shaunna-grey

Anxious Generation

Sat, 30 May 2026 16:21:11 GMT

Is your dog spoiled?

Most dog owners will enthusiastically say, “YES!” as a badge of honor. After all, to say your dog is spoiled is a reflection of how great a pet-parent you actually are!

And I’m not talking about a special treat for a good boy or a good girl…. That’s obvious.

But what if we’re spoiling our dogs in a way that is actually hurting them?

What if we’re creating fragile dogs through manufactured environments and prevention of behaviors that are…. Well, normal for dogs?

When we prevent dogs from being dogs, keeping them sheltered and secure to the point that they don’t enjoy normal dog behavior, we’re actually causing them harm.

Dogs need sunlight (so do you!)…. They need movement (so do you!)…. They need microbes and exposure to germs to build up their immunity (so do you!)…. And they need socialization (so do you!)….

In fact, it’s safe to say that we have a lot in common with our four-legged friends! In order to thrive, we need opportunities to explore and learn…. And so does your dog.

The outcome of never letting your dog be a dog is creating a generation of weak, shaky, and fearful dogs. Keeping dogs from doing dog-like things is creating anxious dogs with health problems.

So yes, we want to spoil our dogs. But we also want to give them opportunities to thrive and be resilient and confident.

“But Shaunna,” you might be thinking…. “Didn’t you just have a blog that said I shouldn’t take my dog to a dog park?” Yes…. Yes, I did and thank you for reading and remembering that blog! I stand by what I said and dog parks aren’t the only place for dogs to experience sunlight, movement, microbes, and socialization. Dogs were awesome at being dogs for centuries before the concept of a dog park. A dog park isn’t the only place where a dog can be a dog.

Your dog loves being with you, so take him or her on a walk through a nature trail; let them sniff — even if you have to stop every two feet. Let them roll in the mud even if you dread the process of giving them a bath later. Engage with them and let them have purposeful jobs that engage their minds and bodies.

This is why I’m such an advocate for Search and Rescue training classes for dogs and their pet parents. It’s a great way to give your dog an opportunity to be a resilient dog who enjoys a purpose and the satisfaction of a job well done.

Just like you do.

Let them love life side-by-side with you as your confident companion, not your fearful sidekick.

Last thing — Crown Jewel K9 will be bringing additional enrichment classes very soon, including scent work, agility, hiking, trick training, and dock diving (swimming). As a professional dog trainer, I’m a big advocate for all of this and more as a part of a well-rounded game plan to build stronger, happier dogs.

What's for Supper?

Tue, 05 May 2026 22:40:55 GMT

Welcome to May! And on May 9th, Happy Dog Mom’s Day!

This month, let’s talk dog food. This can be a highly controversial topic and it’s not our job to be an “expert” on best diets for your dog. That’s a conversation between you and your veterinarian. However, as the raw food diet for dogs is trending on social media these days — let’s talk about the different schools of thought so you can be prepared to discuss the options at your dog’s next vet appointment.

BARF (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food)

BARF is made of 70% muscle meat, 10% raw edible bones, 10% secreting organs, and 10% produce (vegetables and fruits). These diets may also include supplements such as fish oil or kelp to make sure all the essentials are covered.

The pros of this diet — this is about as natural as it gets. Just as the Paleo Diet for humans aims to structure our diets as the caveman’s, the BARF Diet is centered around what the dog’s natural diet in the wild would be. However, it’s not without its issues.

Beyond the cons of cost (hello! Cha-ching!), the BARF Diet can carry with it potential for bacterial risks — salmonella, listeria, and E. coli being among the top concerns. Additional cons include the possible deficiencies in calcium or other essential vitamins. And of course, choking concerns anytime you give a dog bones.

Dry Food Kibble

Dry food is, hands down, the most affordable option when it comes to feeding our dogs, and provides additional benefits such as a reduction of tarter and plaque on the dog’s teeth. It’s easy to measure and store. It has a longer-term shelf life, as well. Additionally, dry food offers a complete nutrition profile, taking the guess-work out of ensuring all the essential vitamins and minerals a dog needs are met.

However, depending on the brand — the protein quality may be compromised. It’s important to review your ingredient list to ensure your dogs are being fed quality ingredients, without a lot of fillers or byproducts.

