Background and Experience
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 — insights that now guide my Fear Free®, developmental approach.
I earned my first AKC Canine Good Citizen title with my Golden Retriever, Koby, and later my AKC STAR Puppy title with Prince, my Standard Poodle. 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
Puppies grow best through exploration, not pressure. My training approach blends gentle structure with curiosity-based learning to build confidence, emotional balance, and understanding — the foundations for lifelong learning.
Training through enrichment means creating real-life learning moments that help puppies think, explore, and make choices that feel safe and rewarding. These early experiences become the building blocks for everyday cues and skills, but more importantly, they nurture calm, resilient learners who trust the process.
Why Social Sniffers
Specializing in early socialization and enrichment, I created Social Sniffers to support new puppy parents and provide the best possible start during their most sensitive developmental weeks.
Through in-home sessions and calm, guided outings, I help puppies grow into confident, well-adjusted companions.
*If you have a puppy or older dog showing more complex behavior such as reactivity or aggression, I can connect you with a qualified Fear Free® Certified Behaviorist who specializes in those areas.
Credentials & Continuing Education
Fear Free® Certified Professional
Karen Pryor Academy Puppy Start Right® Graduate
Member, Pet Professional Guild (PPG)
BA in Psychology
Red Cross–Trained in Dog CPR
Ongoing education in early puppy development, learning theory, and Fear Free® handling
Outside of Work
Beyond training, I enjoy spending time outdoors with my dogs — walking, paddle-boarding, and kayaking. I’m also working toward therapy dog certification with my Cavalier King Charles Spaniels.
Most importantly, I cherish time with my husband, daughter, son, extended family, and close friends, who bring joy and balance to my life.
Helping puppies feel safe, understood, and confident is what I enjoy most.
About Kimberly
Puppy Development Specialist | Fear Free® Certified Professional
Founder of Social Sniffers — The Playful Path to Confidence™
I created Social Sniffers to give families and their puppies a gentle, science-based path toward confidence and connection. My approach blends learning theory, developmental science, and emotional well-being — helping puppies grow into calm, resilient dogs through trust, not pressure.
“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”
Testimonials
“Kimberly has been a positive support for our golden retriever, Ozzie! We are working on getting her ready to be evaluated to be a Therapy Dog. Kimberly has helped us firm up basic commands in a fun and energetic way. She has taught us so much about how to best work with her. Kimberly’s years of expertise give us so much confidence in her work. She is flexible and great at communicating about scheduling. She works with our busy schedule and supports our whole family in teaching Ozzie. She took the time before working with Ozzie to get to know us and our goals for her. We are so thankful to have her support! We would highly recommend her to any of our friends and family who are training a puppy!”
“We learned so much from Kimberly! We got a puppy for the first time, and Kimberly was able to guide us on how to care for her, how to socialize her, and how to train her. She learned so much during her visits with Kimberly, and she was a completely different pup after our time together! Kimberly is a pro in the positive reinforcement training world. So happy we were able to work with her. Thank you Kimberly!!
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“There aren’t words to say how much Kimberly has done for our puppy and our family! She is so knowledgeable and helpful with the best attitude (and best treats for your pups). She worked with us and trouble shooting sleeping issues our puppy was having. She was never bothered by our countless questions and understood that all dogs are different and gave us countless tweaks to make to help make our pup more comfortable. Our puppy went from crying all night to no crying and settling in her crate all night! Kimberly really loves helping families and puppies thrive and be their best! Can not recommend her enough!”
“Welcoming Teddy and Our
Puppy Training Journey
As empty nesters, my wife and I recently welcomed a delightful addition to our family
named Teddy. Joining us at just 8 weeks old, Teddy is a Shih Tzu with the adorable
appearance of a little teddy bear. Having had dogs for most of our lives, we appreciate
the joy and companionship that each one has brought to our family.
Shortly after Teddy arrived, a mutual friend recommended a trainer named Kimberly
Rubadeau, who operates under the business name Social Sniffers and specializes in
individualized puppy development training. We reached out to Kimberly, and it quickly became clear that she was exactly who we needed to help Teddy become a well-
socialized and well-trained member of our family. With a large extended family that
includes eight grandchildren and regular visitors from our church and other
organizations, it was important for us that Teddy be a calm and confident puppy, able to
interact positively with everyone he meets.
Kimberly’s expertise and knowledge in puppy training far exceeded our expectations.
Her Fear Free, hands-on approach was particularly effective with Teddy. In a short time, she taught Teddy essential commands such as sit, down, wait, touch, and place, as well
as helping him learn to engage with the world in a calm and positive manner. Even more
valuable was her commitment to teaching both my wife and me her training techniques,
ensuring we could continue Teddy’s development as he matures. Kimberly has always been available to answer any questions we have about Teddy. We are truly grateful for her guidance and cannot recommend her highly enough to anyone seeking to train their puppy to be a calm and well-mannered member of the family.
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