Today we’d like to introduce you to Vivian Zottola.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Vivian. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
In 2005 I adopted my first dog in decades. I named new puppy Coco and a year later in 2006 adopted two more relatives of Coco. They were named Jimmy Choo and Stella. Goodness my oxytocin levels were off the charts. Held my nose and literally dove right into learning all about the world of the dog. Volunteering for local shelters seemed like the smart way to learn about dogs and it was. It also taught me an even greater lesson about humans and that only through educating us can we help them. I witnessed things that still haunt me to this day but I’ve learned not to judge people because life gets in the way and throws us all curve balls. It was the cries that got to me. That and that most all of the behaviors they were being relinquished for at the time to me seemed trainable. Again and again dogs were being relinquished because of behavior due to training. Right then I made the decision to dedicate my life and change my career. I can still remember the feeling. I was going to help people and their dogs stay together for life. I had no clue what I was doing and there was no one around me to mentor and guide me. So I studied the landscape and became familiar with the dog training industry. Quickly learned barriers to entry are low as it is not a licensed profession. There are no regulations and basically anyone can become a dog trainer. I learned all about the differences in the two dog training styles (those who use pain and force and those who do not) and decided modern, science based positive reinforcement teaching was for me. I chose to become certified through the Council for Certified Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT.org) as they offer the only accredited program and psychoanalytically sound testing. The alternative choice was Karen Pryor Academy however I didn’t have $5000 for the course at the time. So. I read all the required text books listed and, took the many workshops and seminars which would give me access to the canine scientists. I’m such a Dog nerd!
For my practical hands training experience which I needed to track I became an intern with a local AKC club, the New England Dog Training Club and continued my volunteer work with local shelters including the MSPCA and ARL. Then in 2008 I lost my job and found myself competing with others holding Masters Degrees like myself all vying for the same waitress job. The landscape was so brutal back then but at the same time it was great because it forced me to look inside myself and really make the leap from corporate America to the world of the dog! My heart told me what I already knew when it came to dogs, I belonged working with them and their people. So in 2009 after countless efforts with trying to find a job I decided instead to start my own pet care service business. It would support my canine education. Over the years I’ve employed some amazing people, completed numerous certifications in training and behavior consulting and participated in some amazing experiences training different species including wolves, fox, coyote and bison.
Has it been a smooth road?
No the journey hasn’t really been a smooth one but that’s okay since it has helped me learn and improve upon my service which in turn helps the dog from being surrendered and instead living with their guardian for life.. I have to say it was very challenging over the years to manage three services at the same time. For a few years I was managing eight dog walking employees, a groomer and my dog training clients while working on continuing education (a requirement for my certifications). Have to say the most challenging aspect was sticking to my personal values and promise to educate people using scientific evidence even if it meant losing income. I decided to incorporate a policy that was aimed at educating people about alternative training methods and to help protect the dogs. Realizing many of my clients were using walking equipment that relied on pain to manage their dogs I incorporated a humane hierarchy requesting clients use only humane equipment namely a harness to manage their dogs on walks.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Boston K9 Concierge & Dog Behavior Consulting Services – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
My business has evolved over the years from offering dog walking and training walks to then specializing in behavior as I continued my education. I’m now focusing exclusively on dog training. As a Certified Professional Dog Trainer and Behavior Specialist my dog training services are designed to help prevent problem behaviors from developing in young dogs and resolving problem behaviors in adolescent, adult and senior dogs. I’m known for teaching people the ever so subtle communication and emotional nuances of dog language and have developed a unique and successful behavior modification training program that often times relies on collaborating with veterinarians. The programs I provide are for a wide range of pet dog and human relationship issues, including reactivity and aggression due to fear, anxiety and stress. In addition to providing Behavior Modification Training and structured obedience training for people and their dogs of all breeds and ages I offer customized programs and presentations for children in schools and dog friendly workplace environments. I’m most proud of helping dogs and their family stay together. Can’t help them all but I have helped quite a few. What sets me apart is my dedication to continue learning and staying on top of the ever changing science and new discovers in the dog world.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I’ve been living in Boston for over 30 years now and have seen it change quite a bit however the feeling has stayed the same as when I first moved here from the Waltham burbs. Love at first sight and a feeling of comfort. I still smile every time I get onto Storrow and look over at the water with the sailboats tilting. I adore the old world charm of Beacon Hill and walking through Commonwealth Ave and Back Bay. Arghhh the traffic has to be the least thing I like about the city. It has become ridiculous but at least I can listen to NPR.
Contact Info:
- Address: Boston K9 Concierge LLC
Dog Behavior and Consulting Services
202 K Street
South Boston, MA 02127 - Website: www.bostonk9concierge.com
- Phone: 6174641005
- Email: info@bostonk9concierge.com
- Instagram: Boston K9 Concierge
- Facebook: facebook.com/bostonk9concierge
- Twitter: @k9concierge
Image Credit:
Bostonk9concierge
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