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'{{multiple issues| {{Like resume|date=March 2011}} {{BLP sources|date=December 2013}} }} {{Use dmy dates|date=July 2018}} {{Infobox person |name = Victoria Stilwell |image = Victoria Stilwell Headshot.gif |image_size = 175px |caption = |birth_name = |birth_date = {{Birth date and age|df=yes|1969|07|20}} |birth_place = [[Wimbledon, London|Wimbledon]], [[London]], England, UK |death_date = |death_place = |death_cause = |resting_place = |resting_place_coordinates = |residence = [[Atlanta, Georgia]]<br>[[Notting Hill, London]] |nationality = British |known_for = ''[[It's Me or the Dog]]''<br>''[[Greatest American Dog]]'' |employer = [[Animal Planet]], [[Channel 4]], [[CBS]] |years_active = 1995–present |occupation = [[Dog training|Dog trainer]], [[television presenter]], author, actress |spouse = Van Zeiler |children = 1 |website = {{URL|positively.com}} |height = {{height|ft=5|in=7}} }} '''Victoria Stilwell''' (born 20 July 1969) is an English [[dog trainer]], [[author]] and [[television presenter]]. Stilwell has appeared as a pet behavior expert in and/or served as a producer on several international TV series including ''Dogs Might Fly'' (Sky TV), ''Dogs With Extraordinary Jobs'' ([[Smithsonian Channel]]), and ''[[Greatest American Dog]]'' ([[CBS]]), but she is best known as the star and creator of the international hit dog training TV show ''[[It's Me or the Dog]]'' (seen in the US on [[Animal Planet]] and in the UK on [[Channel 4]]), counseling families with problem pets and solving their dogs' behavior problems. Stilwell has used her platform as a media personality and a leading proponent of positive reinforcement-based dog training tools and methods to provide pet behavior advice based on modern behavioral science instead of traditional methods which typically employ multiple approaches including the use of pain, fear and intimidation. She is the Editor-In-Chief of the Positively.com website, the founder and president of the Victoria Stilwell Academy for Dog Training & Behavior, the CEO of the Victoria Stilwell Positively Dog Training (VSPDT) network of dog trainers, and other leading dog behavior institutions. ==Early background== Stilwell originally trained as an actress, playing roles in ''[[Bram Stoker's Dracula (1992 film)|Bram Stoker's Dracula]]'' in 1992, [[ITV1]]'s ''[[The Bill]]'' in 1994, and onstage in London's West End theatre, as well as several commercials and voiceovers. She received a BA honours degree in Theatre from [[Middlesex University]].<ref>http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:-I8v1k53hPQJ:www.playbill.com/news/article/107375-Its-Me-or-the-Dog-Featuring-Actress-Dog-Trainer-Stilwell-Makes-US-TV-Debut+Victoria+Stilwell+%22middlesex+university%22&cd=3&hl=ru&ct=clnk&gl=ua</ref> In order to supplement her income as an actress, Stilwell's veterinary nurse sister suggested that she start a dog walking agency. Within a month she was walking 20 dogs per day – 10 in the morning, 10 in the afternoon – and immediately recognized the need for qualified professionals to help her clients with the training process. She then expanded her focus to dog training and after moving to the United States with her husband in 1999, Stilwell co-founded several dog training companies up and down the East Coast. ==Dog trainer== Stilwell has become an advocate of positive dog training. Stilwell rejects dominance-based, traditional training techniques, instead, promoting positive reinforcement techniques. In 2010, Stilwell created Victoria Stilwell Positively Dog Training – a global network of positive reinforcement dog trainers dedicated to spreading the word about positive reinforcement techniques and behaviourists. Stilwell is currently certified by the Animal Behaviour and Training Associates, and is a longtime member of the US Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT).<ref>{{cite web|title=Association of Professional Dog Trainers - Victoria Stilwell|url=http://apdt.com/conf/speakers/bio_stilwell.aspx|accessdate=20 February 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130603105206/http://www.apdt.com/conf/speakers/bio_stilwell.aspx|archive-date=3 June 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref> ==Charitable Work== Stilwell created the Victoria Stilwell Foundation, whose mission is "to provide financial support and canine behaviour expertise to assistance dog organisations and small animal rescue shelters while promoting the concept of reward-based, positive reinforcement dog training philosophies in organisations and households throughout the United States."