Parents' Guide to

It's Me or the Dog

By Emily Ashby, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 8+

Supernanny-style tough love for dog owners.

TV Animal Planet Reality TV 2005
It's Me or the Dog Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this TV show.

Community Reviews

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age 2+

Based on 3 parent reviews

Lightflow
Lightflow Parent
June 14, 2013
age 3+

Good positive role model and training methods.

There are very few women who have television programs like this one. She is using science and positive methods to fix dog problems. Her methods can be very confrontational to get the entire family on board, which is one of the reasons we don't watch her very often. Her methods though could safely be emulated by kids without fear of them hurting the dog or being in an increased danger of being bitten. One thing to keep in mind, this show uses actual science. That means that things like domination and pack theory are not part of it, as most behaviorists would tell you that there is no such thing as an alpha dog, nor any reason to bully a dog to listen to you. The best trainers use the least amount of force necessary, and that's what she does.

This title has:

Educational value
Great messages
Great role models
Too much violence
TrueAnimalLover
TrueAnimalLover Adult
May 12, 2011
age 2+

Just a show to make money, doesn't care about the Dogs

This show does more damage than help. A Dog that is aggressive thinks it is the 'Leader' and needs to be shown that the owner is the 'Leader' NOT given treats. This 'Treat' training of Aggressive Dogs will lead to those Dogs biting someone at some point. Terrible show and should be taken off the air. I recommend to anyone who truly cares about Dogs to write Animal Planet TV Station and tell them that show needs to end !!!
See all 3 parent reviews

What's the Story?

In IT'S ME OR THE DOG, Victoria Stilwell -- a self-proclaimed advocate of treating a dog like, well, a dog -- travels the United Kingdom to work with families in desperate need of intervention for bad habits like biting, barking, chewing, and hyperactivity. She interviews family members and learns about the dogs' daily routines and eating habits, as well as the owners' methods of discipline (or lack thereof). After observing the often-chaotic household dynamics, Stilwell works with both the pets and their owners to correct poor behavior. But old habits often prove hard to break -- especially for the softest owners, who can't resist those pleading puppy-dog eyes. After leaving the family to their own devices for a few weeks, Stilwell returns for a follow-up visit. If her subjects have fallen off the wagon, she gives them more lectures about their responsibilities as pet owners and reminds them that their errant ways could eventually cost them their pets.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (3):
Kids say (14):

Stilwell is to over-pampered pups what the Supernanny is to tantrum-throwing tots, and she's on a mission to change the way that pet owners think about doggie diets and discipline.Her tactics get the job done -- at least within each episode's 30-minute window -- but she often brings owners to tears by yelling at them or scaring them with trips to the animal shelters (where their dogs could wind up if they're taken away). While very young viewers likely won't understand or appreciate her in-your-face methods, older kids will learn something about pet care and discipline.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about Stilwell's methods. How does she use body language and voice tones to communicate with the animals? Do they respond to her better than they do to their owners? Why or why not? Would any of her advice work for your family's pets? Parents and tweens can also discuss the educational nature of reality shows like this one. Do you think this series intends to educate or entertain viewers (or some of both)? How is it entertaining? Did watching teach you anything? How real is reality TV in general? Are any reality shows more believable than others? Which ones?

TV Details

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