Having worked with professional trainers, and training dogs myself, the saying that training is 90% training the owner is so true. I see so many issues that are just due to the owners that it’s just reflex to see what’s wrong with the owners rather than the dog
+Cosmo Runner-I don't think she was a bad person. She just didn't know how to be a dog owner and unwillingly treated her dog poorly because of it. She understood that she did need help and this was something she could no longer do alone. And she needed to bring in professional help in order to help address this problem. A lot of owners throughout this series are combative and defensive about how they've treated their dogs. While she was just a tad, she also understood where she went wrong and actually listened to what she needed to do in order to make things better. Victoria has often said she aims to give a better quality of life for both the dogs and the owners. For the dogs to continue on to lead more happier, healthier, more fulfilling lives with their owners. Hopefully with Victoria's help, the owner started on the right path to realize what it took to be a dog owner and Niles was able to spend a long, very happy and loving life with her.
As much as she made a mistake getting a dog and not knowing how different it would be to a cat, she did fantastically at owning that mistake and correcting herself. Well done, Karen.
I LOVED how she took accountability, i wish more people would do that. I have alot of respect for someone who can admit wrong doing and work towards changing it.
If she had get a diferent race of dog things would have been easier, but i’m glad that she did what was need to keep and care for the dog she actually got.
99% of the people who are typically on this show would not get on their knees and agree with Victoria as she brushes them with a giant broom and covers them with blankets. Well done Karen.👏🏻
Strange Fox_55 never meant we thought she was trying to be silly. It just happened to look amazing at just the right time. But I agree with you, she is a sting woman not to be messed with for sure.
Usually I'm really irritated with ignorant owners, but Karen tries so hard and stays so positive that I just simply love her! She's so open-minded to Victoria's advice and is willing to do everything for her dog. I hope she and Niles have a good relationship now!
There's a difference between willing stubborn ignorance and plain unintentioned ignorance, you can't teach stubborn, and this lady is def not stubborn, i do hope one day maybe she can feel comfortable adding another cat to the family if she can manage it
It’s good to see an owner who was TRYING to walk their dog and just couldn’t because they didn’t know how, as opposed to all the owners on this show who just won’t walk their dogs because they don’t want to.
XGolden DragonX simple: babies and children don’t know how. If you’re never exposed to dogs and you. Ever learn, how do you know? Humans aren’t born knowing how to walk a dog.
I respect how afraid for his wellbeing she is. Like, she knows she’s doing it wrong but she’s so desperate to give him a good life. I’m glad she called in a trainer, not to train the dog, but to train herself.
I do more teaching to the owners of dogs than I actually teach the dogs themselves. I tell it this way. I can teach your dog to do amazing things but if you do not keep up with what I teach your dog its 100% pointless.
I died laughing when Victoria showed her how the dog felt during brushing and having the blanket put over him 😂 “it felt like I was in a horror movie” 😂😂 love Victoria, she’s amazing
She's something, but amazing isn't the word that comes to my mind. 😀. Asking a human to get on the floor & putting a dirty broom over her head is simply humiliating.
karen is such a sweet, devoted owner. People get cats expecting them to act like dogs all the time. When it's flipped around, not much different. So much preconcieved expectations. I can't believe she actually went along with the persepective training without even a complaint. There's more than a couple owners on this show that would 100% never go through with it. She genuinely looks so happy when Victortia told her that her dog loves her.
I had a cat that was like a family heirloom. I'm not sure how old she actually was though. She belonged to an uncle in college before I was born then given to my aunt. When I met her she I think I was ten. She was so tiny, like a kitten, in fact I thought she was. Lol she was so sweet and had no teeth. I truly loved that cat as a child. When I would visit, I would spend all my time with her. Later on I got the call they had put her down. Her name was muggins. I hope to one day find another sweet cat like her. I actually feel like crying now thinking of her.
Karen is literally the loveliest lady but I have to admit I was cracking up through the whole episode. It was one of the most unintentionally funniest things I have ever seen.
@@purpledragonfly4 Not true, she didn't understand that you can't replace a cat with a dog. She immediately switched how she treated the dog when Victoria showed her the right way to do things because she cares about the dog and now has a healthy relationship with her dog.
@@purpledragonfly4 The thing is, if this was a kitten I could see this going very well. She's treating him like a cat and when she realizes it isn't good for him, she changes. She has a good heart.
