Victoria Schade plays a vital role in the beloved “Puppy Bowl,” even if her presence is often behind the scenes. As the lead puppy trainer and wrangler for this joyful event, she ensures that the adorable shelter puppies enjoy a conflict-free and safe competition. With her guidance, the puppies shine during the show, especially when they look up for “The Star-Spangled Banner” or dash through tunnels to reach the field.
Schade’s primary focus is puppy happiness and safety. If any puppy appears overwhelmed, she quickly steps in to offer them a break on the sidelines. She has dedicated 19 years to “Puppy Bowl,” making her one of the most experienced members of the crew. Her commitment has not gone unnoticed; fellow referee Dan Schachner praises her as one of the hardest-working individuals in the industry, noting her endless energy and cheerful demeanor.
This year is particularly special for Schade as she has adopted her first puppy from the show, a dog she refers to as Boris, also known as Mr. Pickles. She spotted his potential and decided it was time to welcome a furry friend into her home.
In the early days of the show, Schade was responsible for selecting the puppies, a task that now relies more on animal rescue organizations across the nation. Today, she trains the pups to perform on camera by using treats and funny sounds to gain their attention. This year, Schade will also join Schachner on camera for a pre-game show packed with exciting segments and a doggie combine.
“One of my unique skills is reading a puppy’s behavior,” she says. “I know when they need a bathroom break and can alert everyone to be ready for clean-up duties.” The “Puppy Bowl,” which began as alternative programming during the Super Bowl in 2005, features dogs scoring touchdowns with toys in their mouths, showcasing their playful antics.
The primary goal of the event is not just entertainment but to promote animal adoption. Currently, about 390,000 shelter dogs are euthanized each year, while 2 million find loving homes. Most of the puppies featured in the “Puppy Bowl” are adopted well before the show’s air date, proving that lovable pets like those seen can be found in local shelters.
This year’s event will showcase 142 rescue puppies from 80 different shelters across 40 states, including one Chihuahua-German shepherd mix from Nicaragua. Among the group, viewers can look forward to meeting special needs dogs like Jolene, a wheelchair-bound pitbull mix, and a three-legged Boston terrier.
Schade, who has authored several books on dog care, advises dog owners to understand their pets’ body language. She encourages positive reinforcement training methods over outdated approaches that rely on intimidation. “You don’t need to be the alpha; instead, be a compassionate friend to your dog,” she emphasizes.
Training puppies is a critical learning period, and Schade stresses the importance of rewarding good behavior with treats, especially during potty training. Her advice? “When you think you’re giving enough treats, give even more. Every interaction is an opportunity to teach.”
