FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions):
Vivian Zottola, MSc, CBCC | 617.721.8025
A Trusted Professional Recommended By Veterinarians
Back Bay Veterinary Clinic, Boston Veterinary Clinic, Porter Square Veterinarian, Small Door Vets, VCA Wakefield Animal Hospital,
Can most behavior issues in dogs be cured or fixed?
Behavior is in part genetic and environmental depending on how an individual is raised and what they are (and are not) exposed to. It relies on clear communication. Learning to improve unwanted behaviors takes time and depends on so many factors including the dogs age, their learning history, the guardians willingness to be patient, consistent and accountable to the work. Some behaviors tease out quickly once an understanding of expectations and clear communication is established between the dog and their person. Other more serious behaviors including fear, separation anxiety, compulsive behaviors and phobias (irrational fears) take more time and often rely on behavior medication which may be prescribed short or longer term depending on the veterinarian managing the relationship. I will never guarantee behavior change however many people I've worked with have experienced great promise and joy at the changes they and their dog friends have developed.
Does it matter who I hire to train my dog?
That would be a big YES! Absolutely it really matters to you and your dog's ability to live together harmoniously. Often people think they can "outsource" training and by that I mean send their dogs off to school to learn - you've heard of bootcamps haven't you? If not, they are trainers who offer board and training. The problem with this long term is it often fails because the fundamental process of "dog training" is learning to communicate with your dog. Successful communication relies on relaying understandable information from a sender to a receiver who both speak the same language. In the case between dogs and humans, dogs do not use language the same way we do. Many of these establishments rely on some form of intentional fear and punishment which is never necessary when teaching dogs and other animals. In the end you are "trained" to use the same methods only further causing distrust between you and your dog. So, yes it does matter who you hire as you are learning as much as your dog.
It can be overwhelming for the dog owning public to find help for their furry companions. Navigating the landscape is difficult because there it is not a regulated profession. And when it comes to those who are "credentialled" from an organization it matters who's doing the teaching. Even when you land in the right zone working with reward centered trainers, there are so many different types of trainers. People needing help for their dog may seek advice from friends, family members, breeders, veterinarians, or browse the internet. However, the information available can be confusing and contradictory, leading people to make the wrong decisions on where to find help. While everyone should have the choice to hire a professional, they want to work with, not all professionals are equally educated and informed. Many for example lack knowledge in animal behavior and learning theory which must be applied when evaluating behaviors. There's a real risk of hiring the wrong professional and adopting inaccurate and harmful information that could cause distress. Even worse, there's a risk of learning and applying unintentional harm to your pet leading to normalizing abusive behavior so to manage your pet dog. This could result in the learner (dog) developing aggressive and even phobic tendencies leading to biting.
We are seeing signs of the dog training profession moving towards standardization and even regulation, to ensure that all professionals adhere to humane standards of care and ethical guidelines. Moving toward regulating the profession where standards of care and humane training protocols are adhered will take time. Meanwhile, its essential you are informed so to make the right decisions when hiring a professional. Below at the end of this list of FAQ you'll find a downloadable description of each pet professional working, their role and how they can better serve you and your pet companion. Click here the dog training position statement published by www.AVSAB.org.
It can be overwhelming for the dog owning public to find help for their furry companions. Navigating the landscape is difficult because there it is not a regulated profession. And when it comes to those who are "credentialled" from an organization it matters who's doing the teaching. Even when you land in the right zone working with reward centered trainers, there are so many different types of trainers. People needing help for their dog may seek advice from friends, family members, breeders, veterinarians, or browse the internet. However, the information available can be confusing and contradictory, leading people to make the wrong decisions on where to find help. While everyone should have the choice to hire a professional, they want to work with, not all professionals are equally educated and informed. Many for example lack knowledge in animal behavior and learning theory which must be applied when evaluating behaviors. There's a real risk of hiring the wrong professional and adopting inaccurate and harmful information that could cause distress. Even worse, there's a risk of learning and applying unintentional harm to your pet leading to normalizing abusive behavior so to manage your pet dog. This could result in the learner (dog) developing aggressive and even phobic tendencies leading to biting.
