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

2025-06-10

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...

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.dogtv.com/unleashed
The Experts (YouTube Playlist): 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