Ep 10. Man vs. Manny
- TV-PG
- March 20, 2010
- 22 min
In this episode of "It's Me or the Dog," titled "Man vs. Manny," host Victoria Stilwell helps a couple whose rescue dog, Manny, is causing tension in their relationship.
As the episode opens, we meet Emily and Josh, who adopted Manny six months ago from a local rescue organization. Though Manny is a friendly and affectionate dog, he exhibits some concerning behaviors, including pulling on walks and growling at visitors.
Emily is a stay-at-home mom who spends most of her time with Manny, while Josh works long hours and is unable to devote as much time to the dog. This dynamic has created some tension between the couple, with Emily feeling that Josh is not doing enough to help train Manny and Josh feeling that Emily is being too overprotective of the dog.
Victoria observes Manny's behavior and diagnoses him with separation anxiety and fear aggression. She notes that Manny is extremely attached to Emily and becomes nervous and defensive when Josh is around.
To help Manny overcome his anxieties, Victoria embarks on a training regimen that involves crate training, desensitization to Josh's presence, and positive reinforcement for good behavior. She also works with Emily and Josh to develop a consistent approach to training and to establish boundaries for Manny.
Throughout the episode, there are several challenges and setbacks, including Manny escaping from his crate and breaking a sliding glass door. However, Victoria perseveres and ultimately helps Manny make significant progress in his behavior.
By the end of the episode, Manny is able to walk calmly on a leash, has stopped growling at visitors, and no longer exhibits fear aggression around Josh. Emily and Josh are also communicating more effectively about Manny's care and training, and are able to enjoy their time with the dog without the previous tension and frustration.
Overall, "Man vs. Manny" is an uplifting episode that demonstrates the power of positive reinforcement and consistent training in helping even the most difficult dogs overcome their behavioral issues.