Doctor: *So why did you do it?* Woman: *Well, it was the same size as a hotdog, so I thought it would be like eating a hotdog* Doctor: *A cactus is not a hotdog. A cactus is a cactus*
I know this is old, but as a long time cat owner myself, I'd just like to point out to the confused dog owners in the comments: Using a blanket can actually be a fantastic method for a cat, when you need to get them in a carrier or something. For a lot of cats, having a blanket on them like that actually makes them feel secure. This does depend on the individual, but it's a common method, because as cats are ambush predators as well as kind of being prey themselves to some animals, they like to feel hidden (this is also why cats like being in tight places, and similating that by GENTLY squeezing them- as in the "squish that cat" video- can be calming for them). Cats also much prefer to scratch than to bite, so wrapping them in a blanket to restrain their claws can be a safety measure in an emergency even if the particular individual cat isn't comforted by the blanket. Note that neither of these methods are simply restraining or trapping them for the sake of it, but if you absolutely must force a cat to do something like get in a carrier when it doesn't want to, they are legitimate methods I was thinking it was a bit silly she couldn't tell the dog was scared since it seems so obvious to me, but I have always liked dogs too, and thinking more on it the confusion actually makes some sense. Both animals have their ears go back and make angry noises, but the dog was standing rigid and upright with a still tail, while a scared cat will either flatten itself completely or arch and fluff up (neither of which are as "stiff" as the dog), with a lashing tail. For someone who's truly rarely interacted with a dog but knows cats, I actually do kind of see how the behaviour could seem defiant for defiance's sake rather than scared Though, I do hope she didn't harass the cat with as much affection as she tried to force on the dog lol. Dogs are typically MORE affectionate than cats, and while cats are still incredibly loving and affectionate most of the time, they certainly have more boundaries than the average dog as well. But perhaps that stereotype was also part of the problem- thinking that "more affectionate and tolerant" meant "wants absolutely endless physical affection and is okay with literally anything"
I also wondered about her giving even more physical affection to the cat and how that worked out... and then I remembered her cat lived 22 years. Her memory for the past decade or so is probably of an increasingly older cat that was probably content to just snuggle on the couch and not much else. A tiny puppy/adolescent dog, not well socialised, is a completely different proposition, even if dogs usually enjoy more affection than cats.
"He's not eating" Me: Are you giving him cat food??? EDIT: Wow! Thanks for the 2k likes, everyone! I understand dogs will eat anything, including cat food. He possibly wasn't eating, because of stress. Plus, cat food is a bit different as it contains Taurine, something cats need as obligate carnivores.
It's been so amazing with my new Dog, though it cost me a lot, but no regrets, I used part of the profits I made from expert crypto trader Mr Johnson, to buy it. Dogs eat alot hahahaha
You know, considering she believed that Niles hated her, Karen is a wonderful person for still trying to take care of him with walks and grooming. Many other owners would have just given up and ignored him. Karen is a great owner, she just needed the education.
It was really cute when the owner said "walkies," and Niles came running back into the room ready to go. Definitely a great example of how their relationship improved.
I don't know what's in British water or air that makes her mother looks so young compared to her calendar age. Maybe she had Karen in her early twenties, but still. They look like sisters or relatives with a small age difference,
Forreal i feel bad for laughing at her struggle lmao and especially when she brought out the spoon had me dead 💀💀💀 this woman is so adorable love this episode
Cookie ._.Crumbs well at first it’s okay since she’s clueless of a dog’s behavior and everything. That’s a mistake of her getting a dog because she’s not experienced with dogs and it is a sudden change for her too, but good for her she seeks help from experts. People tend to think pets are pets in general, especially dogs and cats they think it’s a like, but hey she’s a human and can commit mistakes but at least she listens to what victoria is teaching her unlike other families on this shows who shows inconsistencies
Karen you were the star of this video. I couldn't stop laughing all the way through it. Your Mum is a treasure and you had patience of gold. I just loved the way you said " Niles hates me" Yet that little boy loves you dearly. Once you knew how much and understood him you now have a beautiful little companion. Cheers to you Karen. ♥️🦴🐾🐾
This is hilarious. Just imagine when Victoria gets home from a long day's work and her partner's like "How was your day honey?" and she's like "I made a lady get on all fours, brush her with a broom and then I threw a blanket on her, you know, the usual."
