Positively Dog Training - The Official Victoria Stilwell Podcast

In this episode, Victoria reconnects with Yaz Porritt to discuss the uncomfortable truths behind what they witnessed at Crufts 2025. They begin by acknowledging the backlash theyve received for attending and supporting the event, despite their intentions to promote ethical training and welfare-centered education. Yaz shares how her Your Dogs Pain Diary is being used by both pet parents and professionals to identify hidden pain, setting the stage for the broader conversation about canine well-being in public spaces like dog shows.

As the episode unfolds, they describe shocking scenes of aversive handling in the show ring in front of spectators and cameras. Victoria and Yaz suggest practical reforms, agreeing that education, not condemnation, is the key to change.

The conversation turns toward the Kennel Clubs complicated roleon one hand, providing crucial breed health data and influencing legislation; on the other, falling short on meaningful enforcement and transparency. Victoria and Yaz propose helping the Kennel Club pilot a welfare initiative that includes impartial monitoring, better judge training, and a visible commitment to ethical practices.

Despite the problems, both women stress their admiration for well-bred, well-handled dogs and the beauty of events like police demos, agility, and heelwork to music. Their hope is to preserve and improve dog showingnot dismantle it. With both criticism and compassion, they invite the Kennel Club and listeners alike to join them in creating a Crufts thats not just the biggest, but truly the greatest.

To learn more or reach out to Yaz, visit Yorkshire Pooches Therapies.

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.

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