Professional Associations & Memberships

• CBCC‑KA – Certified Behavior Consultant Canine – Knowledge Assessed

• CPDT‑KA – Certified Professional Dog Trainer – Knowledge Assessed

• CSAT – Certified Separation Anxiety Trainer

• Fear Free® Certified Professional

• Family Paws Parent Education Program – PROFILE Certified

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Advanced Training

• Living and Learning with Animals Certification with Dr. Susan Friedman

• Veterinary Case‑Based Approach to Applied Clinical Behavioral Medicine with Dr. Karen Overall

• The Professional Course in Positive Neuroplasticity with Dr. Rick Hanson

 

Professional Memberships

• AVSAB Member (American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior)

• IAABC Supporting Member (International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants)

• APDT Member (Association of Professional Dog Trainers)

• ScienceMatters Member

• Animal Behavior Society Member

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Education

Suffolk University, Bachelor of Science 1992

Canisius University Master of Science, Applied Anthrozoology (2018–2020)

Simmons University, Master of Science, Communication Management (1999–2001)

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Professional Experience​

Boston K9 Concierge LLC — Founder 2009–Present

• Developed and managed a full-service pet care business; transitioned to sole practitioner exclusively working behavior modification services in 2015

• Provides in-home and virtual training programs focused on emotional safety and sustainable change for dogs experiencing fear, anxiety and aggressive behaviors

• Designed collaborative data analytical tools for trainers, guardians, and veterinarians

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Center for Canine Behavior Studies, Inc. — Research Associate & Volunteer Contributor 2016–Present

• Coauthor of four peer-reviewed scientific papers (see list below)

• Analyze canine behavior videos for research and educational purposes

• Co-developer and lesson author for BeBiteSmart™, including storyline and character development for animated bite prevention resources

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Click Therapy for Dogs and The People Who Love Them — Podcaster 2024–Present

• Hosts emotionally attuned conversations on canine behavior, attachment, and caregiver support

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Author & Freelance Writer 2016–Present

• Published in AdoptApet, House and Hound Lifestyle Magazine, The Bark

• Titles released (2025) on all major U.S. and International platforms

  • Being a Good Dog in the Human’s World a 2025 BIBA® Award recipient

  • Being a Good Dog Companion Workbook

  • Cammie, Queen of the Neighborhood, Goes to the Moon (Children’s Book)

 

First Capital Mortgage Group — Office Manager 2002–2009

• Oversaw business operations and e-marketing campaigns

• Produced educational newsletters and client communications

 

The Boston Consulting Group — Office Manager 1993–1998

• Supported Knowledge Management and IT teams

• Helped develop and manage global intranet homepages

 

Peer-Reviewed Publications by Vivian Zottola

1. An investigation into the effectiveness of various professionals and behavior modification programs, with or without medication, for the treatment of canine aggression
   Dinwoodie, I.R., Zottola, V., Dodman, N.H. (2021)
   Journal of Veterinary Behavior
   Read on ScienceDirect
    

2. Demographics and comorbidity of behavior problems in dogs
   Dinwoodie, I.R., Dwyer, B., Zottola, V., Gleason, D., Dodman, N.H. (2019)
   Journal of Veterinary Behavior
   Read on ScienceDirect
    

3. Selection Factors Influencing Eventual Owner Satisfaction about Pet Dog Adoption
   Dinwoodie, I.R., Zottola, V., Kubitz, K., Dodman, N.H. (2022)
   Animals (MDPI)
   Read on MDPI
    

4. An investigation into the impact of pre-adolescent training on canine behavior
   Dinwoodie, I.R., Zottola, V., Dodman, N.H. (2021)
   Animals (MDPI)
   Read on MDPI
    

Interests

• Writing & Creative Development

• Neuroscience & Behavior Research

• Gastronomy & Culinary Arts

• Visual Arts & Design

• Meditation & Mindfulness Practices