Btw I mean like she's nice and all but buying a dog without knowing how to have one and treating him like a cat Unlike other Karen's she understands what she's done wrong
Really very sweet. She just wanted to love on the poor dog so much she actually terrified him!! LOL Honestly she had such great intentions but she got a dog that didn’t want to be loved on so much. She should of gotten a lab or bulldog or something that really loves to be squeezed and loved so much. Great job Victoria helping this lady out and teaching her how to communicate with her little pup. Because I think every other family or person would have just given the dog up to a shelter long before this dog even became an adult with such aggressive biting at her when she approached him every time. Even though it was her fault lol. Too cute. Such a great episode!!! 🌼🌼❤️🌼🌼
I am like her, I love cats way too much & cats hate too much love. So cats always run away from me after a point. And now my bestfriend has a frenchie, but even he seems to be sick of my love 😭
Karen's such a lovely woman!! I got so happy for her. It's really hard losing a pet and she said her cat lived 22 years, right? Imagine that!! And she really put effort on being a better owner for her doggie! From her heart! They must have had a great life together up until now!! Victoria really changed a lot of people and dogs lifes! This is the best show and this is the best episode, for sure!
@@vindheimar2631 omg, I can imagine... It's a life together, they really are family members. Good for her! If she got to 20 it means that she had a really loving and caring family and that's everything ❤️
The kisses he gave her just made me tear up! This has to be my favourite episode so far! Finally an owner that doesn’t give excuses or blame the dog for their behaviour - she just loves animals!
I think she's a heavy smoker hence the deep voice or the unfortunate woman with POS lot's of cysts on ovaries, higher testosterone level, these women are big, tall, overweight, often hairy and have deep voice. I don't think she's transgender.
I remember my mum getting a small dog for the first time after our last cat died.. she was tickling it under the chin on the first night home and commented that it mustn't like it as much as the cat as it wasn't purring. I almost died laughing.
I actually love Karen and Niles. They were both so cute and sweet. I actually couldn’t believe how much Niles loved Karen and then when Karen was told he loved her, her reaction and everything just melted my heart.
@@yyg4632 well it’s not that he doesn’t like her he does love her it’s just when you see things from his perspective you can’t understand why he’s acting the way he does.
Okay, when Niles hid behind Victoria when the owner was getting the lead, that was telling, and made me choke on my cereal laughing. It seems to me that the dog is actually being REALLY patient and not just attacking the lady or running away from her. He's giving the owner SO many signals. Oy vey.
Chis are really awkward dogs and get personality problems easily. I have one and she hates strangers and other dogs for no reason we've done everything and she just won't change. She has no problems with cats and she has never been attacked or anything. They just get insecure so easily.
@@mep1455 Rather like the teenagers of the dog world...(Just kidding, but it is true, part of being a teen is feeling insecure. Or it was back in my day...oh dang, did I just say "Back in MY day...? Criminy, where's my cane?)
Wow, I can't recall the last time I got so many likes on a comment, thanks! It really was a very sad and a little cute moment, like Niles was saying "Nice lady, I don't like what Mum is going to do to me! And she won't listen when I ask her not to!"
I have a 12 year old chihuahua who is the sweetest dog you have ever met. Has never growled at anyone or bitten anyone. Chihuahuas don’t get personality problems easily. They are just like any other dog and must be socialized at a young age and given clear and firm boundaries. If they aren’t taught properly, then yeah they can get personality problems. But so can any other dog.
+DravenGal-Victoria proved that Niles actually loves his owner. Quite a lot. It's just that the owner speaks cat and doesn't know how to speak dog. And Niles is very confused over why his owner can't speak yet and the poor baby boy probably believes it is somehow his fault. But yes, he is obviously trying to communicate with her the best he can and the way he knows how to. He's trying to get her to listen. To understand. And with Victoria's help, she finally starts being able to.
Victoria Stillwell seems like the answer to the Millan-style alpha wolf "training" for dogs with behavioral issues. It's really refreshing to see her use more positive win-win style strategies to solve problems.
What makes Millan's "alpha" style even more frustrating is that it's based on faulty, discredited theory about wolf-pack dynamics. Wild wolf packs don’t actually have a hierarchy - they’re literally just family units, with mom and dad as the de facto leaders.
I really didn't know what to make of this woman. She seemed lovely but surely its common sense that cats and dogs are completely different from each other!
