If you’ve been watching Dog Whisperer with your dog, you may have watched episodes featuring Victoria Stilwell. This talented actress was a judge on dog shows, and she had such a large following of devoted dog owners that they turned to her for help in training their pooches. She not only provided dog training tips for judges but also demonstrated them on the dog shows. Her popularity soared when she became the first dog trainer to compete on America’s dog show.
The world is abuzz about Victoria Stilwell. Some people say she’s a fraud, while others laud her as a dog whisperer who has helped thousands of dogs. But what’s her secret? What is the one thing that sets her apart from other dog trainers?
Victoria Stilwell uses the same type of psychology that top dog trainers use to teach dogs how to behave. In fact, she applies some of the same approaches as behaviorists and therapists. Her book, The Dog Whisperer, helped to popularize her approach, called the Positive Behavior Intervention Approach (PBIS). PBIS is a highly successful dog handling method that helps dog handlers to identify and correct dog behavior problems by applying positive reinforcements.
One of the most-copied characteristics of Stilwell’s dog training methods is her “three legged attack” approach. As the dog handler stands at the dog’s side, or approaches the dog while he is lying down, the dog will quickly react to the approaching dog. In most cases, this reaction means that the dog is uncomfortable, confused and feels threatened. The goal of the intervention is to encourage the dog to calm down and feel safe again. A clicker and treats are often used to reinforce this desirable behavior.
Stilwell’s PBIS training technique for dealing with aggressive or nervous dogs is to “join him” when he is relaxed and calm. The dog is positioned so that he can see the handler’s hands. Then, as soon as the dog calms down and becomes predictable again, the handler should gently guide him towards the appropriate spot. If the dog attacks the person, then the dog is separated from the handler and treated using a voice command like “stay”. This commands the dog not to attack again.
Stilwell’s training method relies on consistent, controlled, positive reinforcements. She emphasizes the importance of using voice commands rather than treats and praise in training pet dogs. Her teachings have been adopted by many dog trainers and have proven successful. However, some of her methods have been criticized by other experts as being too confrontational. These critics argue that using physical confrontations in training will only lead to the dog attacking a non-threatening person. These dog experts also say that by giving the dog positive reinforcement and encouragement, this will help it adjust better to new situations.
After completing a course at a dog training school, Victoria Stilwell offers insight and professional advice to dog owners and trainers through her book called The Housebreaking Training Program. This book contains many case studies and examples. Moreover, the program consists of both an audio book and an online manual which contain detailed information on how to housebreak different types of pets. The online manual also provides information on how to select the correct trainer for a particular breed or personality. Stilwell also gives advice on how to make the training sessions more effective by making the dog understand the commands clearly.
In her popular book The Housebroken Kylie, Victoria Stilwell shares her personal experiences as a former dog owner and trainer. She also gives information on how the Housebreaking Training Program can help dog owners and trainers to achieve the desired results. The Housebreaking Training Program is highly recommended by people who have used it and have achieved good results. It contains numerous illustrations and photos of the training process and its outcome on different breeds of dogs.