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://positively.com/foundation/mission-inspiration|title=Mission & Inspiration - Victoria Stilwell Positively|website=positively.com|accessdate=27 July 2018}}</ref> With a particular fondness for rescue animals in need of behavior rehabilitation, Stilwell devotes much of her time and energy to a number of animal rescue organizations around the world, serving as a behavior adviser for shelters in Atlanta, New York, the UK and Hong Kong while giving regular seminars on the subject of dog rescue, training and rehabilitation. She has aligned herself with The W-underdogs in Atlanta which illegally confiscates streets dogs under the umbrella of an organization for children. She proudly advocates any animal found is abused and supports the organization in their dog training without following the law to seek out owners. She has been involved in animal welfare and protection organizations on the international stage, including serving as an Advisory Board Member of RedRover<ref>{{cite web|title=Victoria Joins RedRover|url=http://positively.com/2011/07/01/victoria-joins-redrover-formerly-united-animal-nations/|accessdate=20 February 2014}}</ref> and a National Ambassador for [[American Humane]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Animal Planet’s ‘It's Me or the Dog’ Star Victoria Stilwell Is Named an American Humane Association National Ambassador|url=http://www.americanhumane.org/about-us/newsroom/news-releases/animal-planets-its-me-or.html|accessdate=20 February 2014|archive-url=https://archive.today/20140220203757/http://www.americanhumane.org/about-us/newsroom/news-releases/animal-planets-its-me-or.html|archive-date=20 February 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> She also worked as a volunteer adoption counselor for the [[ASPCA]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://positively.com/victorias-blog/911-a-look-back/|title=9/11: A Look Back {{!}} Victoria Stilwell Positively|website=positively.com|access-date=26 January 2018}}</ref> == Media Appearances == Stilwell is widely recognized as a leader in the field of animal behavior and has been featured in numerous magazines and journals including ''[[The New York Times]]'',<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/13/fashion/13pet.html?_r=1&scp=6&sq=victoria+stilwell&st=nyt|title=Who Invited the Dog?|first=Joyce Wadler and Abby|last=Aguirre|accessdate=27 July 2018}}</ref> ''[[USA Today]]'',<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.usatoday.com/life/lifestyle/pets/2009-08-12-stilwell-dog-chains_N.htm|title=Chaining dogs unleashes bad behavior |website=USA Today|accessdate=27 July 2018}}</ref> ''[[Cosmopolitan (magazine)|Cosmopolitan]]'', the ''[[Daily Mail]]'', [[MSNBC.com]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/35522352/ns/health-pet_health/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100224091012/http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/35522352/ns/health-pet_health/|url-status=dead|archive-date=24 February 2010|title=MSN - Outlook, Office, Skype, Bing, Breaking News, and Latest Videos|publisher=MSNBC|accessdate=27 July 2018}}</ref> [[O, The Oprah Magazine|Oprah Magazine]], [[Self (magazine)|Self Magazine]], ''[[Psychology Today]]'' and more. She has been a regular columnist for ''[http://thebark.com The Bark]'', ''[[Dog World]]'', ''American Dog'' and ''[[Dogs Today]]'' magazines, and she has appeared on numerous talk shows, news broadcasts and radio shows in the US, Europe and Asia as a dog training and pet behavior expert. She is the resident pet expert for CNN's HLN network and the BBC's The One Show, and she has been seen on countless international broadcasts including the Today Show, Regis & Kelly, MSNBC, Fox & Friends, CBS This Morning, the Martha Stewart Show, Anderson Cooper, Nightline, BBC News 24, Home & Family, HLN, Crufts, E News, Richard & Judy, The Weather Channel, CNN Airport, Harry Connick and more. ==TV Series== ===''It's Me or the Dog''=== From 2005 to 2012, Stilwell worked with unruly dogs on her TV show, ''[[It's Me or the Dog]]'', which has aired in over 125 countries. The show features Stilwell as she counsels families with problem pets and uses positive reinforcement training techniques to help them learn