@@wickedwitchoftheeast88 I mean so many people get cats and think they can treat them just like dogs so I'm not that surprised that the reverse happens too.
@@LorayV You are blind. How does this one look like a rat? The only difference between him and most other dogs with ears up and short hair is size. Does being little = rat automatically? I own a Chihuahua and I hate the way rats look. lol
Yeah... when I grew up we had a medium sized dog that had some decidedly cat-like behaviour but we still treated him like a dog. I currently have a cat and has realised that people who are used to dogs tend to treat cats like they treat dogs. Which an equally bad idea.
Dorienna Raine Oh, absolutely! Not trying to imply that’s not a factor! I was using that line more as a catch 22 essentially. Someone with this mindset wouldn’t make this comment if the dog WAS a pit.. but since it’s a chi/small dog, they’ll say whatever they want. (Edit: bad at words)
One of the best episodes I’ve seen. This woman really misses her cat but I believe now she will begin to love Niles like she did her kitty. Niles is so cute!
When she puts a blanket on him to pick him up is literally my shichi when you try to take something away from him he’s not supposed to have but really wants
Really Natalia that is the FIRST time a person who doesn’t have any control over their name and has had a whole lifetime of experiences just like you, doesn’t act like a 2018 meme.......? Mkay
I love how she's concerned for his needs. And she's trying but she just dosnt know any better. And she knows she doesn't know and she's willing to learn. She's so happy when he's happier! I'm so happy for her success!
Energy level is more dependent on breed than size. Shih Tzus and Jack Russel Terriers are about the same size, but are at very different energy levels.
My chihuahua is so energetic if he could he stay swimming playing running hiking all day long 24/7 he only sleeps if I’m doing my own thing or when My partner and I are sleeping.
Well, of course Niles is weirded out. Her whole house is full of cat stuff. It's like moving in with somebody whose house is full of pictures of their ex.
Karen, what a lovely person you are. All you wanted was what was best for Niles (I love that name). Well done for seeing it through, he was quite a handful.
"It's going to sound bit silly but I thought he'd clean himself like a cat." Erm.....eh? She was so good receiving constructive criticism though and seemed to really love her little dog.
I don't completely blame her. Dogs do the grooming action but,, compared to a cat- it's more like they're itching a spot rather than cleaning most of the times. Sometimes if a dog licks somewhere persistently it's to relieve pain.
Agreed! A match made in heaven, those two. The thing about Chihuahuas is they are perhaps more prone to reacting badly to "smothering" than any other small/toy breed.
Some cats love being molly coddled. My cat prefers getting treated like a dog, but he also has moments where he wants to be held like a newborn being burped.
@@emily-hg3sx Even when Victoria came, he didn't even need any training done. Most of the "training" was done to the owner. Main things Victoria changed was making a walking and feeding routine, and finding an alternative way to leash him for walks. He was fine near other dogs and in crowds and such. Training IS important, but this little guy didn't need it.
I love this episode so much because it doesn't shine a bad light on being a cat person, she truly tries her best and wants to understand Niles and that's so great. Cats also needs their own routines and work very differently. I naturally know more about cats but I love learning about dogs too 💖
As someone who has a dog and a cat, they're so different. My dog is very energetic and wants to play. My cat us more of a couch potato. My dog loves to be cuddled, my cat gets overstimulated really easily and can only handle so much.
Her cat lived 22 years? Yeah, she really loved her cat. Sometimes I understand that you can't just get another pet after your previous one passes. But I guess her treating the dog like a cat means she still probably hadn't completely let go of the fact she doesn't have a cat anymore.
When she took down her cats picture and then replaced it with her dogs picture! My heart broke I was just yelling you can have the dogs picture up to yu-know!
Reminds me of child attachment theory of how Niles reacts to his mum. Like, the insecure-ambivalent type that is distressed when the parent leaves, but is resistant and not comforted by the return of the parent or the parent's presence
I suspect you're referring to disorganised attachment! Someone insecure-ambivalent is prone to outbursts when they don't receive the affection that they crave, but will be comforted once they do. Your description fits the pattern that emerges when the caregiver is also the source of the trauma, which seems fitting. The dog really loves her, but is also terrified! (I _really_ care about attachment theory.)
There's actually been studies on domesticated dogs and cats and the albeit small stufies found they all fit the same attachment styles as human children do, very interesting stuff.
