Puppy Enrichment and Socialization Program

Welcome to Social Sniffers-where the playful path to confidence begins

Raising a puppy is exciting—but it can also be overwhelming. I provide personalized, one-on-one support during your puppy’s most important stage of development.

Whether you’re just getting started or feeling unsure, I’m here to help guide your puppy—and your family—through this critical learning window with structure, skill, and compassion.

What I Offer

I provide one-on-one, in-home puppy socialization and training visits tailored to your puppy’s age, temperament, and your family’s daily routine. Every session is guided by Fear Free and science-based methods to support long-term behavioral wellness and confidence.

Early Start Program

For Puppies 8–16 Weeks

This program is designed for puppies in the critical imprinting window, when positive exposure and gentle guidance have a lifelong impact. These sessions help build a foundation of safety, confidence, and trust.

Each session may include:

Crate and pen comfort training
House training routines and personalized potty schedules
Foundational manners (name recognition, no jumping, settling, etc.)
Exposure to new sounds, textures, objects, and environments
Confidence-building outings
Positive handling practice for grooming and vet care
Printable handouts and step-by-step instructions for at-home follow-through

This is not just puppy playtime—it’s preventive developmental care that supports your puppy’s healthy social and emotional growth.

Ongoing Socialization

For Puppies 17+ Weeks

It’s never too late to start. This program is ideal for puppies who missed out on early exposure, are showing signs of hesitation or fear, or need help navigating new environments with confidence.

Each session may include:

Gentle exposure to new sights, sounds, people, and places
Continued manners training (polite greetings, leash walking, settling, etc.)
Calm outings designed to build resilience without overwhelm
Enrichment activities and decompression strategies
Handling prep for stress-free grooming and vet visits
Family coaching with handouts to support progress between sessions

Whether your puppy is just getting started or needs help feeling safe in the world, I’ll meet them where they are and move at their pace—building confidence every step of the way.

Why Fear Free®

I use Fear Free® certified methods—science-based techniques designed to reduce fear, anxiety, and stress (FAS) in animals.

This approach was developed by Dr. Marty Becker, DVM, with input from hundreds of veterinary and behavior professionals. The goal is to create emotionally resilient pets who feel safe and confident in the world around them.

Through positive reinforcement, trust-building, and calm repetition, I help your puppy create lifelong positive associations with new experiences.

Who I Help

Whether you're:

A new puppy owner,
A breeder setting your litters up for success,
A busy family juggling kids and work, or
An owner looking for professional, developmental support—

I meet puppies where they are—literally and developmentally.

Certified. Trusted. Experienced.

I am a certified Fear Free® Professional and Puppy Start Right Instructor graduate through Karen Pryor Academy—a leader in science-based animal training and behavior.

This means your puppy will benefit from gentle, positive methods designed to reduce fear, anxiety, and stress while building lifelong confidence and trust.

Let’s Get Started

If your days are busy and you're feeling unsure how to give your puppy everything they need—you're not alone.

This program is designed to ease the overwhelm, build structure, and provide professional-level developmental care for your puppy.

Less stress for your puppy means less stress for you.

Serving Short Pump and Western Henrico.

Start Your Puppy’s Socialization Journey

Not every puppy starts in the same place—and not every family knows exactly what they need right away. That’s why I offer two trial programs to help you begin with clarity and confidence.

These one-week options are designed to introduce your puppy to positive, Fear Free® learning—while giving you a clear sense of how I can support your puppy’s development moving forward.

Puppy Start Program — $130

For young puppies beginning socialization

3 sessions in one week
Gentle introduction to handling, crate comfort, and basic manners
Builds early confidence during the critical imprinting stage
Perfect for puppies 8–16 weeks starting their developmental journey
No long-term commitment required

Confidence Builder Program — $160

For older puppies needing extra support

3 sessions in one week
Calm exposure for hesitant, fearful, or undersocialized puppies
Helps build trust, reduce reactivity, and establish routine
Ideal for puppies 4+ months who need structured,positive experiences

What’s Next?

If you'd like continued support beyond your trial week, visit the [Pricing Page] for full weekly program options customized to your puppy's age and progress.

Have questions or not sure which is right?

Call or text 804-273-7746
Email: socialsnffrs@gmail.com