Vivian Zottola, MSc
About
My name is Vivian Zottola
I live with my husband and our pets, George, a rescue dog, and Nino, a cat, just outside of Boston, MA. While I still operate my own practice as a human-dog relationship therapist, I have intentionally decided to slow down and focus on caring for my elderly mother, who will turn 94 this year, and our senior rescue dog, George. God bless them both, right?
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Both have reminded me to find gratitude in the little things that truly matter in life, especially the time we spend together. They have inspired me to find the courage to shed my old skin and change my path to focus on my passion—writing books and continuing to talk about the world of dogs, my favorite subject.
About Me.
In my life, a few things have remained consistent: I have always had a pet dog companion and a curiosity to learn more about their behavior and how best to communicate. I never imagined my path would lead me to where I am today, yet here I am involved in scientific studies investigating our relationship with dogs, working hands-on with people and their dogs, and writing books. While my road has been bumpy, it has truly been a blessing in disguise. My experiences have taught me to think critically, breathe deeply, and change my mind in ways I never thought possible. It has not always been easy, but today, today it feels right. I am exactly where I am supposed to be and happy to be in a position to share what I have learned with others.
Education
2018-2020
MSc Anthrozoology
Canisius University
This program, which I pursued while working full time in my canine behavior consulting practice and volunteering with Center for Canine Behavior Studies non profit, focuses on humanity's relationship with other species. An interdisciplinary approach is utilized to promote critical thinking skills which are anchored in natural science and social sciences investigations, as well as a focus on the humanities including philosophical, religious, legal, artistic and historical considerations of human-animal relationships.
1994-1996
MSc Communication Management
Simmons University
This program, which I pursued in the evenings while working full time in the Knowledge Management Division of the Boston Consulting Group in Boston, MA, focused on leadership management in the communication field. The knowledge and skills I gained are directly relevant to my current role and will continue to be valuable in my future career.
2009-2025
Canine Behavior and Training Certifications
Boston K9 Concierge LLC, Boston, MA (2009-today)
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Boston Veterinary Clinic, Canine Behavior Consultant 2013-2019
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part time lead trainer/board member New England Dog Training Club 2011-2018​
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AKC Canine Good Citizen Steps Program Trainer, NEDTC.org 2011-2017
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Pets for Vets; evaluate and match shelter pets with veterans 2015-2016
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Animal Behavior College Authorized Mentor Teacher, 2017-2019
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MSPCA Safe Walk Volunteer Walker and basic manners trainer 2009-2012
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Professional certifications: maintaining certifications is a testament to my commitment to continuous learning and professional development. All in good standing
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Certified behavior consultant canine (CBCC)
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Certified professional dog trainer (CPDT)
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Certified separation anxiety trainer (CSAT)
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FearFreePets Certified (FFPC),
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Family Paws Parent Education
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A range of specialized courses in small animal clinical behavior and human psychology
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Behavior Analysis, Living and Learning with Animals, Dr. Susan Friedman
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Case Based Approach to Applied Clinical Behavioral Medicine, Dr. Karen Overall
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Dr. Rick Hanson Professional Course in Positive Neuroplasticity
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Wolfpark Advanced Trainers Workshop, Lafayette, IN ​
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Wolfpark.org is dedicated to animal behavior research. Attended the first successful hands on training workshop working unprotected access with five species including grey fox, red fox, wolf, coyote and bison.
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​Dognition Emotion and Dog Cognition Course, Dr. Brian Hare Duke University 2015
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Dog-Dog Group Dynamics Seminar (hosted), Sue Sternberg, 2014
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Behavior Adjustment Training (BAT) Instructor Workshop, Grisha Stewart, 2013
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Sociability vs Aggression, Sue Sternberg, 2013
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Dognition Trainer Program, Dognition Evaluator 2013
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Family Paws Licensed Presenter 2013-2017, 2024
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Kids & Dogs Pitfalls and Potentials (NEDTC), Colleen Pilar/Jen Shryock 2013
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Instructors Training Workshop with Sue Sternberg & Pia Silvani 2013
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History, Ethology and Behavioral Biology of Dogs, R.Coppinger & Kathryn Lord, 2012
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Understanding and Preventing Canine Aggression, AAVSB 2012
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Dr Ian Dunbar Behavior & Aggression Workshop, 2012
My Career: Throughout my career with dogs spanning more than two decades, I have dedicated myself to a singular mission which was born from working with rescue dogs---to help people better understand dog behavior and enhance their relationships. As one of the pioneering women in the pet services business in Boston, MA, I am proud to have been an early adopter of a kind training philosophy and dedicated to teaching people and dogs humane training techniques. My unique approach and extensive experience have earned me a solid reputation as a canine behavior expert with veterinary professionals and clients in the area.
My Philosophy & Teaching Approach: Unfortunately the dog training profession remains unregulated with minimal if any standards of care. Â Many still use unnecessary punishing techniques and management equipment with dogs. Training or rather, teaching a non verbal individual should never include fear, intimidation or any distress. As a human-dog relationship therapist, I have developed my own distinctive approach to teaching people and their dogs based on humor, kindness and humane care - all of course supported by science. It is multidisciplinary, drawing upon principles from various fields, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, applied behavior analysis, ethology, psychology, mechanical skills, and learning theory. Â "Click Therapy for Dogs (and the people who love them)" Â is similar to talk therapy for people but ...different because dogs don't use verbal language to communicate.
New Things I'm Working On! These days I am writing more and working to improve my teaching approach. My goal is to share this information with people and professionals. I'm also improving the way we collect information and collaborate to help dogs and their people improve. So,...if you're a dog behavior geek or veterinarian you're going to love what I'm working on!. This year, with the help of a talented developer, I designed a proprietary online behavior intake and data tracking worksheet to be used with clients, monitor behavior change progress, and provide continuous feedback. It has been a game changer! Making collaborating with clients and their veterinarians so easy. I am presently testing the beta version with clients and my plan in the coming year is to make my Click Therapy for Dogs Course and worksheet available to the public for purchase. I intend to have a version for consumers and professionals soon.
My Team
Writing a book is hard work! I'm grateful for my animal companions and the important roles they serve while I transition from Human Dog Relationship Therapist, to Human Dog Relationship Therapist and author.
Vivian Zottola
Author
Nino
Wrting Overlord
George
Team Motivator