Ive never seen this stuff in dogs whose owners werent some type of insecure parent that cant handle their animal. Theres no assurance by the owner - its ok dog , you can relax, ive got this. Im the alpha. Criticize me all you want but id grab that dog and subdue him. Theres none of that nonsense and it would stop - quick smart. All this namby pamby stuff is sidestepping the issue. Its placating instead of correcting. Im going to put a collar on a dog however i want. front back, upside down. Its absurd that the plan would be to placate him so he doesnt bite me. Absolute insanity. Im boss and the dog is happier for it. Dont worry , my dogs get pampered like royalty. but they also know whats not on. Dont even DARE to bite. theres no fear or apprehension. They are calm. Biting is the boss's job. Boss protects the clan. These problem neurotic dogs are like this because their owners are unreliable. No reassurance. No safety. Its a state of mind. A diminutive 4 foot tall woman can be vastly more powerful than a hulking 6ft insecure man full of anxiety.
@@fredfinks Some of what you say is alright, dog's do like having a parent/leader-ish figure. They feel safer when their is a schedule upheld through their day to day lives. But; The alpha (also known as the dominance theory) was disproven a few years ago. So, no. You shouldn't be the "alpha" You also shouldn't... Subdue.. Your dogs, it isn't right. To properly train a dog you should use positive reinforcement training, it strengthens the bond of owner and pup, it also grows their trust in you and reestablishes that support feeling they need in order to listen to you. But I can agree with you on another thing, any dog within spoiling distance will forever be spoiled XD Dogs are amazing
Karen was a bit naive, but so sweet. Yes, it was her fault the dog misbehavd like this, but she really didn't mean to. And the fact she was completely open to all victoria's training apsects( I mean the brush an blanket thing must have been so weird), but she did it all no complaining. and she was so humble. Good girl Karen.
I love Victoria with all of my blackened, shrivelled little heart... But I swear, in every single video, she's dressed like a cross between an equestrian and a dominatrix, and I'm not sure how to feel about that.
Chihuahuas are actually very good, smart, wonderful dogs, but because so many people don't treat them like dogs but rather like babies or accessories, they end up totally messed up.
@@JC-mm6fu If you don't treat a cat well, they act nuts, just like this dog did. Since she was a cat owner for 22 yrs or so she definitely never experienced this behavior
OMG .. I wish i had students like that.. She is so willing to learn - no ego - completely into making his life better... i was so touched when she tought he hated her but Victoria told he actually loved her.. awwhh.. ... what a sweet sweet lady... BUT funny episode.. laughed a lot... Lol...
Wow, I love Karen. She started out completely clueless but seemed 100% receptive to Victoria's experience with dogs. Good on you, Karen. Good boy, Niles.
I really love how gentle her style of teaching is. Speaking as someone who grew up watching Cesar Milan, her style of "retraining" both the dog and the owner, is much more gentle and doesn't involve any machismo posturing.
Victoria understands that it's rarely a problem with the dog. It's all up to the owner and how the dog is raised. And what kind of upbringing they have. So it's crucial not only to train the dog, but to get the dog and the owner on the same page. Positive reinforcement is proven to be more effective with just about anything (you catch more flies with honey and all that. . .) and dogs naturally WANT to please their owners and make them happy, so training them like this is just encouraging them to. . .do what they already naturally do. Punishment based training only makes the dog fearful and submissive. The dog will listen to you if you do so. . .not because they love you but because they live in fear of you. And you don't need to do that with dogs. At all. Dogs are highly social and intelligent animals so if you guide them gently, they will pick it up. The praise is enough and the treat is an extra reward. But they really do live off the praise. If you are happy, they are happy. They are so sweet that way.
I just started watching Victoria and I've watched Cesar for years. I like them both, I use both of their techniques. So it's interesting to see how others compare them. I think they have different styles of teaching. Also I think America treats and handles dogs differently than Europe does so that might have something to do with it.
I have watched them both and I like both. Cesar beacuse he is really good at reading the dogs bodylanguage and treats a dog like a pack animal witch dogs are most comfortable/sable in. And I like victoria beacuse she uses a more positive way of teaching a dog how to behave and uses a more human/dog way of teaching witch is positive since the dog is living with humans. But I think Cesars method is more effective tho, beacuse he uses their own language to speak to them and not do everything in a human way and doesn't need to give candy everytime you want something from the dog.