We are seeing signs of the dog training profession moving towards standardization and even regulation, to ensure that all professionals adhere to humane standards of care and ethical guidelines. Moving toward regulating the profession where standards of care and humane training protocols are adhered will take time. Meanwhile, its essential you are informed so to make the right decisions when hiring a professional. Below at the end of this list of FAQ you'll find a downloadable description of each pet professional working, their role and how they can better serve you and your pet companion. Click here the dog training position statement published by www.AVSAB.org.
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What do all those letters after your name mean?
- MSc, masters of science. I have earned a degree in applied anthrozoology which is a critical study of the interactions and relationships between human and nonhuman animals. Anthrozoology spans the humanities and the social, behavioral, and biomedical sciences. I have also earned a masters of science in communication management.
- CCBC, certified consultant behavior canine
- CPDT, certified professional dog trainer
- CSAT, certified separation anxiety trainer
- FFPC, fear free pet certified
What do you do? What's your professional role?
I am considered a "dog therapist/dog psychologist" and am referred by veterinarians in my community as well as other satisfied clients. As a psychologist for dogs I lean on my knowledge and technical experience in applied behavior modification training to help shift and change emotions in dogs. Some of my work is technical but not difficult to teach guardians. It just requires an investment of time to learn. In many cases I also combine aromatherapy, play therapy and relaxation protocols where applicable.
Since I work with both people and dogs to improve relationships, I call myself a "human animal relationship therapist" and have been working in this capacity for over ten years. I started learning more about dogs because of my love for my own dogs. This led me to volunteer for local rescue and shelters in the Boston, MA area and later opened my own pet services business managing a staff of 15 people. Over time I pursued certifications in dog training, small animal aromatherapy, animal behavior and then went on to pursue a graduate degree while also researching dogs and people for a non profit organization. I've worked with well over 700 behavior cases over the years and, completed extensive technical small animal behavior clinical training work and practical dog training. I've earned two graduate degrees one in Anthrozoology, and the other communication management. As a research associate with the Center for Canine Behavior Studies (CCBS) cofounded by Dr. Nicholas Dodman, I have co authored multiple peer reviewed published papers. Topics range from treatments for aggression in dogs, the impact of puppy training on long term behavior and owner satisfaction in adopted dogs. Presently I continue to consult with the CCBS team on educational materials to help reduce dog bites to children. I also produce a Podcast and write for various online publications and blogs.
Since I work with both people and dogs to improve relationships, I call myself a "human animal relationship therapist" and have been working in this capacity for over ten years. I started learning more about dogs because of my love for my own dogs. This led me to volunteer for local rescue and shelters in the Boston, MA area and later opened my own pet services business managing a staff of 15 people. Over time I pursued certifications in dog training, small animal aromatherapy, animal behavior and then went on to pursue a graduate degree while also researching dogs and people for a non profit organization. I've worked with well over 700 behavior cases over the years and, completed extensive technical small animal behavior clinical training work and practical dog training. I've earned two graduate degrees one in Anthrozoology, and the other communication management. As a research associate with the Center for Canine Behavior Studies (CCBS) cofounded by Dr. Nicholas Dodman, I have co authored multiple peer reviewed published papers. Topics range from treatments for aggression in dogs, the impact of puppy training on long term behavior and owner satisfaction in adopted dogs. Presently I continue to consult with the CCBS team on educational materials to help reduce dog bites to children. I also produce a Podcast and write for various online publications and blogs.
Do you work with veterinarians?
Yes, a majority of my clients are referrals from veterinarians and from previous clients. When necessary I collaborate with veterinarians to provide them my assessment and identify if behavior medication is necessary to help successfully support a treatment plan. I keep the veterinarian informed of assessments and behavior modification plans and protocols being used.
What services do you offer?
I offer a range of teaching programs depending on what people need. They can buy a training course and work with their dogs on their own or hire me to help. My training programs are designed to work with people and their dogs and include a basic 4 week puppy training that runs consecutively in home for 30 days and longer in home 90 day engagements to help rehabilitate dogs and tease out behaviors. All my training programs involve elements of self paced learning concepts and hands on training in person with people and their dogs from puppy training to more complex Behavior Modification Training programs are designed to help people improve their management, and understanding of dogs while the dog improves their own behaviors stemming from fear, anxiety, stress and aggression. See the Service Offering and drop down sections for more details and pricing.
