Victoria Stilwell sings the praises of Gonsal Farm

TV dog trainer speaks highly of RSPCA following recent visit

02.01.12

After a recent visit to RSPCA Gonsal Farm Animal Centre in Dorrington, Shropshire, TV dog trainer Victoria Stilwell left singing the praises of our rescue centre's staff.

Best known in the UK for hit TV series, It's me or the dog, Victoria was in Shropshire last month for a dog training seminar followed by a book signing event at the animal centre's Christmas fayre.

Originally from Wimbledon, Victoria now lives in America but runs her own dog training network, Victoria Stilwell Positively.

She came home to see her trainers, Emma Collings, Stephen Durnin and Anthony Turner, who all work at our Gonsal Farm Animal Centre.

'The staff at Gonsal are fantastic'

When asked about her time at Gonsal, Victoria said:

I didn't know what to expect when I first came to RSPCA Gonsal but I've been treated so well by such lovely people.

I think that is really what makes a shelter great, the people that work there. The staff at Gonsal are fantastic, the trainers are fantastic, the volunteers as well.

The people are so passionate, they work at times in really difficult conditions and take these animals that have been broken or damaged and get them to a point where they can be rehomed.

It is just great to see the animals that are going to go on to new homes. I would love to be able to come back.

Happy, obedient pets through positive, fun training

Victoria believes that Britain leads the US in terms of positive reinforcement and that the majority of pet owners here want their dogs to be trained through kindness, finding out what motivates their pet and encouraging him or her to learn.

She said:

I have trained countless dogs during my career and the vast majority respond extremely well.

All dogs, given patience and the right training, are capable of being great pets – it's just a case of determination and wanting the best for your dog.

At Christmas time especially remember your pet and remember that a dog is a precious life, not disposable property.

Victoria supports our Born to suffer campaign 

Our new campaign,  Bred for looks, born to suffer, aims to raise awareness of the health and welfare problems caused to dogs through breeding them for their looks, particularly for dog shows.

We're urging you to sign our petition which is calling for breed standards to be changed so that the health, welfare and temperament of dogs are prioritised over their looks.

Victoria is in support of our campaign and agrees that dogs shouldn't be bred solely for the way they look.

Read more in our news article:

Puppies bred for looks are born to suffer (18.12.11)