Vivian Zottola, MSc
Author and Human-Dog Relationship Therapist
Walking two worlds: Exploring the heart and science behind our journey with dogs
Notable Reviews
Dedication. Expertise. Passion.
I'm honored to share reflections about my book Being A Good Dog In The Human's World from respected ethologists, veterinarians, acclaimed dog trainers, and dedicated animal welfare advocates who bring decades of experience and heart to their work. Their thoughtful reviews offer insight into how this book resonates within the fields of behavioral science, compassionate care, and advocacy. These voices reflect a shared commitment to humane training and emotional wellness—for dogs and the people who love them.
Veterinary-Approved: A New Standard in Understanding Dogs
As a veterinarian who has worked with countless dogs of all breeds and temperaments and seen my fair share of challenging behavior cases I can confidently say that “Being A (Good) Dog In The Human’s World” is an invaluable resource for any dog owner. This book goes beyond basic obedience training—it focuses on understanding your dog's behavior, building a strong bond, and addressing the root causes of problem behaviors all while fostering the human-dog relationship. Vivian eloquently discusses how these methods are not only effective but also grounded in a deep respect for the emotional and physical well-being of the dog. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking to foster a happier, healthier relationship with their furry companion."
Dr Brian Bourquin
Co-Founder Boston Veterinary Clinic
Vivian Shifts the Paradigm of Behavior Training with this Book
Being a Good Dog in the Human’s World is a thoughtful and compassionate guide that challenges our perceptions of dogs, the roles we expect them to fulfill, and how we treat them. Drawing on scientific insights, real-world experiences, and empathy, Vivian Zottola encourages readers to view undesired behavior not as a problem to be fixed, but as communication that we need to understand. This book goes beyond obedience training to offer a practical framework for developing relationships rooted in trust, consent, and emotional well-being. Vivian doesn’t just explain dog behavior; she is reshaping our approach to behavior change. The outcome is a humane, thoughtful, and transformative path toward helping dogs feel safe, understood, and genuinely able to thrive in our world. Whether you’re a trainer, a shelter worker, or simply someone who shares your life with a dog, this book will change your perspective on dogs.
Bradley Phifer, CBCC-KA, CPDT-KSA
Executive Director, Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers
A Must-Read for Dog Owners and Trainers Alike.
I found reading "Being a Good Dog in the Human's World " to be a joy. This book is a fantastic read for anyone who shares their lives, homes, and/or careers with dogs. Vivian is able to discuss complicated topics and help the reader understand them easily. Her openness in sharing her own experiences helps bring light to how we as dog people influence and interact with dog behavior. It is this unique perspective in her book of how dogs perceive our world that will help many people, owners and dog trainers alike, understand how to better the lives of our dogs living in a human centered environment.
Dot Baisly, MS, CDBC, CCBC, CSBS
Executive Director
International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants
This Book Is An Essential Read
"I absolutely love Being A Good Dog In The Human’s World! Vivian Zottola’s thoughtful approach and deep expertise make this book an invaluable resource for pet parents. Every chapter provides science-backed strategies and heartwarming wisdom that help dogs flourish in our world. If you're looking for guidance rooted in trust, cooperation, and positivity, this book is an essential read!"
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Mikkel Becker
FearFree's Lead Animal Trainer
Interviews
"Among my favorite new books is dog expert Vivian Zottola's new book, "Being A Good Dog In The Human's World. With her new book, Vivian Zottola hopes to help give dogs their best lives in a human-dominated world. She stresses the importance of using only positive, force-free teaching methods. Both the dogs' and humans' points of view are given serious consideration." - Marc Bekoff, PhD
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Read the interview in Marc's column Animal Behavior Psychology Today
A Must Read For Anyone Living Or Working With Dogs
Michael Shikashio, CDBC
Founder and CEO - AggressiveDog.com
Vivian Zottola’s Being a Good Dog in the Human’s World is a compassionate, insightful, and refreshingly honest look at what it truly means to share life with dogs—not just manage them. It goes far beyond surface-level behavior advice and invites us to examine how our expectations, environments, and choices shape the dogs in our care.
What I appreciate most is that this isn’t a book about “fixing” dogs. It’s about understanding them, listening to what they’re trying to communicate, and doing better by them. Zottola brings her background in applied anthrozoology and behavior consulting to life through real-world stories that feel relatable, even for seasoned professionals. She doesn’t shy away from tough topics like aggression, growling, or biting—but handles them with nuance and empathy, not fear or blame.
This book is especially valuable for those of us in the dog training or behavior space who want to reflect on how our own behavior, language, and cultural norms affect the dogs we’re trying to help. It’s also completely accessible to dog guardians who are looking for more than “quick fixes”—people who truly want to understand their dogs and build a stronger relationship based on mutual respect and emotional safety.
Whether you’re a behavior professional or a dedicated dog guardian, this book is a thoughtful reminder that being a “good dog” in a human world is often a much taller order than we realize—and that it’s on us to make that world more livable for them.
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Michael Shikashio, CDBC
Founder and CEO - AggressiveDog.com
Web: AggressiveDog.com