Holly Firfer
Victoria Stilwell's Positively Podcast - Changing Dogs'
Lives... Positively
Join Victoria and her co-host (and It's Me or the Dog alum) Holly Firfer as they discuss everything from the hottest dog-related topics of the day to the inside scoop from the set of It's Me or the Dog and everything in between. A fun, informative and lighthearted look into Victoria's life and work, the Positively Podcast series also offers fans the opportunity to have Victoria answer their questions on the air.
Episode 18 - Delayed Gratification
Victoria and Holly recap their Thanksgiving holidays and discuss the concept of 'delayed gratification' as it relates to Black Friday. They are joined in studio by guest Dr. Paula Bloom to discuss what makes some people actually want to use dominance with their dogs and/or kids, how domination is about the need to control, why our culture celebrates machismo and more. Also: Victoria runs away to the fair, corporal punishment with kids and dogs, and Animal Academy questions about interesting dog trivia.
Questions or Comments? Contact Victoria.
(To download, right-click "Save Link As" on the "Download" button)
Episode 17 - Favorite Thanksgiving Traditions
In this Thanksgiving episode, Victoria and Holly talk about their favorite Thanksgiving traditions and why they love the holiday so much. Also included: safety tips regarding foods, great pet paintings of rescue dogs in the 2012 'Rescue Dog to Therapy Dog' Calendar, a recap of Victoria's live show in New Bedford, MA including the great people at Forever Paws shelter in Fall River. Accomplished VSPDT trainer Daphne Robert-Hamilton from Monroe, WA calls in on the Positively Hotline and answers a few Ask Victoria questions regarding cat-chasing, showdogs who don't like men, housetraining, and aggression. In Victoria's Animal Academy, Holly takes a crack at trying to stump Victoria with some obscure doggie facts.
Questions or Comments? Contact Victoria.
(To download, right-click "Save Link As" on the "Download" button)
Episode 16 - Pets Add Life
Victoria and Holly discuss a new study regarding how children are disciplined and how it relates to the most effective and humane methods to train your dog. American Pet Products Association CEO Bob Vetere calls in to the Positively Hotline to discuss Pets Add Life as well as Bob's new book and how positive training techniques can be used successfully in the business world. Victoria's Animal Academy deals with dogs in show business. Also: people as dog breeds, the perils of all-inclusive travel deals, updates on Victoria's live shows, why Holly & Victoria don't shop with their husbands, and more.
Questions or Comments? Contact Victoria.
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Episode 15 - Pet Therapy
Victoria and Holly are joined again by Dr. Paula Bloom to discuss pets as therapeutic solutions for their owners. Also discussed: Native American festivals, PAWS Atlanta 45th Anniversary, Victoria's live tour and Holly's trip to Mexico. Ask Victoria questions include whether it's a good idea to add a rescued kitten to a home to alleviate your dog's boredom, how and whether to teach your dog not to fear fire, and dogs that chase moving cars. Victoria also tries to stump Holly with her latest Animal Academy about dog breeds.
Questions or Comments? Contact Victoria.
(To download, right-click "Save Link As" on the "Download" button)
Episode 14 - Teeth Talk
Victoria and Holly are joined on the Positively Hotline by Victoria's vet, Dr. Duffy Jones, as they talk about canine halitosis and why/how to brush your dog's teeth. Also discussed, Holly's trip to the upper midwest, Victoria's emceeing of the Dog Jog, Halloween recap, upcoming live shows and more. Ask Victoria questions include: potty training setbacks, treating the elderly as chew toys, and how to teach puppies not to chase other animals.
Questions or Comments? Contact Victoria.
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Episode 13 - Changing Perceptions & Digging Dogs
Victoria and Holly are joined in studio by noted psychologist Dr. Paula Bloom as they discuss how to change perceptions about certain breeds of dogs including pit bulls. Also discussed: Victoria's upcoming live tour dates (11/10 in York PA, 11/19 in New Bedford MA, and 12/3 in Shropshire, England). Ask Victoria questions include how to stop dogs from digging in the back yard, how dogs' internal clocks work, whether it's better to put a dog in daycare or have someone come feed the dog at home, and whether Victoria will ever sing on the podcast.
Questions or Comments? Contact Victoria.
