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.

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

age 2+

Based on 3 parent reviews

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
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 !!!

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.

TV Details

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