AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy Program open enrollment
AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy Training Program
Vivian is an AKC Evaluator (listed under South Boston, MA) and supports the AKC STAR Puppy Progam incentive program 20 Steps to Success because it is designed to teach you how to best communicate with your pup in a safe controlled environment.
S.T.A.R. stands for S=Socialization T=Training A=Activity R=Responsibility Upon passing the test you'll get an application to send to the AKC for enrollment in the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy Program. All dogs are welcome to participate including purebreds and mixed breeds. Your pup receives a AKC S.T.A.R. puppy Medal and be listed in the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy records. Our puppy classes are open enrollment however you must first attend a 1 hour orientation (no puppy). Classes run 1 hour and are held Monday, Tuesday evenings or Saturday mornings. You must attend a minimum of 6 classes to become tested. 8 classes are included in the fee. Vivian shares AKC STAR Puppy Program exercises using Behavior Adjustment techniques. Exercises are a fun and engaging way for you and your pup to interact and for your pup to grow to become a well adjusted dog! Your pup will learn: Basic Manners, Real Life Needs & Impulse Control. Ages 8 wks to 12 months are welcome. While full vaccinations are NOT required to attend classes your pup must be started on vaccinations. If you have reservations about starting class before fully vaccinated please read American Veterinary Society Position Statement here. Classes are held in BostonK9Concierge facility at 202 K Street South Boston. The Puppy Class price is $320 for 8 classes. Limited space! OPEN ENROLLMENT REGISTER HERE! |
AKC S.T.A.R Puppy graduates!
Dave and 6 month old Boxer Fred just completed the 20 step puppy star program! Very proud of these guys!
More proud parents & graduates!
Carina and Andrew with Phil their 4 month old Labradoodle expected to get to 50lbs! yikes! Another proud moment for us all! Love these guys.
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"Dog Training Isn't Rocket Science....
"but it is based on sound science....and while it may seem simple it' AIN'T easy. My training approach is to keep it all simple, convenient and smart! Typically it takes about 2-4 weeks for a habit to form. Following a thorough evaulation and discussion with you the overall training goals are planned out, exercises are practiced in person and you are supported every step of the way. Understanding body mechanics, the application of training and positive reinforcement - classical conditioning to change states of emotion and operant conditioning. We allow the dog to learn one choice is better than another. Why do we use positive reinforcement when ever possible? ...because increasing studies prove positive reinforcement training is not only significantly more effective and humane, but also results in a much faster learning process for the dog (and human!) .
I am absolutely in love with my job and take it very seriously. Sharing information, educating and brokering resources, strengthening the human-dog bond between my clients and their pets directly translates into one less dog potentially being surrendered to a shelter."
Vivian Zottola, CPDT-KA
AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy Program
AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator
Licensed Presneter Family Paws Parent Education, Dogs & Storks, Baby Connection
Licensed Be A Tree Presenter
Practicing CCPDT Humane Hierarchy
I am absolutely in love with my job and take it very seriously. Sharing information, educating and brokering resources, strengthening the human-dog bond between my clients and their pets directly translates into one less dog potentially being surrendered to a shelter."
Vivian Zottola, CPDT-KA
AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy Program
AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator
Licensed Presneter Family Paws Parent Education, Dogs & Storks, Baby Connection
Licensed Be A Tree Presenter
Practicing CCPDT Humane Hierarchy
Serving: Acton, Arlington, Bedford, Belmont, Boston, Brookline, Burlington, Cambridge, Concord, Framingham, Lexington, Lincoln, Malden, Medford, Newton, Somerville, Sudbury, Waltham, Watertown, Wayland, Wellesley, Weston, Woburn.
Hours: by appointment only
Insured & Bonded Services: Business Insurers of the Carolina's
Business Mailing Address: 202 K Street, Boston, MA 02451
Hours: by appointment only
Insured & Bonded Services: Business Insurers of the Carolina's
Business Mailing Address: 202 K Street, Boston, MA 02451
Educational Content & Training Philosophy
Vivian Zottola’s Human -Dog behavior and communication training is rooted in kindness and current evidence based animal science. Behavior Training Interventions Vivian has designed are ideal for humans and their pets of all -life stages (juvenile, adolescent, adult, geriatric) and breeds regardless if acquired from a commercial, private breeder or through a rescue/shelter. Vivian provides people and their pet companions the opportunity to learn based on the individuals’ (human and animal) unique perception and personal needs. Teaching strategies incorporated may include a mix of structured reward based operant conditioning, desensitization, counter conditioning, response substitution, relaxation and replacement training for both human and pet animal. No aversive (punishment tactics including fear, pain or intimidation) tools, equipment or discipline is used in any of Vivian’s training practice.
Vivian Zottola’s Human -Dog behavior and communication training is rooted in kindness and current evidence based animal science. Behavior Training Interventions Vivian has designed are ideal for humans and their pets of all -life stages (juvenile, adolescent, adult, geriatric) and breeds regardless if acquired from a commercial, private breeder or through a rescue/shelter. Vivian provides people and their pet companions the opportunity to learn based on the individuals’ (human and animal) unique perception and personal needs. Teaching strategies incorporated may include a mix of structured reward based operant conditioning, desensitization, counter conditioning, response substitution, relaxation and replacement training for both human and pet animal. No aversive (punishment tactics including fear, pain or intimidation) tools, equipment or discipline is used in any of Vivian’s training practice.
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