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Episode 12 - Through A Dog’s Ear
In this episode, Victoria and Holly are joined by concert pianist and Through A Dog's Ear co-founder Lisa Spector to discuss the Canine Noise Phobia Series - the groundbreaking new desensitization tool Victoria developed in partnership with Through A Dog's Ear. Also discussed: update on Kashmir's knee surgery, Victoria's trip to San Diego for the APDT conference, SD Pet Expo and VSPDT evaluation day, Lennox update, and more. Ask Victoria questions included whether you can rush training, the music in It's Me or the Dog, and how to get puppies to stop barking at training classes.
Questions or Comments? Contact Victoria.
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Episode 11 - The Hero Dog Awards
In the first episode of the new season, Victoria and Holly discuss what they've been up to for the past several months, including Victoria's filming of the 8th season of It's Me or the Dog, experiencing the recent earthquake and hurricane, Victoria on Anderson Cooper, the Hero Dog Awards, Holly's judging of Miss Tennessee, her dog Kashmir's knee surgery, and Victoria's development of her new Canine Noise Phobia series of desensitization products.
Also discussed, Victoria's upcoming trip to San Diego for a dog training conference and pet expo, her upcoming live tour dates, Holly's work as a correspondent for CNN, and the new podcast sponsor, Pets Add Life.
Ask Victoria featured questions about why it took so long for the new podcast season to start, how to puppy proof your home, whether neutering will stop bullying behavior and more.
The hot topic was the case of Lennox, a pit bull type dog in Belfast who is scheduled to be euthanized due to Northern Ireland's antiquated breed specific legislation (BSL).
Questions or Comments? Contact Victoria.
(To download, right-click "Save Link As" on the "Download" button)
Episode 10 - Thanksgiving
In this Thanksgiving episode, Victoria and Holly talk about their favorite Thanksgiving traditions and why they love the holiday so much. Also included: safety tips regarding foods, great pet paintings of rescue dogs, a recap of Victoria's live show in New Bedford, MA including the great people at Forever Paws shelter in Fall River. Accomplished VSPDT trainer Daphne Robert-Hamilton from Monroe, WA calls in on the Positively Hotline and answers a few Ask Victoria questions regarding cat-chasing, showdogs who don't like men, housetraining, and aggression. In Victoria's Animal Academy, Holly takes a crack at trying to stump Victoria with some obscure doggie facts.
Questions or Comments? Contact Victoria.
(To download, right-click "Save Link As" on the "Download" button)
Episode 9 - Ask Victoria
In this special 'Ask Victoria' episode, Victoria devotes the entire episode to answering listeners' questions.
Questions or Comments? Contact Victoria.
(To download, right-click "Save Link As" on the "Download" button)
Episode 8 - Pet Bereavement and Grief
Victoria and Holly discuss pet bereavement and grief, including anti-anxiety treatments for pets, raw BARF diets, how animals learn, Michael Vick and merengue dancing dogs.
Questions or Comments? Contact Victoria.
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Episode 7 - Pig 'n Chicks
Victoria trains a piglet and chickens, discusses VSPDT and her influences as a dog trainer, answers fans' questions & talks about good friend and songwriter Elio Pace.
Questions or Comments? Contact Victoria.
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Episode 6 - The Lion King
Victoria discusses her history as a dog walker, appearances on Regis & Kellly and the Today Show, Cats and Dogs, the AVMA Conference, AVSAB, American Humane, behaviorists vs trainers, and the Lion King on Broadway.
Questions or Comments? Contact Victoria.
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Episode 5 - Alex's Career
Victoria is joined in studio by her daughter, who discusses her career plans. Also discussed: pit bulls, BSL, the AVMA conference, and how she met her husband (who also joins her in studio) in London's West End.
Questions or Comments? Contact Victoria.
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Episode 4 - Holly's New Coffeeshop
Victoria and Holly talk about anthropomorphizing dogs via painting contests, Victoria's early NYC episodes, dog senses, Holly's new coffeeshop, and Holly's career history.
Questions or Comments? Contact Victoria.
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Episode 3 - It's Me Or The Dog
Victoria discusses her recent travels, the new season of It's Me or the Dog in NYC, a behind-the-scenes look at what goes into each episode of the show, and more.
Questions or Comments? Contact Victoria.
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Episode 2 - PAWS Atlanta
In this episode, Victoria and Holly discuss her recent vacation, animal cruelty laws, the special PAWS Atlanta episode of It's Me or the Dog, and much more.
Questions or Comments? Contact Victoria.
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Episode 1 - Introduction
In this inaugural edition of Victoria Stilwell's Positively Podcast, Victoria and her cohost Holly Firfer describe what the podcast series is all about.
Questions or Comments? Contact Victoria.
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