how to correct their dogs' behaviour. Originally produced for [[Channel 4]] in the UK, the show premiered in the US on [[Animal Planet]] in April 2007, and over 110 episodes have been aired worldwide. A typical episode involves a family struggling to cope with their misbehaving dog(s). Stilwell initially observes the problems [[in situ]], then presents the family with her opinion regarding the causes of the issues. She then works with the family and their dogs to restore balance. Most recently the show has enjoyed a renewed focus thanks to the successful launch of the It's Me or the Dog Youtube channel which airs clips and full episodes of the show. === Dogs With Extraordinary Jobs === Victoria created, co-produced and narrated this series for Blue Ant Media (syndicated worldwide including the Smithsonian Channel in the US) in 2018 and 2019. Each episode of the series highlights the extraordinary work of dogs around the world as they assist humans in amazing ways. === Dogs Might Fly === Stilwell served as one of three judges and behaviour experts on the SkyTV series Dogs Might Fly in 2016. The series tracked several rescue dogs from UK animal shelters as they worked with dog trainers to determine if one of them could learn to co-pilot a small airplane. ===''Greatest American Dog''=== Stilwell was one of three judges on the [[CBS]] show ''[[Greatest American Dog]]'', in which 12 dog-owner teams compete for the title 'Greatest American Dog' and a $250,000 prize. The series debuted on CBS 10 July 2008. ==Podcast== Stilwell created a podcast called ''Positively Dog Training - the Official Victoria Stilwell Podcast'',<ref>{{cite web|title=Victoria Stilwell Positively|url=https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/victoria-stilwell-positively/id376674442?mt=2|accessdate=20 February 2014}}</ref> available on iTunes and all other major podcast providers. With co-host Holly Firfer (CNN), Stilwell discusses the latest news and trends in the pet world, answers fans' questions about dog training and behavior, and interviews special guests about the pet industry and beyond. ==Awards== Stilwell was honored with the prestigious "Excellence in Journalism and Outstanding Contributions to the Pet Industry Award" at the 2011 Global Pet Expo<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.prweb.com/releases/prwebAPPA-PIDA/Victoria-Stilwell/prweb8158250.htm|title=Victoria Stilwell to be Honored at Global Pet Expo 2011|accessdate=27 July 2018}}</ref> and was named 'Dog Trainer of the Year' by DogWorld Magazine at the 55th Annual Purina Pro Plan Show Dogs of the Year Awards Presented By Dogs in Review.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/victoria-stilwell-named-2009-trainer-of-the-year-84233392.html|title=Victoria Stilwell named 2009 Dog Trainer of the Year – PR Newswire|accessdate=27 July 2018}}</ref> She was named among 2009's '100 Best & Brightest' in the dog world in ''The Bark'' magazine.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://positively.com/files/Bark-2010-BestBrightest.pdf|title=Bark's 100: the Best and Brightest – The Bark|accessdate=27 July 2018}}</ref> Stilwell won a 2009 CableFax award as Best Host in the Animals & Nature category. In 2009, ''It's Me or the Dog'' was nominated for a [[People's Choice Award]] in the US, and after its first season in the UK, ''It's Me or the Dog'' was nominated in the 'Best Factual Entertainment' category in the UK's [[TV Quick]] Awards. Her first book, ''It's Me or the Dog: How to Have the Perfect Pet'' was voted one of the 50 greatest dog books ever written by ''[[Dogs Today]]'' magazine. ==Campaigns== Stilwell serves on the boards of several animal-related institutions including Canine Assistants, [[RedRover (organization)|RedRover]], [[Dog TV|DogTV]], Greyhound Rescue of West England, Grey Muzzle, [[Soi Dog Foundation|the Soi Dog oundation]], and the W-Underdogs. She advocates animal rescue and has supported ''Paws Atlanta'', ''Atlanta Pet Rescue'', ''Stray from the Heart (NYC)'', ''Hong Kong Dog Rescue'', ''Wisconsin Puppy Mill Project'', the ''Waterside Action Group'', ''Deed Not Breed'' (campaigning to re-write the UK's [[Dangerous Dogs Act]] to remove breed-specific legislation) as well as ''Vets Get Scanning'', promoting mandatory pet micro-chipping and scanning by vets. Stilwell is a critic of [[fox hunting]] and was among more than 20 high-profile people who signed a letter to Members of Parliament in 2015 to