Kimberly Simmons, Certified Professional Dog Trainer
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About Kimberly — Certified, Compassionate Dog Trainer
I’m Kimberly Simmons, the owner and lead trainer at For PETS Dog Training, based in Farmington, New Hampshire.
I’ve been working with dogs since childhood — over 45 years — and helping families build calm, cooperative relationships with their dogs is my passion. I teach in-home training using humane, science-aligned methods that respect both dogs and the people who love them.
Why My Approach Works
Early in my training journey, I saw firsthand how punishment-based methods could cause fear, confusion, and stress in dogs. That experience shaped my philosophy:
Learning happens best when dogs feel safe and understood.
Today, I focus on:
- Positive reinforcement and fear-free techniques
- Reading canine body language accurately
- Helping anxious, sensitive, and rescue dogs thrive
- Coaching humans with practical, real-world skillsFor PETS
My Training Background
Over decades of experience, I’ve continued my education to stay current with modern behavior science. I hold a Certified Dog Trainer certificate and am working toward further certification with the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers.
I’ve completed coursework and workshops in:
- Canine behavior and learning theory
- Challenging behaviors and separation anxiety
- Tellington TTouch® and gentle bodywork
- Reactive and nervous dogs
- Pet first aid & CPR
(Detailed training credentials listed below.)
Specialized Experience
I’ve trained multiple service dogs — including for my own use — gaining insight into specialized task training, emotional regulation, and advanced handling. I also enjoy working with:
- Anxious dogs
- Rescue dogs adjusting to home life
- Dogs and families seeking calm, sustainable behavior changeFor PETS
Life Beyond Training
When I’m not coaching humans and dogs, I enjoy:
- Walking with my Huskies
- Cuddling with my cats
- Riding and training horses
- Photography
- Gardening and kayaking
Continuing Education & Credentials
• Certified Dog Trainer
• Associate Dog Trainer Certificate, International College of Canine Studies
• Courses in positive methods, canine behavior, fear & aggression, enrichment strategies, and more
Let’s Work Together
Every dog learns differently, and I start by meeting you and your dog where you are. If you want compassionate, effective training that improves everyday life, I’d be honored to help.
Continuing Education
Associate Dog Trainer Certificate, International College of Canine Studies
Understanding Canine Behavior, 10 week course. Instructor Barbara Hendelman ME.D.
Basic Dog Training Skills & Theory Using
Positive Methods, 6 week course. Instructor Jan Crary, CPDT-KA, CGC Evaluator
The 6 Week Dog Group Class for Trainers, Rachel Friedman MSW LI
Associate Dog Trainer Certificate, International College of Canine Studies
Understanding Canine Behavior, 10 week course. Instructor Barbara Hendelman ME.D.
Basic Dog Training Skills & Theory Using
Positive Methods, 6 week course. Instructor Jan Crary, CPDT-KA, CGC Evaluator
The 6 Week Dog Group Class for Trainers, Rachel Friedman MSW LISW
S.A.N.E. Solutions for Challenging Dog Behavior® Kathy Cascade, PT,
International Tellington TTouch
Solving Separation Anxiety in Dogs, 9 week course. Instructor: Peggy O. Swagger
The Distracted Dog, instructor: Renea L. Dahms Dip CBST, CDTI, RMT
Learning Theory 101, Instructor: Kristina Spaulding, PhD, CAAB
Lessons in Fear and Aggression in Dogs, 7 week course. Instructor Peggy O. Swager
Pet First Aid & CPR Instructor: Sheilagh O’Sullivan (2016)
Animal First Aid and CPR Certification presented by PetTech (2019)
Service Dog Training Lecture: Self-Control Exercises for Service Dog Candidates Speakers: Dee Ganley, and Barbara Hendelman
Puppy Kindergarten Classes For the Real World: How to run the world's best off-leash Puppy Classes! 4 week course.
Instructor: Amanda Gagnon, MSc, CDBC, CPDT-KA
Reactive UrbanK9s – Helping Fearful/Reactive Dogs in a Busy Human World.
Instructor: Megan Stanley, CPDT-KA, CBCC-KA
Dog and Cat Nutrition, instructor Eleanor Kellon, VMD
Doggone Safe Dog Bite Prevention Educator, Presenter, Niki Tudge MBA, PCBC-A, CDBC, CDT
DIFFERENT NEEDS, DIFFERENT BREEDS: Dog Training the Different Breeds Instructor: Sue Alexander, CPDT-KA, CDBC
Working with Dogs who Guard Food and Other Resources, Speaker: Trish McMillan Loehr,
Dog and Cat Nutrition, instructor Eleanor Kellon, VMD
Doggone Safe Dog Bite Prevention Educator, Presenter, Niki Tudge MBA, PCBC-A, CDBC, CDT
DIFFERENT NEEDS, DIFFERENT BREEDS: Dog Training the Different Breeds Instructor: Sue Alexander, CPDT-KA, CDBC
Working with Dogs who Guard Food and Other Resources, Speaker: Trish McMillan Loehr, MSc, CDBC, CPDT-KA
Public Access Behaviors and Service Dog Ethics, Speaker: Jeanne Hampl (and Barbara Handelman, Moderator)
Selecting and Training Service Dogs for Mental Health Disabilities-Part I. Cissy Stamm and Barbara Handelman, M.Ed., LCMHC, CDBC
The Neurobiology of Aggression, instructor Kristina Spaulding, PhD, CAAB
Emotional Safety for Us and Our Dogs: Exploring The Notion of Safety for Professional, Client, and The Dogs In Our Care, instructor Andrew Hale, Certified Dog Behaviourist
The Impact of the Pandemic on Canine Emotional Health: how The Lives of Domestic Dogs and Their Caregivers Have Been Affected, instructor Sarah Heath, Veterinary Specialist in Behavioural Medicine (United Kingdom)
From Cautious to Confident: Fun and Games for Shy Dogs AND Their People.
Speaker: Christina Young.
Leaving Conflict Behind - Skills to Reduce Intra-Household Aggression Speaker: Christina Young.
A.C.E. Freework Fortnight:
Animal Centred Education (ACE) is an integrated and mutli-modal approach to animal well-being and education. It has
From Cautious to Confident: Fun and Games for Shy Dogs AND Their People.
Speaker: Christina Young.
Leaving Conflict Behind - Skills to Reduce Intra-Household Aggression Speaker: Christina Young.
A.C.E. Freework Fortnight:
Animal Centred Education (ACE) is an integrated and mutli-modal approach to animal well-being and education. It has been developed by animal educator and behaviour advisor, Sarah Fisher.
Animal Centred Education combines observations of the animal’s posture, movement and nervous system responses, ACE Free Work, gentle bodywork, and the introduction of simple educational lessons within a Free Work set up.
Instructor: Sarah Fisher
Effectively Working With Separation Anxiety Clients
Instructor Ness Jones
Resilient, Responsive Social Skills: Intro to BAT 3.0 for Dog Reactivity with Grisha Stewart MA, CPDT-KA, KPACTP
Effectively Working With Separation Anxiety Clients
Instructor Ness Jones
2025 Behavioral Neuroscience for Dogs. 5 week course.
Dr. Marsha Penner, Ph.D., KPA-CTP, CPDT-KA
Learn Vagabonding With Your Friend, on a 6 Foot Leash - teaching your dog to walk on a loose leash.
Presented by: Zuzanna(Zuzia)Kubica