About The Cooperative Dog
The Cooperative Dog is me, Vera Wilkinson CDBC, CPDT-KA. Dog training and dog behavior consulting is my life's work. I started my Brookline based dog training and dog behavior consulting business as The Pet Needs Company in February 1996.
Since then, I've been travelling throughout Boston, Greater Boston and the Metro West Area of Eastern Massachusetts to work with people and their dogs in their homes, neighborhoods and beyond. I offer several private dog training options (including having me train your dog for you) and group training classes with me in one of several locations.
My very first client dog was what I now call a Dog Behavior Consultation 911. He had bitten several visitors to the home several times and still got to live out his life. I have dozens more stories of dogs said to be unsalvageable and they too got better with compassion and commitment, patience and perseverance, time and understanding.
I'm always willing to go the extra mile to help people with their dogs. I know the LOVE of a dog and the power of the BOND. It's a relationship unlike any other. I want my clients to experience what I have lived and known and I want all dogs to have a life worth living.
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 and your dog(s)!
I hope you'll join me on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and visit my Blog
Awards--
2011 Best of Boston 'Best Dog Trainer' by Boston magazine
2011 Boston's A-List 2nd place Best of Boston 'Best Dog Training'
2010 Boston's A-List 2nd Place Best of Boston 'Best Dog Training'
About Vera Wilkinson
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.
While Szap 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, 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'.
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. Dogs get it when we work with them and not against them. I believe, 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. 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.
Certifications and Licenses--
CDBC (Certified Dog Behavior Consultant)
CPDT-KA (Certified Pet Dog Trainer)
Licensed Dogs & Storks Presenter (Dogs & Storks)
Licensed Dog & Baby Connection Presenter (Dog & Baby Connection)
Continuing my education is a top priority and includes regular attendance at seminars and conferences. You'll find some books I recommend here.
In service to IAABC--
IAABC Dog Division Chair 2008-2011
IAABC Application Review Panel Co-Chair 2009-2011
IAABC Education Committee 2009
IAABC Strategic Task Force Committee 20072009 IAABC Dog Division 'Member of the Year' Award because of my service to IAABC
Affiliations and Memberships--
International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC)
Certification Council of Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT)
Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT)
Family Paws Parent Education Massachusetts Representative
Media--
Arthur PBS Kids TV show on WGBH TV (filmed on April 20 & May 5, 2012)
Fetch! With Ruff Ruffman children's show on WGBH TV (filmed on July 3, 2007)
In-studio guest on NightSide with Dan Rea on CBS Local's WBZ NEWSRADIO 1030AM
In collaboration with Debbie Jacobs of Fearful Dogs--
New England Dog Camp - a weekend getaway with your dog
