About Kim Palermo

How did I get here?  I’ve loved dogs for as long as I can remember—especially the sensitive, thoughtful ones with a lot going on inside.

My passion started right from when I was a little girl.  I always felt most comfortable when I was around my family dogs and animals.

Professionally though, in 2008, I started my own dog walking business north of Boston. At first, it was just me.  As word spread, the business grew into what is now BlueDog: a busy training and walking company with membership-style group classes and a strong community of dog people.

As my business expanded, my curiosity did too. I found my way to Control Unleashed and ACE (Animal Centred Education) Free Work—two methodologies that shifted how I think about dogs with big feelings, and even how I think about humans with big feelings, too. Today, those approaches are woven into almost everything I teach to how I raise my own dogs.

What am I up to these days? My work lives in a few different places. 

 

If I had to sum up my approach, it would be compassion first.  I work with a lot of dogs who feel things deeply—fear, excitement, anxiety, joy—and a lot of humans who feel those things right alongside them. I want learning to feel like a kinder place for both of you.

I lean heavily on Control Unleashed and ACE Free Work because they give dogs clear patterns, predictability, and opportunities to make choices. That sense of safety is often where the real change starts.

I aim for clear, repeatable steps you can use in real life. I breakdown feedback into clear, digestible steps that help you develop along with your dog.

I know what it’s like to feel overwhelmed, exhausted, or unsure if you’re “doing enough.” My job isn’t just to coach you in training your dog—it’s to support you with realistic plans, empathetic and honest feedback, and a commitment to opening new possibilities for my clients.

Because I’ve grown a dog walking business into a multi-layered training company, I understand what it means to juggle client needs, staff, curriculum, and your own emotional bandwidth.

If you’re a trainer or aspiring trainer who wants both better tools for your clients, reinforce compassion and understanding within dog training, and learn as much as you can, you’re very much my people.

My own dogs are my best teachers.  I could spend all day talking about my own dogs, they mean so much to me.  But briefly, my home is full of dogs who keep me honest, humble and busy!  Currently Chris and I have 5 dogs.  We were also gifted with many special dogs that came before them.

Notably my two current Collie girls, Jane and Sunday, both had their individual challenges.  Working with them since puppyhood has taught me so much and the results have shown me that a kind hand and thoughtful understanding can lead to real change.

My miniature poodle, Walt, reminds me daily that health and pain can be such a big part of the behaviors we see from our dogs.

They are my favorite projects to work on, my best friends, and often the reason I write the blog posts and continue to develop my own skills and above all continue to learn as much as I can.

I love to work with my dogs, so I’ve dabbled in a lot of different dog sports.  I learn best by rolling up my sleeves and doing. So, over the years I’ve trained and competed in sports like rally obedience, herding, agility, conformation, and scent work.

When I’m not teaching, coaching, or watching training videos, I’m usually outside.

I love escaping to the woods to hike, listening to what the world sounds like when it’s quiet, and thinking about my dogs. At home, my passion for all kinds of animals shows.  I’m a beekeeper and share my life with a small flock of chickens, ducks, turkeys, and guinea hens and even a few pet spiders. One of my long-standing dreams is to have a little farm and maybe get a cow or two and who knows what else!

If you’re living with a big-feelings dog, working with clients who are, or just feel drawn to kinder, clearer ways of training, you’re in the right place.

I’m glad you’re here.

When you’re ready, I’d love to work with you—whether that’s through my online classes, virtual coaching, mentoring support, or just geek out.

Interested in working with Kim?

Kim is available as both a seminar instructor and a private coach, either in person or virtually.