether you're a professional trainer or a dedicated dog guardian, Jo's wisdom provides invaluable guidance in navigating challenging behaviors.

Join Victoria, Jo, and all the other amazing speakers at this year’s Dog Behavior Conference.  

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 also opens up about the emotional challenges of rescue work, the importance of patience in adoption, and the role of positive reinforcement in helping dogs transition into new homes.

Victoria and Sue discuss what it takes to navigate life in front of and behind the camera, ensuring that the realities of dog adoption are accurately portrayed on television. They explore topics like kennel stress, enrichment programs, and how Woodgreen has remained a leader in the rescue community for over 100 years. Plus, listeners get an inside look at the casting process for The Dog House’s upcoming season and how UK families can get involved. Whether you're in the UK or watching from abroad, this episode is packed with wisdom, emotion, and plenty of dog-loving inspiration.

If you would like to apply for the latest series of The Dog House, click here to learn more.  

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 misinterpret mouthing behavior, and why traditional training methods may not always be the best approach.

From the emotional and sensory needs of teenage dogs to the importance of rethinking play, enrichment, and our own behavior, this conversation is packed with groundbreaking ideas that challenge conventional thinking. Whether you’re raising a young pup or working with adolescent dogs in training, you won’t want to miss these eye-opening insights.

To learn more about Sarah, visit http://www.tilleyfarm.org.uk.

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 communication, patience, and respecting dogs as intelligent beings with their own emotional landscapes.

Sam also explores the power of positive reinforcement in high-stakes environments like police work, dismantling the myth that harsh training methods are necessary for reliability. He shares powerful stories from his K9 handling days, explains why ego is one of the biggest obstacles in dog training, and provides valuable guidance on working with aggressive dogs. If you’ve ever wondered how to better connect with your dog, this episode is a must-listen.

To learn more about Sam or get in touch visit https://theinnerdog.com/.

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 insights on why fear and anxiety in dogs are on the rise, how counter-conditioning works, and why first-time experiences matter so much for a dog’s learning. Zazie also highlights the importance of finding properly qualified trainers who use reward-based methods and why aversive training techniques can have long-term negative effects on a dog’s well-being.

Zazie will be speaking at the 2025 Dog Behavior Conference, where she will present her research on “Firsts and Nice Surprises” in helping fearful dogs.

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 issues often stem from social processing struggles rather than mere disobedience. They also explore how punishment-based methods can create long-term emotional damage, making a strong case for humane, positive approaches.

Drawing parallels between societal issues and dog behavior, they discuss how stress, insecurity, and fear-based reactions manifest similarly in people and pets. Andrew shares thought-provoking research on social pain, the effects of loneliness on physiological health, and how social exclusion can shape both human and canine behavior. Victoria and Andrew emphasize the need for compassionate training methods that prioritize emotional well-being, reinforcing the idea that true behavior change starts with understanding, safety, and connection. Tune in for a compelling conversation that may change the way you think about dogs—and people.

To learn more about Andrew Hale, visit https://trainpositive.co.uk/.