A Trusted Professional Recommended By Veterinarians 
​Back Bay Veterinary Clinic, Boston Veterinary Clinic, Porter Square Veterinarian, Small Door Vet, VCA Wakefield Animal Hospital

Published work

House & Hound articles

Links to article here
Premier Issue: Article Home Is Where The Dog Is
Wellness Issue: Stress in the City
Travel Issue: Travel With Fido: The Pros & Cons

Adopt A Pet articles

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​Adopt A Pet.com  is an online platform that brings people and homeless pet dogs together.  I write for them because I believe in their mission, to provide information and resources to guardians so to support a successful and long lasting relationship: 

2HoundsDesign article

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For many dogs, a mix of frequent short and long walks means a happy, satisfied and quiet dog. If you're struggling and need help "in the moment" or want to plan some training in at some point read an article I wrote for 2HoundsDesign. Read all about it in this article I wrote for their online blog here

Interviews

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​How should guardians (dog owners) handle their dog's aggressive behavior? Can aggressive dogs be rehabilitated...or..is there no choice but to put them down when aggression rears its ugly head? These and other questions were discussed by me and other respected pet professionals in this article written by Emily Anthes, Science writer at the New York Times. This is not open access unfortunately. The online link is subscription based
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 Dr Marc Bekoff interviews me about my role as a canine behavior trainer and the special training needs rescue and research lab dogs require after being adopted.

Link here ​https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/animal-emotions/201903/what-do-dogs-rescued-research-laboratories-really-need

Bark (Wildest)

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The Bark (Now the Wildest online publication. Links coming soon) All articles below were written and published in 2020
  • The Human Animal bond: Easing Anxiety for Our Dog & Ourselves
  • The Human Animal Bond: Use Technology to Maintain Social Connection
  • The Human Animal Bond: Keeping Our Dogs Clean
  • The Human Animal Bond: Dogs at Home
The Bark (now published as The Wildest)

Animated educational videos for children  & Coloring Books for children

Below is the first in a series of animated video lessons I helped produce with Dr. Dodman and the team at the Center for Canine Behavior Studies, a non profit organization I've been affiliated with since 2017.  CLICK HERE to earn more about our educational initiative Be BiteSmart at DogStudies.org and if you're interested in sponsoring a video let us know! You can learn more about our sponsorship program at BeBiteSmart.org.  The first animated video lesson and accompanying coloring book is free to share and intended for children between 3-5 years and their parents or guardians. Get yours here or at Be BiteSmart.org. 

Scientific Journals
In 2017 I joined Center for Canine Behavior Studies as a volunteer research associate.  See published papers I co authored with colleagues below.

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Published in Animals, 2021; An Investigation into the Impact of Pre Adolescent Training on Canine Behavior. Often, particularly with rescue, puppies don’t reach their final destination until they are close to six months given the process of rescue, foster, and transport. Further, some breeders prefer to place puppies closer to twelve weeks than eight. Are dogs who find their homes after those twelve weeks – and thus start training later at greater risk for less successful long-term results? Click the highlight link to read the simplified version of the paper (The Puppy Training Study) where you’ll also find links to the original paper in published journal

Published in Journal of Veterinary Behavior, 2021; An Investigation into Treatments for Canine Aggression . So often, those of us who adopt dogs are unaware of the history of our new companion. As such, some dogs may display challenging behaviors because of negative prior experiences, and as dog owners, sometimes we feel at a loss to correct such issues. One particularly disturbing trait is that of aggression – and often, if not managed properly, leads to dogs being returned to shelters, and ultimately euthanasia. In a 2021 study conducted we asked the question of how owners address canine aggression, and the outcomes of these choices was investigated. Click on the link to read a simplified version of the study

Published in Animals, 2022; Selection Factors Influencing Eventual Owner Satisfaction about Pet Dog Adoption. Many adopters of dogs, either from shelters or breeders, set out with certain selection criteria in mind. The question is, how do these preferences affect ultimate satisfaction with their new acquisition? Are people satisfied with their new pet and does it match up to their requirements or preferences? Click the link above to read the simplified version of the paper

Published in the Journal of Veterinary Behavior, 2022; An Investigation into the Effectiveness of Various Professionals and Behavior Modification Programs, With or Without Medication, for the Treatment of Canine Fears,” This paper seeks to provide guidance to dog owners dealing with fear and anxiety-based conditions exhibited by their dogs. Unlike most prior studies in this field which tend to be very specifically targeted toward the veterinary community, this study was designed to help dog owners determine which course of action might provide the most positive outcome for their respective canine. Additionally, the article provides a reasonable expectation of improvement that one might see. Click the highlighted link to read the simplified version (The Fear & Anxiety Study) of the paper where you’ll also find links to the published journal 

The love and bond we share with our four legged friends is indescribable - we share no words only feelings of trust. We love without limits and become disappointed when our relationship goes sideways. I met these babies pictured here in 2006 while volunteering  for a local rescue and all the while wondered why. It was this day I decided to dedicate my life to helping humans learn more about dogs. When we know more we further strengthen our connection and safeguard a brighter, more compassionate life together.
​Vivian Zottola