About Kimberly
“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”
Background and Experience
Puppy & Adolescent Development | Fear Free® Certified Professional
Founder of Social Sniffers | The Playful Path to Confidence™
I created Social Sniffers to support puppies, adolescent dogs, and their families through some of the most important stages of development. My approach blends learning theory, developmental science, and emotional well-being to help dogs build confidence, practical life skills, and resilience through trust, not pressure.
My career in the pet industry has been shaped by hands-on roles that deepened both my skills and my understanding of the human animal bond. I have managed a pet hotel, worked in grooming, supported clients in veterinary settings, including Veterinary Referral and Critical Care and Shady Grove Animal Clinic, and responsibly bred and raised Golden Retriever litters.
Those experiences gave me an invaluable foundation in canine development. From whelping and early socialization to structured training, I’ve watched puppies grow through every stage. These experiences now guide my Fear Free® developmental approach.
Early work traveling with a professional handler gave me a deep appreciation for structure, temperament, and clear communication, all of which shape my philosophy today.
My Philosophy
From early puppyhood through adolescence, dogs are constantly learning about themselves, their families, and the world around them. My approach uses gentle structure, exploration, and curiosity based learning to build confidence, emotional balance, and understanding. These are the foundations for lifelong learning.
Training through enrichment means creating real life learning opportunities that help dogs think, explore, problem solve, and make choices that feel safe and rewarding. These experiences build practical everyday skills while supporting confidence, emotional regulation, resilience, and a love of learning.
Why Social Sniffers
As puppies grow into adolescence, their needs change. Confidence, emotional regulation, real world skills, and the ability to navigate new experiences continue to take shape. Through individualized guidance, training through enrichment, and thoughtfully chosen real life experiences, I help puppies and adolescent dogs build the skills they need as they grow.
Social Sniffers was built on the belief that every dog and every family deserves thoughtful, individualized support. My approach is rooted in Fear Free® and positive reinforcement based training, with a focus on confidence, emotional well-being, and helping dogs feel safe and capable in the world around them.
I believe the best outcomes happen when we work together as a team, meeting each dog where they are and supporting both the dog and the people who love them along the way.
If your puppy or adolescent dog is experiencing more complex behavior concerns, such as significant reactivity or aggression, I’m happy to connect you with a qualified Fear Free® Certified behavior professional who specializes in those areas.
Credentials & Continuing Education
Fear Free® Certified Professional
Karen Pryor Academy Puppy Start Right® Graduate
Puppy Start Right® Instructor listed with Veterinary Behavior Consultations LLC
Member, Pet Professional Guild (PPG)
Member IAABC, International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants
BA in Psychology
Red Cross Trained in Dog CPR
Ongoing education in puppy and adolescent development, learning theory, and Fear Free® handling
Outside of Work
Beyond training, I enjoy spending time outdoors with my dogs, walking, paddle boarding, kayaking, and participating in activities like Fast CAT®. I also have an interest in exploring scent work in the future as another enriching outlet.
Most importantly, I cherish time with my husband, daughter, son, extended family, and close friends.
Helping puppies and adolescent dogs feel safe, understood, and confident is what I enjoy most.
In Practice
Henry, my Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, has earned his AKC BCAT title in Fast CAT®. While the sport highlights speed, what matters most to me is what it represents: confidence, enthusiasm, and a dog who feels safe enough to fully engage with his environment. His journey reflects the same developmental approach I bring to every dog I work with.
