What is separation anxiety and why do so many dogs suffer with this condition? How can you tell the difference between separation anxiety and boredom? Why is it so difficult to treat and what therapies are out there that can help?

Victoria chats with VSPDT trainer Nicola Cook from the Poochie People about her work with dogs that have separation anxiety and what experts like Nicola can do to help families navigate the tricky waters of this common, but complex, issue.

Victoria also introduces VSA’s brand new course for professional dog trainers: Reactivity for Dog Training and Behavior Professionals. This is a new and comprehensive approach to working with reactive behavior inside and outside the home, that will be available worldwide to all dog trainers and behavior professionals in the Autumn.

The Reactivity for Dog Training and Behavior Professionals course incorporates The Reactivity Zones Approach, an innovative and effective method of helping dogs and guardians tackle reactive behavior without having to adopt tricky, long-winded DS/CC protocols. This course is a game changer for trainers, guardians and dogs that work and live with reactive behaviors.

Victoria chats with Dr. Callie Harris about her experiences in veterinary medicine, including what it’s like to work in emergency vet med as well as being cast as a judge on the creative grooming TV show, Pooch Perfect with Rebel Wilson and as a veterinary expert for DogTV’s brand new show, The Experts.

A graduate of the prestigious College of Veterinary Medicine at Tuskegee University, Dr. Harris shares her tips on keeping pets safe during the summer months as well as her expertise regarding our senior pets and how to recognize and help elderly dogs with cognitive decline and ‘old dog’ vestibular disease.

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 solving odor puzzles during heatwaves and blizzards,

Melissa shares the extraordinary journey her students and their reactive, anxious, or aging dogs took to prove that even the “underdogs” can contribute to science. You'll hear how scent theory, behavior consulting, and teamwork came together in a study that saw pugs outperform German shepherds, pet dogs locate hidden satchels in fields, and one handler dodge a school resource officer while explaining, “It’s for science!”

Melissa also reflects on her role as a VSA faculty advisor, her passion for teaching, and the power of accessibility in modern dog training education. This episode is a heartfelt reminder that training is for everyone—and every dog.

To learn more about Melissa visit https://melissamccuemcgrath.com/, or follow on Instagram.

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 shares his inspiring journey from corporate training to canine behavior. He opens up about the impact his beloved dog Bertie had on his transition to humane, science-based methods and how encountering VSPDT Gemma Ibbotson changed everything.

Victoria and Shane passionately discuss the dangerous persistence of punitive tools like shock and prong collars, the need for regulation in the industry, and the power of teaching empathy—especially to kids. The episode closes with a celebration of dogs' resilience, the joys of support training on set, and the profound bond between people and their dogs. It's a touching and motivating listen for anyone who believes dogs deserve better.

To learn more about Shane, visit K9 Education or follow him on Instagram.

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 Faclier and longtime collaborator Neika Smessaert, who helped make Leah’s training journey more inclusive—and ultimately life-changing for both of them.

Together, they discuss the value of accessibility in dog training education, how it expands opportunity for clients and trainers alike, and what the industry still gets wrong when it comes to serving diverse learners.

Leah also shares how she created the first comprehensive ASL-based online training course and co-authored the Puppy Progress Planner, a practical guide for structured and inclusive puppy raising. The conversation is honest, funny, emotional, and deeply hopeful—a must-listen for anyone who wants to build a more compassionate and truly inclusive profession.

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 successful business, Avon Dog Services, Adam opens up about his work with working-line dogs who often “go self-employed” when their natural needs aren’t being met. From practical enrichment ideas like tracking and “search and retrieve” games to his pioneering Training Holidays, Adam is redefining what pet dog training can look like. Plus, the two discuss their behind-the-scenes experiences on the Dog Academy series—camera interruptions and all! Whether you're a dog guardian struggling with reactivity or a future trainer trying to find your path, this episode is packed with insight, humor, and heart.

To learn more about Adam, visit Avon Dog Services.

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 advocate for positive reinforcement, he discusses his challenges navigating cultural stereotypes about dogs and masculinity—especially within male-dominated, punishment-heavy training circles in the Middle East. He also shares insights on the power of effective social media communication and the ethical responsibility of trainers. This episode highlights the intersection of compassion, faith, and evidence-based practice, offering hope for a kinder future in dog training across the globe.

Amr's contact information:
Molly's Dog House
Instagram: @dubaidogstrainer
Arabic Content: Tik Tok

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 mentor VSA’s first deaf student, Leah, opening the door for broader accessibility within the program. Together, they co-created the Puppy Progress Planner—a 12-week confidence-building resource for puppies and their humans—and launched a beautifully inclusive e-course designed to support learners of all backgrounds. Neika candidly discusses the importance of community, the emotional impact of hearing loss, and how curiosity—rather than perfection—is the true key to inclusion. This episode isn’t just about dog training. It’s about seeing each other fully and creating spaces where everyone belongs.

To find out more about Neika, visit Vet Tech Coach.