It's Me or the Dog

It's Me or the Dog is a reality television series that aired on Animal Planet from 2005 to 2013. The show centres around dog trainer and animal rights activist Victoria Stilwell, a woman known for her expert knowledge and innovative training methods. Each episode sparks an engaging exploration into the world of dogs and dog training, melding information and entertainment in one swoop to promote responsible pet ownership.

The premise of the show is simple yet compelling: families and individuals struggling with problematic dogs reach out to Stilwell in a last-ditch attempt to curb poor behaviour and prevent having to give up their beloved pet. From chewing furniture to uncontrollable barking, aggressive behaviour, and more, the issues faced by pet owners can be as myriad as they are testing. Enter Stilwell. She steps into the picture, walks into their homes and lives, maps the dog's behaviour, identifies the problems and training lapses, and teaches the owners how to correct or manage them.

Stilwell's approach is rooted in techniques of positive reinforcement which hinge on rewarding the appropriate behaviour while conveniently ignoring or calmly correcting misbehaviour. She adopts an empathetic approach to training which aims at understanding the dog's perspective and modifying the owner's behaviour. This, Stilwell argues, is often where the problem lies. Her training not only responds to the symptoms, but also delves into their roots, addressing the reasons why dogs behave the way they do.

Each episode of It's Me or the Dog adopts a procedural format, commencing with Stilwell visiting the troubled household and meeting the distressed owners. She evaluates their dog's behaviour, identifies the issues, and then discusses these concerns with the owners before meticulously devising a customised training plan. The course of the episode traces the implementation of this plan and its results.

It's Me or the Dog underscores that dog training is not merely about obedience or impressive tricks. It's about understanding the animal and helping it to adapt to the human world. Emphasizing that dogs are not only pets, but also cherished members of the family, the show treats these creatures with respect and compassion, teaching pet owners to foster improved relationships with their dogs.

One of the unique aspects of this show is that Stilwell works with a wide array of breeds, both purebred and mixed, from tiny chihuahuas to burly mastiffs and everything in between. This diversity is a testament to the fact that all dogs can potentially have behavioural issues and that the application of training principles is universal. Meanwhile, It's Me or the Dog also candidly portrays the emotional attachment between owners and their pets and the patience and determination needed to address their behavioural problems, which brings a profound emotional resonance to the show.

Another draw to It's Me or the Dog is Stilwell herself. Her professional, kind, and patient demeanour, coupled with her vast knowledge and effective techniques, make her a compelling figure on screen. Her special ability to transform the rowdiest and most undisciplined pets into well-behaved companions is truly fascinating. And it's not just about the dogs; it's clear Stilwell is also a genuinely good human trainer, using her expertise to train and educate the pet owners.

Though primarily an educational show, It's Me or the Dog doesn’t shy away from its entertaining reality TV seams. It reveals the dynamics of families and individuals as they navigate life with pets, bringing forth light-hearted moments, heartwarming triumphs and, occasionally, emotional conflicts.

In conclusion, It's Me or the Dog is a must-watch for all dog lovers, bringing an enlightening perspective to dog behaviour and training amidst its captivating reality TV format. It's not just a programme about correcting bad dog behaviour; it's about building and nurturing the bond between humans and dogs. It's an exploration of understanding, patience, compassion, and love.