Additionally, the low moisture content may lead to dehydration if your dog doesn’t naturally drink enough water.

Wet Food Canned

Wet food offers the hydration benefit that those dogs on a dry diet may miss, especially if they do not drink much water. Wet food is a great option for picky eaters or seniors who have a reduced sense of smell or may have missing teeth.

A con to a wet diet is the potential for tarter build up on teeth, not to mention the shorter shelf-life of open cans. For a dog who grazes rather than eating at designated meal times — a wet diet may spoil if set out too long.

A hybrid approach between dry and wet foods is the most common approach to feeding.

Homemade / Cooked Diet

Owners who want to invest in the time and energy to create homemade and cooked meals for their dogs certainly have an advantage — they can source their ingredients and eliminate many of the fillers, byproducts, and preservatives often found in manufactured dog food.

However, this is a major commitment. Those who choose this route have to ensure they are monitoring the overall nutritional needs of the dog. While well-intended — studies have shown that 95% of homemade recipes are lacking in at least one essential nutrient the dog needs.

Vegetarian / Vegan Diet

Many vegetarians and vegans may be drawn to the idea of putting their dog on a vegetarian / vegan diet. However, proceed with caution. Dogs are omnivores and while they can survive on plant-based food, they still need their unique dietary requirements respected and considered.

Dogs who eat a variety of fruits and vegetables in their diets do enjoy beautiful coats, but there are health issues to be considered.

Can it be safely done? Yes — but you should always consult a veterinarian before doing so.

Again, this is not our area of expertise, but we are often asked about our opinions for dog food. I’m a big proponent for doing your homework, researching brands, and again — always consult your veterinarian.

The DOs and DON'Ts of Dog Parks

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 10:28:58 GMT

The Do's and Don'ts of Dog Parks

As the weather warms, we all want to get outside. We want to enjoy the fresh air and take in the great outdoors, especially after such a cold and icy winter. Naturally, you will want to do more with your family dog as well, and perhaps the local dog park is at the top of the list. Please take a look at our do’s and don’ts for dog park safety:

Find somewhere else to go.

DON’T

Go to the dog park.

Okay, that might be a little confusing. Aren’t dog parks supposed to be great for your dog?

In theory — yes. The intention is good. A dog park sounds like a great place for your dog to run, play, be social, and have fun. It’s an especially tempting option for those with small or non-existent backyards.

However, there’s a not-so-great side to dog parks that is rarely discussed.

Dogs are pack animals and when they are allowed to play in a group, especially of three or more, their instincts kick in: they will try to establish a pecking order. This is what will sometimes lead to fights in a dog park, and in some cases — why a timid dog may feel threatened or bullied. Even if your dog is well-socialized, not all dogs get along. Certainly, you don’t get along with every human you meet. The same is true of dogs.

Some (but not all) dog parks have proactively addressed potential issues by having designated sections for small dogs versus large dogs. But no matter what your dog’s size — all dogs have different styles of play and different preferences. Dog size is one thing, but we can’t ignore breeds and personalities that come in all sizes.

Not all dogs who visit a dog park have been trained…. Or they may have humans who have failed to enforce what training they have had. If a dog cannot be trusted off-leash to behave or respond to commands, they don’t need to be let loose in a dog park. It’s a safety issue for everyone.

Many community pools have lifeguards to oversee the safety of the swimmers, but very few dog parks have dedicated staff or rules about supervision. While you may be diligent about supervising your dog, not all pet owners will be. You don’t want to be in a position where you have to intervene for your dog’s safety while another owner is distracted.

While there’s no doubt that you are personally diligent about ensuring your pet’s vaccinations are up to date — there’s no guarantee other dog owners have done the same. Dog parks are hotspots for spreading parasites, respiratory diseases, and other illnesses. That free activity can result in expensive vet bills. It’s just not worth the risk.

Some community dog parks are beautifully maintained, while others — not so much. The last thing you want is to assume the dog park is safe, but learn the hard way that a fence was broken…. Or a toxic plant has invaded the space (or been planted by someone who didn’t do their homework)…. Or a sharp object was thrown on the ground and wouldn’t you know it — your dog found it!

