Ep 4. Bad to the Bone

In the third season of the popular television show, It's Me or the Dog, Victoria Stilwell takes on a new batch of unruly canines and their owners, aiming to transform their bad behavior into good. In episode 4 of this season, titled "Bad to the Bone," Victoria takes on a particularly challenging case involving a pair of Jack Russell Terriers named Oscar and Lily.

The episode opens with Victoria arriving at the home of Oscar and Lily's owners, Dave and Linzi. From the moment she steps inside, it's clear that the dogs are ruling the roost. They bark incessantly, jump up on guests, and generally behave like brats. Dave and Linzi are at their wit's end and have no idea how to bring the dogs' behavior under control.

After observing Oscar and Lily in action for a few minutes, Victoria quickly diagnoses the root of the problem: the dogs are lacking in discipline and structure. They are used to getting their own way all the time and need to be taught that there are rules that must be followed.

To start, Victoria takes the dogs out for a walk and begins working on their leash manners. They are pulling and tugging all over the place, making it difficult for Dave and Linzi to control them. Victoria shows them how to use a "halti" harness to keep the dogs' heads up and prevent them from lunging forward. She also works with them on basic commands like "sit" and "stay," which they seem to be catching on to quickly.

Back at the house, Victoria works on the dogs' behavior inside. She shows Dave and Linzi how to create boundaries and set rules for Oscar and Lily, such as not allowing them on the furniture and teaching them to stay calm when guests arrive. It's a struggle at first, as the dogs are used to doing whatever they want, but with Victoria's guidance, the couple starts to see progress.

Throughout the episode, Victoria also works with Dave and Linzi to address some of the dogs' specific behavioral issues. For example, Oscar has a tendency to chase after joggers and bikers, which can be dangerous if he gets loose. Victoria shows the couple how to work on his recall, teaching him to come when called and rewarding him when he does so successfully.

As the episode progresses, it's clear that Victoria's techniques are making a difference. The dogs are calmer and more well-behaved, and Dave and Linzi are feeling much more confident in their ability to handle them. Victoria emphasizes the importance of consistency and persistence in their training, reminding them that it's a process that takes time and effort.

By the end of the episode, Oscar and Lily are like new dogs. They are calm, well-behaved, and attentive to Dave and Linzi's commands. The couple is thrilled with the progress they've made and grateful for Victoria's help in transforming their unruly pooches.

Overall, "Bad to the Bone" is a heartwarming episode that showcases the power of positive reinforcement training. Victoria's techniques are gentle but effective, and it's clear that she genuinely cares about both the dogs and their owners. For anyone struggling with difficult canine behavior, this episode is a must-watch.