Development Programs and Support

Thoughtful, individualized support for puppies and adolescent dogs, built on trust rather than pressure.

My work goes beyond teaching cues. I help puppies develop confidence, emotional regulation, communication, and the practical skills they need to feel comfortable in their world.

All programs and sessions follow Fear Free® principles and are positive, personalized, and tailored to the individual puppy and family.

Puppy Development in Your Home

For puppies 8 to 16 weeks old

Five individualized visits per week

This program provides consistent, individualized support during one of the most important stages of your puppy’s development.

Visits take place in your home and include thoughtfully selected outings appropriate for your puppy’s age, health, vaccination status, and comfort level.

Each program may include:

• Thoughtful early socialization

• Confidence building experiences

• Crate, pen, and household routines

• Training and enrichment appropriate for your puppy’s age

• Handling and grooming preparation

• Calm behavior and emotional regulation

• Real world outings and exposure

• Individual updates and guidance for your family

Scheduling, program recommendations, and weekly pricing are discussed during an initial conversation based on your puppy’s individual needs and the level of support involved.

Stay & Grow™

In My Home

Designed to begin during early puppyhood, with continued support available through adolescence.

Individualized three hour development blocks

Stay & Grow offers puppies and adolescent dogs a safe, carefully structured place to learn, rest, explore, and grow while away from home.

This is not daycare. Each experience is intentionally structured so I can provide close supervision and individualized support.

A Stay & Grow block may include:

• Individual skill building

• Confidence and resilience work

• Enrichment appropriate for your dog’s age

• Rest and regulation

• Calm coexistence

• Carefully matched social or play opportunities

• Handling and grooming preparation

• Thoughtfully selected real world experiences

• Practice with disengagement and frustration tolerance

Blocks are available on select weekdays and are typically offered from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. or 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Shared Stay & Grow

Shared blocks are limited to no more than two carefully matched puppies. A four week enrollment with at least two blocks per week is required. Three blocks per week may be recommended when greater consistency would be beneficial.

Private Stay & Grow

Private Stay & Grow provides exclusive one on one development and support for puppies or adolescent dogs who need a more individualized experience.

Scheduling and frequency are recommended based on the needs of the individual dog and family.

Need a Little More Flexibility?

Stay & Grow™ is designed for families looking for thoughtful, individualized support for their dog’s development, socialization, and real-world skills.

For families participating in Stay & Grow who need additional scheduling flexibility, extended time before or after a developmental block may be available by arrangement. This allows for an appropriate balance of focused developmental work, enrichment, rest, and downtime throughout a longer stay.

Local pickup and drop-off may also be available by arrangement.

Extended options are limited and based on each dog’s individual needs and availability. Shared Stay & Grow is reserved for carefully matched puppies, while extended stays for adolescent dogs are offered through Private Stay & Grow.

Health and Safety Requirements

Young puppies are still developing physically and emotionally, so health and safety guide every decision.

Puppies typically begin Stay & Grow after they have been home for at least seven days and completed the required health screening. Puppies who begin during the early development period may continue through adolescence when the program remains a good fit. Older puppies may also be considered following an individual evaluation.

Before participating in Stay & Grow, puppies must:

• Have been examined by a veterinarian

• Provide current vaccination and veterinary information

• Have a recent clear fecal test, including Giardia

• Be free of diarrhea, vomiting, coughing, nasal discharge, or other signs of illness

• Be cleared by their veterinarian for participation when appropriate

Outings are selected thoughtfully based on each puppy’s age, vaccination status, temperament, and local health risks. I avoid higher risk environments such as dog parks and heavily trafficked pet areas while still providing safe, positive socialization during this important developmental period.

One on One Development and Support

$125 per 60 minute session

Individual sessions provide hands on guidance for families who want focused support without enrolling in a full development program.

Support may include:

• Crate and pen comfort

• House training guidance

• Settling and calm behavior

• Confidence building

• Leash skills and real world manners

• Greetings and household routines

• Foundational skills such as recall, place, and waiting

• Cooperative care and handling

• Adolescent challenges and changing behavior

Individual support is available for puppies, adolescent dogs, and adult dogs whose needs fall within my areas of experience. Every dog is considered individually to ensure I am the right fit.

Pre-Session Assessment

Sometimes the best place to start is with a conversation.

For puppy and adolescent dogs with several concerns or more history to consider, a pre-session assessment gives us time to talk through what you're seeing before beginning hands-on work.

We'll connect by phone or virtually to review your dog's history, daily routine, current concerns, and your goals so I can better understand the bigger picture and plan the most appropriate starting point for our in-person work.

30 minutes | $50

Pre-session assessments may be recommended based on your dog's intake and are not necessary for every family.

Limited Enrollment

To provide truly individualized support, I accept only one in home Puppy Development family at a time.

Stay & Grow blocks are limited to no more than two carefully matched puppies. Because the programs operate on a limited schedule, availability will vary throughout the year.

Families are encouraged to reach out before their puppy comes home whenever possible. If a program is currently full, individual sessions may be available while you wait for an opening.

Scheduling, Payment & Policies

I want expectations to be clear from the beginning so our time together can stay focused on you and your dog.

Scheduling & Payment

Payment is due in advance for pre-session assessments and individual sessions. Appointments are confirmed once payment has been received.

Puppy Development and Stay & Grow™ services are paid weekly in advance. Because enrollment is intentionally limited, scheduled program days are reserved specifically for your puppy or adolescent dog.

Any outstanding balance must be paid before additional services can take place.

Program Enrollment

Shared Stay & Grow™ requires an initial four-week commitment. Families remain responsible for their reserved program days throughout enrollment, including days missed because of travel, schedule changes, or client cancellations.

Cancellations & Schedule Changes

Individual appointments may be cancelled or rescheduled with at least 24 hours' notice. Appointments cancelled with less than 24 hours' notice may be charged the full session fee.

Reserved Puppy Development and Stay & Grow™ program days are not credited or refunded when missed or cancelled by the client.

If Social Sniffers needs to cancel a scheduled appointment or program day, a rescheduled service, credit, or refund will be provided as appropriate.

Illness

Please let me know as soon as possible if your dog is experiencing vomiting, diarrhea, coughing, nasal discharge, unusual lethargy, or other signs of illness, or has been exposed to a potentially contagious condition.

For the health and safety of the dogs in my care, a dog who is ill or potentially contagious may not participate in a scheduled program day or session.

Because program days are reserved specifically for your dog, cancellations due to illness are not automatically credited or refunded. I understand that unexpected circumstances happen and may choose to provide a credit when appropriate.

Training Approach

My approach is rooted in positive reinforcement and Fear Free® principles. I do not use or recommend prong collars, choke collars, electronic collars, or training methods that rely on fear, pain, or intimidation.

If I believe another professional may be better suited to your dog’s individual needs, I will be transparent about that and, whenever possible, help connect you with the right support.

Getting Started

If you are ready to begin or are unsure which option is the best fit, please reach out to schedule an initial conversation.

The Playful Path to Confidence™ starts here.