Through the years, many people have told me that their dogs chose them. That's my story too. My partner brought a puppy home and, though he was our dog, he ended up being, my dog. Szap led me to my life's work. There is nothing more important to me than to help people to understand their dogs.
Upon Szap's passing on December 4, 2010 at three weeks shy of 16 years of age, a friend wrote this to me: 'You and Szap had something so special together. Honest, more than most of us will ever have. You had a symbiotic relationship and a bond that went beyond love'. Those were words to hold on in what proved to the darkest days of my life. Letting him go was the hardest thing I have ever had to do.
While he was not my first dog, he was THE dog, my heart dog. Szap was and still is my greatest teacher. Everything I have come to really know about dogs, I learned in his presence.
After taking several classes and then volunteering as an assistant trainer at the Angell MSPCA in 1995 and 1996, Szap and I went on to explore the world of dog training. I accomplished what I set out to-- to experience dog training methods new and old, first-hand. I settled with what I started with as my preferred base- positive, humane, science-based training. In the years since I've tweaked things and made it my own 'method'.
Since we choose to share our lives with dogs, we who must consider life from a dog's point of view. In renaming my business in 2008, a client I was working with suggested that a I not try to think of a name but that something would just come to me. Moments later it did when I told her to move so to allow her puppy to step up alongside her into 'heel', what I have referred to for years as the position of cooperation! Dogs 'get it' when we work with them and not against them.
My work is largely that of clearing up the confusion people have about dogs, dog behavior, dog training and behavior modification. I do not subscribe to the idea of domination or the use of force in teaching dogs how to live with people. I teach owners to accurately interpret their dog's body language and respond in a manner that allows for cooperation rather than conflict. Clear communication is essential to develop and maintain healthy relationships with dogs too. It is also important to realize that, as author Jean Donaldson wrote, 'dogs are obedient only to the laws of learning'--that is, they're not trying to take over the world.
Dogs have alot to teach us. They're in the fabric of our lives. Each dog is a new journey. Hawk, my deaf Aussie x Border Collie, is with me now. It's a new day every day. There's beauty in every moment.
Call me anytime at 617-803-4086 and leave a message. If I don't answer, I'll call you back as soon as possible. You can also email me Vera@CooperativeDog.com.
I look forward to meeting you.
Bio in brief:
The Cooperative Dog, formerly The Pet Needs Company, was founded in 1996 as a full-time, full-service dog training & behavior consulting business serving Boston, Greater Boston and the Metro West Area of Eastern Massachusetts. I teach dog training classes in Brookline, Wellesley and Revere. I have made in home visits all over Eastern Massachusetts and have had dozens of dog owners travel to see me from New Hampshire, Connecticut, Maine and Western Massachusetts. I have helped thousands of people to develop deeper, more trusting relationships with their dogs.
My primary certifications and licenses--
CDBC (Certified Dog Behavior Consultant)
CPDT-KA (Certified Pet Dog Trainer)
Licensed Dogs & Storks Presenter
Licensed Dog & Baby Connection Presenter
Continuing my education is a top priority and includes regular attendance at seminars and conferences.
And affiliations and memberships--
International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC)
Certification Council of Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT)
Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT)
In service--
IAABC Dog Division Chair 2008-2011
IAABC Application Review Panel Co-Chair 2009-2011
IAABC Education Committee 2009
IAABC Strategic Task Force Committee 2007
Awards--
2011 Best of Boston 'Best Dog Trainer' by Boston magazine
2011 & 2010 Boston's A-List 2nd place Best of Boston 'Best Dog Training'
2009 IAABC Dog Division 'Member of the Year' Award
Media--
In-studio guest on NightSide with Dan Rea on CBS Local's WBZ NEWSRADIO 1030AM
Fetch! With Ruff Ruffman children's show on WGBH TV
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