Do you have social media accounts?
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Yes, the links to my social media account links to Instagram, Linked In, FaceBook, X, are are to the right. I offer lots of free educational material to the public on my Instagram account @vivianzottoladogbehavior and my YouTube Account @bostonk9concierge
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What areas do you service?
Acton, Arlington, Bedford, Belmont, Boston, Brookline, Burlington, Cambridge, Concord, Framingham, Lexington, Lincoln, Malden, Medford, Newton, Somerville, Sudbury, Waltham, Watertown, Wayland, Wellesley, Weston, Woburn.
Do you train people with young puppy and adolescent dogs?
Yes! I love working with all stages of dogs (and their people) and offer programs to help guardians reduce the risk of developing problematic behaviors.
Can I hire you for one or two training lessons?
Unfortunately no. Learning behaviors and forming new habits takes time and requires consistent repetitive practice. While I do offer 30 day training programs, generally it takes 90-120 days to form new habits. Learning requires one the freedom to make mistakes and learn from them without stress. I offer hourly services only to graduated clients.
Do you use shock, prong or choke collars?
No. Experienced and knowledgeable dog professionals like myself do not use these equipment as they are ineffective and inhumane. Many of my clients were referred to me because of the behavioral/psychological harm caused by these equipment. Instead I teach people a structured communication system that involves learning soft skills and technical skills. We now use the same psychology that we use with non verbal children that is to inform the learner when they do something or act in a way we like and if they have problem solved correctly.
How long have you been dog training?
I've been training dogs since 2005 and in 2013 earned my first dog training certification through the Counsel of Certified Professional Dog Trainers
What are your dog related certifications?
Non Human Animals
Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers®
Applied Clinical Behavioral Medicine NAVC Institute with Dr. Karen Overall, FL May 2017, May 2018
Applied Behavior Analysis Course Living & Learning with Animals, with Dr. Susan Friedman 2013, 2015
Fear Free Pet Certified Professional 2019
Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers®
- Certified Behavior Consultant Canine (CBCC-KA #1133159) earned in 2015
- Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA #1133159), 2013
- Certified Separation Anxiety Trainer, (CSAT) completed 2015
Applied Clinical Behavioral Medicine NAVC Institute with Dr. Karen Overall, FL May 2017, May 2018
Applied Behavior Analysis Course Living & Learning with Animals, with Dr. Susan Friedman 2013, 2015
Fear Free Pet Certified Professional 2019
Have you studied human psychology?
Yes. In my graduate work at Canisus University I studied the psychology of human animal relations and in 2022 I earned a certification, Professional Course in Positive Neuroplasticity with Dr. Rick Hansen. The program included 18 hours of online theoretical and experimental work using exercises, presentations, discussions, home study and reading.
What degrees do you hold?
Undergraduate in Economics, Masters of Science in Communication Management, Masters of Science in Anthrozoology
What is your role at the Center for Canine Behavior Studies, Inc (CCBS)?
In 2018 I joined the Center for Canine Behavior Studies, Inc. (CCBS) a nonprofit public 501(c)(3) organization. CCBS is dedicated to the study and research of human-canine behavior in order to find solutions to behavior problems that help keep dogs in their forever homes. From inception, my role has fluctuated depending on the project. As a volunteer (working for no pay) I work on various projects from assisting the team with conducting research for various studies, meeting with statisticians and Dr. Dodman to flush out data, write study paper introductions citing references, analyzing and interpreting video recordings of dog dog and dog human engagements, working with production teams to develop story lines and character development for video animation lessons designed for children, and of course marketing and promoting efforts including outreach for content distribution. Since 2021, I have co authored four peer reviewed studies published in esteemed journals with the team and continue to provide content monthly to the CCBS newsletter with over 20,000 subscribers.
Do you get paid for the work you do with CCBS?
No, not monetary payment however the gains I receive include knowledge and credit for authoring peer reviewed published papers I've worked on.
How many behavior related clients have you worked on?
Over 900 maybe more, I've lost count and am working on collecting and analyzing the data I have including the different cases I've worked on over the years.
What are the differences in medical and training roles for the pet professional industry ?
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