Ep 5. Rocky Road

In "Rocky Road," the fifth episode of It's Me or the Dog season 3, acclaimed dog trainer Victoria Stilwell is challenged with rehabilitating a miniature poodle named Rocky who is wreaking havoc on his family's daily routine. Rocky's owners, a family of four, are at their wit's end with his misbehaviors, which range from peeing all over the house to biting their children. They are unsure of how to handle Rocky's outbursts and in need of professional help.

Victoria Stilwell arrives at the family's home eager to assess Rocky's behavior and develop a treatment plan. Upon meeting the dog, Victoria is quick to notice that he is overly anxious and lacks the necessary manners to be a well-behaved pet. As she begins her assessment, she learns that Rocky's owners have been inconsistent with his training and have not established clear rules and boundaries for him. They have also been giving Rocky treats as a reward for his negative behavior, which has only encouraged his disobedience.

Victoria starts her work with Rocky by establishing basic training techniques such as crate training, sit, stay, and down. She also encourages the family to create set routines for feeding, playtime, and walks. This, she explains, will help Rocky feel more secure and confident, ultimately leading to more positive behavior. The family is a little hesitant at first as they have grown accustomed to Rocky's demanding behavior, but they quickly realize that the new structure is beneficial for everyone.

Throughout "Rocky Road," Victoria emphasizes the importance of positive reinforcement in dog training. She encourages the family to reward Rocky for good behavior, such as sitting quietly or going to his crate without being asked. Victoria also spends time teaching the family how to redirect Rocky's negative behavior. This includes distracting him with toys or attention when he starts to exhibit his negative behavior. Through these techniques, Rocky begins to understand what is expected of him, while his owners become more confident in their ability to handle him.

As the episode progresses, Victoria introduces more detailed training techniques for Rocky. This includes socializing him with children and other dogs, which is essential for his well-being. The family is a little nervous at first, but with Victoria's guidance, they start to see a significant improvement in Rocky's behavior. They are amazed at how quickly he responds to the new routines and training and how much happier he is.

In the end, Victoria's hard work pays off as Rocky becomes a well-behaved and happy dog. The family is grateful for her help and knowledge, and they are proud of how far they have come with Rocky's training. The episode concludes with Victoria checking in on Rocky and his family to ensure that the training techniques are still being implemented. She is pleased to see that Rocky has continued to respond positively, and she is proud of his family's dedication to his training.

Overall, "Rocky Road" is an excellent episode that highlights the importance of consistent training and positive reinforcement. It shows how small changes in a dog's routine and environment can lead to significant improvements in their behavior. It's a must-watch for anyone struggling with their pet's misbehaviors and in need of practical tips for dog training.