68. The Science of Dog Anxiety: Expert Advice from Victoria Stilwell & Dr. Nicholas Dodman

This week on Pets Add Life, hosts Kristen Levine and Chris Bonifati dive deep into canine anxiety with two of the most respected experts in animal behavior. First, world-renowned dog trainer Victoria Stilwell discusses the power of positive reinforcement, signs of stress in dogs, and how to help rescue pets adjust to their new homes. Then, pioneering veterinary behaviorist Dr. Nicholas Dodman shares breakthrough insights into the causes of anxiety, natural treatments, and what science says about helping dogs feel safe and calm.

Special Guests:

• Victoria Stilwell, Dog Trainer, Author & Founder of the Victoria Stilwell Academy

• Dr. Nicholas Dodman, Professor Emeritus at Tufts University & President of the Center for Canine Behavior Studies

Pet Product Recommendations:

• Sherpa Airline-Approved Soft Pet Carrier: https://www.amazon.com/Sherpa-Travel-Original-Approved-Carrier/dp/B0006G54OU

• Nationwide Pet Insurance: https://www.bestpetinsuranceever.com

Q&A Topics:

• “My Border Collie has started chasing his tail and licking obsessively when I’m away. Is this anxiety?” (Submitted by Mark from Seattle, WA)

• “My rescue dog gets extremely anxious when I leave. How do I use desensitization and counterconditioning?” (Submitted by Rachel from Portland, OR)

Related Links:

• Victoria Stilwell Academy: https://www.vsdogtrainingacademy.com

• Positively by Victoria Stilwell (Courses & Resources): https://www.positively.com

• Center for Canine Behavior Studies: https://dogstudies.org

• The Experts on DOGTV’s Unleashed Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@DOGTV

• Best Pet Insurance (Nationwide): https://www.bestpetinsuranceever.com

• Sherpa Carriers (Official Site): https://www.sherpapet.com

Social Channels:

• Follow Victoria Stilwell on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/victoriastilwell

• Follow DOGTV on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dogtv

• Follow Pets Add Life on Instagram: https://instagram.com/petsaddlife

• Facebook: https://facebook.com/PetsAddLife

• YouTube: https://youtube.com/petsaddlife

• TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@petsaddlife

• X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/petsaddlife

Subscribe & Listen: New episodes every Tuesday on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube

Submit Your Questions to the Podcast: https://petsaddlife.org/podcast

Presented by: American Pet Products Association (APPA) & DOGTV