Positively Dog Training - The Official Victoria Stilwell Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

In this conversation, Kamal Fernandez and Victoria take a trip down memory lane discussing their rich and varied history together on TV shows like The Dog Academy and Dogs Might Fly, while exploring the complexities of living in a multi-dog household, the challenges that arise, and the importance of truly understanding dog behavior in dynamic situations. Kamal shares some key insights about the keys to living successfully in multi-dog households and his upcoming presentation about the topic at the 2026 Dog Behavior Conference. The discussion also delves into the concept of drive in dogs, highlighting the difference between arousal and purposeful drive, and the implications for training and behavior management.

An finally, Victoria and Kamal reflect on the legacy of the beloved Sarah Fisher, a true guiding light in the world of dog training and beyond. 

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• Launch or level up your career as a professional dog trainer with the Victoria Stilwell Academy. Learn more here.

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 opens the episode by introducing the talented cast of trainers from The Bad Dog Academy, sharing how the show has taken off across the UK—and beyond—for its honest, emotional approach to training. Kamal reflects on how the show felt like something truly special from the start, allowing space for deep vulnerability in the human-dog bond. Sean emphasizes how emotionally intense the work is, even comparing it to the pressure of playing professional rugby. Jo shares how surprised she was to be selected, and how grateful she feels knowing the show prioritizes ethics and transparency in every case.

The trainers laugh about some of the show’s lighter moments—like Jo’s fan-favorite hair and Sean’s rising “mountain man sex symbol” status—while also discussing the overwhelming pressure they faced behind the scenes. But beyond the laughs, they reveal just how much unseen preparation goes into each case, including lengthy planning meetings that often get upended the moment the dog walks in.

Victoria and the team emphasize the intentional authenticity of the show—viewers see real first meetings with clients, genuine training challenges, and a commitment to showing progress, not perfection. Unlike other programs that rely on fast fixes or scripted setups, The Bad Dog Academy offers a transparent, respectful look at both the dogs and people involved. The crew even follows up with clients and their dogs after filming ends, something Jo, Sean, and Victoria say has created lasting bonds.

They also give a shout-out to producer Nick Grimshaw (aka "Grimmy"), whose charm and curiosity helped bridge the gap between the trainers and the viewing audience. The addition of Grimmy brought levity and structure, but most importantly, he stayed true to the show's heart—never pretending to be an expert, just a deeply interested dog lover.

As the episode winds down, the trainers reflect on the emotional impact of their work. From helping owners regain confidence to noticing subtle improvements in fearful or reactive dogs, every case mattered. They wrap with rapid-fire takeaways, laughter, and heartfelt praise for each other and the entire production team. It’s clear this isn’t just a show about dog training—it’s a story about human growth, mutual understanding, and the power of doing things the right way, even when it’s hard.

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.

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.

What should you do if your pet is stolen and why should veterinarians scan new patients for a microchip? Debbie Matthews from www.vetsgetscanning.co.uk joins Victoria to talk about pet theft, Fern’s Law and the importance of compulsory scanning.

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.

In this episode, Aly Lecznar joins Victoria to talk about canine fitness and how to exercise safely with your dog.

Holly is back to give a journalist’s perspective on latest events and to talk about her senior dogs and canine cancer.

Victoria explores why teaching obedience cues like ‘sit’ should not be the focus of dog training.