Vivian Zottola - Being a Good Dog in a Human’s World

What does it mean to be a good dog in the human world?In this heartfelt, eye-opening conversation, I’m joined by Vivian Zottola, human-dog relationship therapist, educator, and author, to talk about what it really takes to live in harmony with our dogs. Vivian brings decades of experience (and a deep well of wisdom) to help us shift the way we think about our relationships with our canine companions.We explore what happens when dogs are treated like toys or tools instead of sentient beings, why understanding their perspective changes everything, and how learning to listen to our dogs can make us more compassionate humans too.Whether you live with dogs now or are simply curious about the profound bond between species, this episode will leave you thinking differently about how we relate, not just to our pets, but to each other.💡 A few key takeaways:Why many behavior issues start with misunderstanding, not misbehaviorHow dogs “speak” to us - and how we can learn to listenThe link between learning to understand dogs and becoming more empathetic with peopleThe hidden dangers of treating dogs like siblings or toys, especially around childrenHow Vivian’s work and writing gently guide us back to mutual respect and shared connection💬 A favorite quote from this episode:"Emotionally, we are the same. When we start to understand what our dogs are trying to say, it changes how we see the world - and each other." — Vivian Zottola00:00 Introduction to the Podcast00:24 Meet Our Guest: Vivian00:43 Vivian's Journey with Dogs01:23 The World of Dog Training and Therapy02:29 Collaborations and Further Education06:29 Balancing Work and Personal Life06:54 Understanding Dog Behavior10:40 Promoting Vivian's Book15:19 The Importance of Respecting Dogs20:34 Educational Initiatives for Children23:05 Conclusion and Contact InformationAbout Vivian ZottolaVivian Zottola is a human-dog relationship therapist based near Boston, MA. With over 20 years of experience, she’s earned a stellar reputation among veterinarians, trainers, and clients alike. She holds two Master of Science degrees—in Anthrozoology and Communication Management—plus multiple certifications in canine behavior and training.Vivian is passionate about education, empathy, and building bridges between species. She’s the author of Being A Good Dog In The Human’s World, and the co-creator of BeBiteSmart.org, a series of animated educational resources designed to teach kids respectful, safe ways to interact with dogs. Her upcoming picture book, Cammie, Queen of the Neighborhood Goes to the Moon, explores adaptation, love, and pet loss through the story of a resilient rescue dog.Learn more and subscribe to Vivian’s newsletter to receive a free Dog Stress Response Illustration:👉 https://www.vivianzottola.comFollow Vivian:Instagram: @vivianzottoladogbehaviorFacebook: VivianMZottolaLinkedIn: Vivian ZottolaTwitter: @k9concierge🐾 As always, to find out all about Soul Touched by Dogs, go to https://soultouchedbydogs.com