How to Be a 'Good' Dog In a Human-Centered World

Source: Pixabay/Pexels

There's no shortage of recent books on dog behavior, dog training, and dog-human relationships. Among my favorites is dog expert Vivian Zottola's new book, Being a (Good) Dog in The Human's World: Understanding the Psychology of Misbehaving Dogs and Why Yours Cowers, Growls and Bites. In this science- and on-the-ground-based comprehensive guide, Vivian clearly explains how to give dogs the best lives they can enjoy in a human-dominated world. This means developing and maintaining an enduring, mutually respectful, and give-and-take trusting relationship filled with happiness and love. It also requires that we allow dogs to be dogs and engage in dog-appropriate behaviors as much as possible, despite what we might find off-putting, and always use positive, force-free techniques for teaching a dog what they need to learn or unlearn to join a world in which they all too frequently are treated as second-class citizens.

Here's what Vivian had to say about the importance of achieving mutually agreed upon goals for all sorts of dogs including anxious or fearful dogs, how to follow the "nonhuman golden rule," the importance of consent for attaining mutually agreed upon goals, and why the emotional lives of dogs deeply matter.¹

Marc Bekoff: Why did you write Being a (Good) Dog in the Human's World?

Vivian Zottola: I wrote Being a (Good) Dog in the Human's World because, whether working with people and their dogs in a large group setting or one-on-one in the privacy of their homes, I kept encountering the same challenges. These core systemic issues, though faced by different individuals, remained consistently frustrating.

This inspired me to create a book capturing multiple perspectives—the human side, the canine experience, and even my own—while drawing on scientific evidence and personal experiences to provide meaningful solutions. With one foot in academia as a canine research associate at the Center for Canine Behavior Studies (CCBS) and Be BiteSmart, and the other in my practice as a human-dog relationship therapist, I felt uniquely positioned to share what I’ve learned in a way that resonates with readers.

Source: Palmetto Publishing/Used with permission

The bond between humans and dogs is deeply important to me, and I pour so much into my work because I care about fostering that connection. Witnessing people seek "quick fixes" to "stop behavior," only to realize they've misunderstood the underlying problem—sometimes when it's too late—can be incredibly emotionally draining. Heartbreaking decisions, such as rehoming a pet or facing behavioral euthanasia, haunt many trainers and behavior consultants. It's a negative welfare ripple effect, impacting not just dogs but also guardians, veterinary teams, trainers, and other professionals.

Ultimately, I wrote this book to address systemic issues, foster understanding, and help create a better world for dogs and the humans who love them.²

MB: How does your book relate to your background and general interests?

VZ: The book reflects my fascination with interspecies relationships and supporting harmonious coexistence between humans and dogs. Pet ownership is here to stay, and I strive to protect dogs—both inside and outside the home—from abuse. Unfortunately, abuse has been normalized, and I’m hoping others will open their eyes to their surroundings instead of continuing with herd mentality.

MB: Who do you hope to reach?

VZ: I hope to reach anyone involved in the lives of dogs, whether directly or indirectly. This includes dog guardians, trainers, veterinarians, policymakers, educators, and anyone who cares about animal welfare. The book aims to raise awareness about systemic issues affecting dogs and their caregivers, and I’m hopeful it will help to foster empathy and change. It also offers guidance for people who need help. I hope it inspires a diverse audience to rethink their relationships with dogs, advocate for better solutions, and build compassionate communities.

MB: What topics do you address and what are your major messages?

VZ: The book explores the complexities of human-dog relationships, questioning the assumption that our bond is inherently mutually beneficial. Key topics include:

Agency and Consent: Examining how these apply—or fail to apply—in human-dog interactions and their impact on canine well-being.

Attachment Styles and Relationships: Exploring how human and dog attachment styles influence interactions and bond quality.

Behavioral Perspectives: Considering behavior through the lens of each dog's unique umwelt (perception of the world) and life stage while highlighting unnoticed stress signals.

Ownership vs. Guardianship: Analyzing the implications of treating dogs as property versus compassionate guardianship, including challenges of labeling dogs as siblings or family members.

History of Domestication: Investigating how domestication practices have gone astray and continue to affect dogs' lives today through genetically modifying their traits.

Training and Professional Guidance: Highlighting misguided tactics, challenges in the pet professional community, and strategies to find suitable help.

Stakeholder Influence: Addressing roles of stakeholders like guardians, breeders, rescues, trainers, veterinarians, and grooming and other professionals while critiquing systemic issues like commodification and rescue dog recidivism.

The overarching message is that humans need to reevaluate their expectations, practices, and systems to build fair and fulfilling relationships with dogs. Being "good" in a human’s world starts with our understanding dogs' needs on a deeper level.

MB: How does your work differ from that of others in the field?

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VZ: Over the years, I've learned from many talented trainers, engaged in formal studies, and absorbed insights from respected scientists, many of whom are cited in the book. These experiences have profoundly shaped my approach.

There are so many talented behavior consultants and trainers. Truly it is just that I'm assembling and delivering the message a little differently than they are. I think what sets my work apart is my learning experience—a combination of perspectives I bring from training, graduate studies, rescue volunteer work, and roles at organizations like the Center for Canine Behavior Studies. When working with clients, I consider not just the dog's learned history and life stage but also the human factors influencing the relationship. Using an anthrozoological lens, I try to empower people by teaching them realistic, hands-on skills and positive reinforcement techniques to help shift their dogs' emotional states. I call this "Click Therapy" for dogs—like talk therapy for humans but tailored to our pet dog companions.

MB: Do you think that increasing awareness will lead to greater respect for dogs?

VZ: Absolutely, although awareness alone isn’t enough. Real change takes courage. It requires people to examine their habits and attitudes, embrace self-reflection, and remain open to learning. It's not easy admitting we did something wrong which may have hurt someone we love. While we may never really know what a dog thinks because we are humans and not dogs, committing to trying to observe their behaviors without preconceived notions helps us understand the world through a dog’s eyes. When this happens, I’ve seen incredible transformations in relationships between humans and their dogs.