NEW YORK — If you plan on watching the “Puppy Bowl” this Sunday, you may not see her directly, but the impact of a prominent figure will surely be felt.
Victoria Schade, a seasoned dog trainer and author, has taken on the essential role of lead puppy trainer and wrangler for the show. She operates from behind the scenes, ensuring that the adorable shelter pups participate in a harmonious competition and are presented at their cutest moments.
Schade is responsible for prompting the puppies to look at the camera during “The Star-Spangled Banner” and guiding them to run through a tunnel onto the field for the opening lineups. She diligently monitors the pups for any signs of conflict or anxiety.
“My main job is to ensure the happiness and safety of the puppies during the game,” she explains. “Whenever I see a puppy that seems overwhelmed or in need of a break, I step in to give them some time off on the sidelines.”
With 19 years of experience on the Animal Planet show, Schade is believed to be the longest-standing member of the “Puppy Bowl” crew. She also participates in the kitten halftime show, referring to it as her favorite week of the year.
“Victoria is one of the most dedicated and hard-working individuals in this industry,” comments “Puppy Bowl” referee Dan Schachner, who is also celebrating his 14th year on the show. “Her energy seems limitless. She’s always open to requests and brings a radiant positivity to every task.”
Over the years, Schade has trained hundreds of dogs but recently made the decision to adopt one for herself, bringing home Boris, affectionately known as Mr. Pickles on the show, from Dallas Dog Rescue. “I saw something special in him. This was the year for me to adopt,” Schade shares.
In her early days on the show, Schade was in charge of finding and selecting the puppies, but that responsibility has now shifted to animal rescue organizations and shelters nationwide, allowing her to focus on her role as lead trainer.
“When you see a puppy looking up at the camera, I’m usually right there with a treat,” she explains. “It takes plenty of treats and amusing sounds to get their attention.”
This year, Schade will step into the spotlight alongside Schachner for an hour-long pre-game kickoff show, which will showcase a doggie combine and draft. Exciting segments will also feature celebrity guests like Dan Smyers from the popular country duo Dan + Shay, as well as Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Derrick Nnadi.
Throughout her time with “Puppy Bowl,” Schade has honed special skills related to canine care, including predicting when one of the pups needs to relieve itself.
“One of my unique abilities is observing the puppies’ postures, allowing me to know when one is about to go to the bathroom. I can often alert the crew with a warning like, ‘Be cautious around the 20-yard line; we may have a cleanup needed,’” she quips.
The “Puppy Bowl” first aired in 2005 as alternative entertainment to the Super Bowl, featuring dogs that score touchdowns on a gridiron carpet by crossing any goal line while holding a toy.
The event serves not only as an adorable showcase of playful puppies but also aims to promote animal adoption. According to the ASPCA, around 390,000 shelter dogs are euthanized annually, while 2 million find homes.
Most puppies featured in the show are adopted before airing since it is filmed in the fall, but the main message is clear: similar animals are in shelters nationwide awaiting a home.
This year’s 3-hour event will highlight 142 rescue puppies from 80 shelters located across 40 states, including one special pup from Nicaragua, a Chihuahua-German shepherd mix. Among them, 11 puppies with special needs will be showcased.
“This is the largest group we’ve ever had,” says Schachner. “Keep an eye out for Jolene, a wheelchair-bound pit bull mix, a three-legged Boston terrier from NYC, and my favorite, Sprinkle, who is both blind and deaf. It’s incredibly heartwarming to see them play.”
The first “Puppy Bowl” attracted nearly 6 million viewers, while last year saw a significant increase to 12.6 million, compared to the 9.3 million viewers of this year’s Golden Globes.
As an expert on dog training, Schade has ventured into authoring books, including “Bonding With Your Dog,” and transitioned into writing pet-themed novels like “Life on the Leash” and “Dog Friendly.”
She advises dog owners to pay close attention to their pet’s body language to better understand their needs. For instance, the way a dog wags its tail can reveal a lot about its mood.
A proponent of positive reinforcement and scientifically-backed training methods, Schade cautions against outdated alpha dog concepts based on intimidation.
“There is no need to assert dominance, as that theory has been discredited. You should be your dog’s ally, friend, and number one supporter. It’s about building a relationship rooted in compassion and understanding,” she asserts.
This philosophy translates into practical advice for dog owners to keep plenty of treats on hand, promoting the importance of using them consistently as rewards, especially during potty training.
“I cannot stress this enough: When you think you’re providing enough treats, provide even more. Puppyhood is a crucial learning time, and every interaction presents an opportunity to teach,” she concludes.
