Our Experienced Dog Trainer
Kim Matson Seymour
MS, KPA-CTP, AKC Evaluator & Judge
Kim has been passionate about animals her entire life, especially horses and dogs. Growing up in a military family, she had the unique experience of moving around the globe, which gave her opportunities to connect with animals in various ways. While she couldn’t have dogs during her early years, Kim’s love for animals was fostered through horseback riding lessons. It wasn’t until middle school that her family welcomed a pair of English Springer Spaniels into their home. Initially brought in as hunting companions, these dogs quickly became cherished members of the family, solidifying Kim’s lifelong love for dogs.
Kim pursued her passion academically, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science with a minor in Equine Science from Penn State University. She then continued her education at Virginia Tech, where she completed a Master’s degree in Animal Science with a focus on animal behavior. During her graduate studies, Kim worked on a small project involving beef cattle behavior, which sparked a deeper interest in understanding animal training and behavior. This pivotal experience led her to follow her calling as an experienced dog trainer, dedicating her career to helping dogs and their owners build strong, positive relationships.
Kim also spent 15 years in the pet food retail industry, where she gained valuable insights into canine nutrition and care, all while training dogs in her spare time. One of her most memorable training experiences was with her Great Pyrenees, Anna, who came into her life at just six hours old after being abandoned by her mother. Anna thrived on the farm, loved following along on trail rides, and served as an exceptional guard dog. Kim and Anna competed together in American Kennel Club events, including rally, obedience, and agility.
Experienced Dog Trainer in Action
Kim’s journey eventually led her to the Belgian Sheepdog, a breed she has devoted her life to. She began teaching agility lessons alongside the Mattaponi Kennel Club in Manassas, VA, while continuing her own education in training and behavior. Today, she combines her extensive academic background, professional experience, and personal passion to offer expert dog training services that help dogs and their owners build lasting, meaningful relationships throughout Virginia.
Kim’s training philosophy revolves around building a relationship with your dog, rather than relying on pure domination. She emphasizes positive reinforcement and play to strengthen understanding and foster a deep bond between dog and owner. Kim loves setting up challenges that allow dogs to succeed and learn, creating rewarding experiences for both the dog and their handler. She is particularly passionate about building confidence in shy dogs, helping them feel more comfortable and secure in their surroundings.
Kim attended and graduated with distinction from the Karen Pryor Academy and is a Certified Training Partner. She continues her education yearly by participating in seminars, webinars, and in-person training sessions on topics ranging from behavior modification to dog-sport-specific skills. This commitment to ongoing education ensures that Kim remains at the forefront of modern, effective dog training techniques.
Kim has competed with dogs across the United States in events sponsored by the American Kennel Club. She has extensive experience training dogs to compete in agility, scentwork, rally, obedience, conformation, herding, coursing, retrieving, and multiple levels of the Canine Good Citizen program. Kim is a Canine Good Citizen evaluator, a STAR Puppy instructor, an AKC-approved judge for FETCH events, and a FIT Dog instructor. Her own dogs have earned numerous titles, championships, and invitations to prestigious events such as Crufts, the AKC Nationals, and Westminster Kennel Club.
Under the kennel prefix of Wildmour, Kim is a dedicated preservation breeder of Belgian Sheepdogs. She focuses on improving health and cultivating outstanding temperaments in her dogs. Kim follows Puppy Culture and Avidog protocols, incorporating Early Neurologic Stimulation (ENS) and Early Scent Introduction (ESI) to ensure her puppies have the best possible start in life. Her exceptional work in breeding has earned her the distinction of Breeder of Merit in both Belgian Sheepdogs and French Bulldogs.
