Vivian Zottola, MSc
Author - Human-Dog Relationship Therapist
Walking two worlds: Exploring the heart and science behind our journey with dogs
Reflection Workbook
Whether you're actively participating in behavior modification training with a professional or exploring on your own, this reflection tool is a resource that offers space for structured observation, thoughtful reflection, and personal discovery as you deepen your understanding of your dog’s emotional and behavioral needs.​ This reflection tool can standalone—empowering you to recognize patterns, build trust, and strengthen the relationship you share with your dog through curiosity and compassion.
For educational and informational purposes only. The book is not intended to diagnose, treat, or replace professional veterinary or behavioral consultation.
​​​​​
Table of Contents
Canine Behavior Reflection Workbook
​
1. How to Use This Workbook
Your quick-start guide
Learn how to navigate the workbook and integrate it into your day-to-day. Whether you're tracking individual incidents or reflecting over time, this section gives you the structure to begin.
​
2. Understanding Dog Stress
Listening before they bark
Explore key behavioral signs that reveal your dog’s emotional state. Illustrated examples help you spot early signs of discomfort or overwhelm before escalation occurs.
​
3. Learning History & Developmental Stages
Where behavior begins
Reflect on your dog’s past experiences and the impact of critical periods—from puppyhood through senior years. Prompts help uncover how learning has shaped your dog’s present-day responses.
​
4. Behavioral Timeline Tool
Track experiences that matter
Chart positive, neutral, or stressful experiences across your dog’s lifespan. This timeline helps you make connections between past patterns and current behavior.
​
5. The ABC Toolkit: Antecedent–Behavior–Consequence & The BMod Framework
Behavior, decoded
Learn to analyze behavior using the ABC model. Discover how setting, triggers, your dog’s response, and your reaction shape the likelihood of a behavior recurring.
​
6. 12 Week Learning Prompts & Reflections
Guardian + Canine Prompts
Where perspective meets behavior
Structured space to reflect on real-time behavioral events over a 90 Day Period. For each week; Emotional and situational prompts for guardians, Life-stage tailored prompts for dogs, Companion entries for both human and canine insight.
​
Body Language Checklist & Training Guide
A quick-reference visual guide to common canine signals and thoughtful, positive training support based on your dog’s stress level and body language.
​
12-Week Guided Reflections
Building insight through consistency
Twelve structured, fillable pages for weekly reflection. Each week gives space to track emotional tone, progress, setbacks, and new strategies.
​
7. Resources for Continued Learning
Recommended books, organizations, podcasts, and evidence-based websites to support your ongoing journey in behavior understanding and advocacy.