Boston, MA
Vivian Zottola, MSc, is an applied anthrozoologist and human-canine relationship therapist. She operates a private practice focused on preventing and resolving conflicts between humans and dogs of all ages and breeds. Vivian offers online educational services to veterinary clinics, their staff, and clients.
She provides 'click therapy for dogs,' using various LIMA training strategies to communicate desired behaviors and manage expectations between dogs and their owners. She has worked with numerous dogs and their owners to successfully improve their lives. In cases where training individuals suffering from fear, anxiety, and stress has proven challenging, she collaborates with veterinarians, CAABs, and veterinary behaviorists to help dogs improve their learning potential.
Vivian resides in Waltham, MA, with her husband, 92-year-old mother, rescue dog George, and cat Nino. She serves clients in Boston and the Metro West area of Massachusetts in person and also offers online behavior training, educational, and consultational services by appointment only.
In addition to behavior training and consulting services, Vivian is a subject matter expert and volunteer for the nonprofit Center for Canine Behavior Studies, Inc., a 501(c)(3) organization. She assists the team by providing unique insights and designing human-canine related studies. Vivian has coauthored peer-reviewed published studies with world-renowned veterinary behaviorist Dr. Nicholas Dodman, DACVB, and Tufts Cummings School statistician Ian Dinwoodie.
Vivian holds a master of science (MSc) degree in applied anthrozoology from Canisius College, an MSc in communication management from Simmons College, and an undergraduate degree in economics from Suffolk University. She established Boston K9 Concierge LLC in 2009, providing pet services and managing a staff of 10 assistants.
Vivian is a Certified Behavior Consultant Canine, Certified Separation Anxiety Trainer, Certified Professional Dog Trainer, FearFreePets Certified Animal Trainer. She has successfully completed the Case-Based Approach to Applied Clinical Behavioral Medicine course, led by vet behaviorist Dr. Karen Overall PhD, DACVB, and received a certificate of excellence for completing 'Living and Learning with Animals,' a comprehensive course focusing on Functional and Applied Behavior Analysis applied to animals.
For more information, please visit the website or contact [email protected].
We've got the answers for your questions
Seriously, if you have any questions about training your dog, we have the answers.
We have created a directory of licensed dog trainers specializing in positive reinforcement methods. These trainers are not affiliated with Dogo, and all information is gathered from publicly available sources. Each profile provides a brief overview of the trainer's experience and expertise.
Start by evaluating your dog's needs and identifying your training objectives. Each trainer's profile provides insights into their areas of expertise. Match these with your dog's character and your goals to find the ideal fit.
All trainers listed here are certified professionals with extensive knowledge of positive reinforcement techniques.
Positive reinforcement centers on rewarding preferred behaviors, ensuring a pleasant learning journey for your dog. This humane approach is scientifically proven to be the most effective long-term training method, strengthening the bond between you and your pet. By consistently rewarding good behavior, your dog learns to associate actions with positive outcomes, leading to lasting improvements and a happier companion.
Yes, they are. Our trainers are adept in basic obedience or intricate behavioral challenges. Browse their profiles to identify a trainer who specializes in the particular issues you wish to address.
Simply click on the preferred trainer's profile to access their contact details. From there, you can get in touch to discuss your requirements and set up training appointments.
Group sessions offer a communal setting where your dog learns general obedience alongside other dogs. In contrast, private sessions grant focused attention, making them perfect for targeted behavior modifications or individualized training agendas.
All our trainers are committed to positive reinforcement techniques and steer clear of any harsh or punitive methods. Their primary goal is to make training a joyous journey for you and your dog.
Results depend on factors like your dog's nature, the specific behaviors in question, and your training consistency. While many clients observe improvements in just a few sessions, it's crucial to be patient and persistent.
Reach out to the trainer you're interested in to discuss possibly attending a session. It's a great way to get a feel for their approach and see if it aligns with your expectations.