oppose [[Conservative Party (UK)|Conservative]] prime minister [[David Cameron]]'s plan to amend the [[Hunting Act 2004]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.stv.tv/scotland-decides/news/1324609-snp-to-vote-against-tories-on-fox-hunting-ban-in-england-and-wales/ |title=SNP to vote against Tories on fox hunting ban in England and Wales |publisher=STV |date=13 July 2015 |accessdate=17 July 2015 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150715203740/http://news.stv.tv/scotland-decides/news/1324609-snp-to-vote-against-tories-on-fox-hunting-ban-in-england-and-wales/ |archivedate=15 July 2015 }}</ref> ==Personal life== Stilwell met her actor husband, Van Zeiler, while starring opposite him in the West End theatre production of ''[[Buddy - The Buddy Holly Story]]''. The couple and their daughter live in [[Atlanta]], [[Georgia (U.S. state)|Georgia]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/entertainment/film_and_tv/s/1010/1010822_victoria_misses_england.html|title=Victoria misses England|first=Manchester Evening|last=News|date=19 April 2010|accessdate=27 July 2018}}</ref> After many years without a pet dog of her own (due to the international travel schedule required for her various TV shows), Stilwell adopted a rescued chocolate [[Labrador Retriever|Labrador]] named Sadie. In early 2011, Stilwell fostered a Chihuahua/Miniature Pinscher mix named Jasmine and decided to adopt her. Following Sadie's death at the age of 15 in 2018, Stilwell adopted an elderly mixed breed dog named Bella. Prior to that, she had spent her time since 2000 fostering dogs due to be [[Animal euthanasia|euthanised]] by local municipal shelters. Stilwell and her husband then gave the dogs a home while rehabilitating them and eventually finding suitable homes for the animals. She has explained that until her international travel requirements were reduced, owning a dog would have been irresponsible and not fair to the dog, considering how much the whole family travels. The family has re-homed over 50 dogs and cats.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.k9magazine.com/k9insider/exclusive-content/victoria-stilwell-its-me-or-the-dog.html |title=It's Me or The Dog – The Victoria Stilwell Interview for K9 Magazine |access-date=13 March 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070417225504/http://www.k9magazine.com/k9insider/exclusive-content/victoria-stilwell-its-me-or-the-dog.html |archive-date=17 April 2007 |url-status=dead }}</ref> ==Bibliography== *''The Ultimate Guide to Raising a Puppy: How to Train and Care for Your New Dog'' (Oct 1, 2019) *''The Secret Language of Dogs: Unlocking the Canine Mind for a Happier Pet'' (Oct 11, 2016) *''Train Your Dog Positively: Understand Your Dog and Solve Common Behaviour Problems Including Separation Anxiety, Excessive Barking, Aggression, Housetraining, Leash Pulling, and More!'' (2013)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.com/Train-Your-Positively-Housetraining-ebook/dp/B009FL09WE/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1382064404&sr=1-1&keywords=victoria+stilwell|title=Train Your Dog Positively: Understand Your Dog and Solve Common Behavior Problems Including Separation Anxiety, Excessive Barking, Aggression, Housetraining, Leash Pulling, and More!|date=19 March 2013|publisher=Ten Speed Press|accessdate=27 July 2018|via=Amazon.com}}</ref> *''Fat Dog Slim: How to Have a Healthy, Happy Pet'' (2007) *''It's Me or the Dog: How to Have the Perfect Pet'' (2005) ==References== {{Reflist}} ==External links== * {{Official website|https://positively.com/}} *[https://www.vsdogtrainingacademy.com/ Victoria Stilwell Academy website] *[https://www.youtube.com/itsmeorthedog It's Me or the Dog YouTube Channel] *[https://www.animalplanet.com/tv-shows/its-me-or-the-dog Animal Planet Website] *[http://www.mnn.com/lifestyle/pets-animals/stories/is-your-dog-fat-chances-are-you-are-too Victoria Stilwell on the Mother Nature Network] *{{IMDb name|2058528|Victoria Stilwell}} {{Authority control}} {{DEFAULTSORT:Stilwell, Victoria}} [[Category:1969 births]] [[Category:Alumni of Middlesex University]] [[Category:Animal care and training writers]] [[Category:Dog judges]] [[Category:Dog trainers]] [[Category:English podcasters]] [[Category:British women podcasters]] [[Category:English expatriates in the United States]] [[Category:English television presenters]] [[Category:Living people]] [[Category:People from Wimbledon, London]]'