While I don’t intend to promote fear or create issues — as a dog trainer, I think about these things with a different perspective. And at the end of the day, in my professional opinion, a dog park is simply not worth the risk.

Instead, consider the following:

Arrange a play date with a trusted friend or family member’s dogs. Pre-meeting, you can discuss health history and play styles to be proactive. Introduce your dogs slowly and don’t force the friendship between them.

Go on a group walk; get some exercise with your friends while your dogs get exercise with theirs.

Look into dog classes for agility or dock diving — both are great dog sports that will keep their minds and bodies active.

It’s my job to help you live your best life with your dog and there are far safer and even more fun ways to experience the outdoors with your dog. Skip the dog park and enjoy your time another way.

Traveling with Dogs: Vacation Etiquette & Best Practices

Sat, 28 Feb 2026 18:35:27 GMT

Traveling with Dogs: Vacation Etiquette & Best Practices

Spring Break is right around the corner! Whether you are traveling with or without your canine best friend, there are certain travel tips that pet owners need to consider.

Traveling WITH Your Dog

First, make sure you’ve thoroughly researched pet friendly options for your canine companion. More and more people are excited to bring their dog along on the family vacation and many hotels and AirBnBs offer pet-friendly solutions. BringFido is a great website that regularly researches pet-friendly options for travel.

But beyond finding a place that will welcome your pet, there are certain expectations you, as the pet parent, must be mindful of…. After all, you’re used to your dog, and may be okay with certain habits. But that doesn’t mean others will be or should be expected to…. Away from home, you must also be prepared for some additional safety matters, too.

Some basic travel etiquette and safety tips include:

Invest in a seatbelt harness or crate for your car. If you are driving to your destination, no doubt you’ll wear your safety belt, and put your young children in car seats. Provide the same kind of safety consideration for your pet.
If you are flying, and your dog is traveling in a carrier, ensure he or she has plenty of ventilation and try to minimize food intake in case they get motion sick.
Always keep your pet on a leash, even if they are well-trained (by us, of course!)
Have a generous supply of waste bags with you; clean up immediately after your dog. Pack some cleaning wipes too, in case your pet has an accident indoors.
If your dog is prone to obsessive barking, either work with us to train them, or consider leaving them at home.
Respect the boundaries — research where pets are allowed / not allowed and don’t expect others to make an exception for you.
Pack extra blankets with you to cover hotel furniture in order to protect it from pet hair. Otherwise, keep them off the bed and chairs, and on the floor.
Do not leave your dog in a hotel unattended, especially if your dog gets anxious when you leave…. That may lead to excessive and disruptive barking and / or destructive behaviors.
Make sure you pack everything your dog needs — food, water bowls, familiar toys / bedding, and your dog is collared with proper identification tags.
Bring vaccination records and medication.

Additionally, be prepared to pivot. Unless your dog travels frequently and is accustomed to unpredictable schedules, it will be easy for your dog to be overstimulated or grow exhausted. An overstimulated and / or exhausted dog can lead to unusual behaviors, including fear, reactivity, and aggression. So travel well and enjoy your time together — but read their body language and b prepared to adapt based on your dog’s needs.

Boarding Your Dog While You’re Away

If you opt to board your dog while you’re gone, be sure to research your options. Make sure the facility is clean and the staff is attentive. Visit the facility and take a tour. Ask questions about their routine, as well as their health and safety procedures. Pay attention to how the staff interacts with the dogs in their care.

If you find a safe facility you’re comfortable with, make sure you pack everything your dog will need during his or her stay. Similar to traveling with your dog — they will need familiar blankets and bedding, favorite toys, medicine, food, and medical records.

Hiring a Pet Sitter While You’re Away

If you aren’t traveling with your dog and you also aren’t comfortable with a boarding situation, finding a pet sitter may be the most stress-free way to leave your dog at home. After all, you can leave him or her in a familiar environment and leave your sitter detailed instructions about your dog’s routine.

If you choose to hire a sitter, my first recommendation would be to choose a family member or family friend your dog already knows and who loves your dog! But if no one is available, make sure you get check references and find out if they are bonded / insured. Schedule a pre-sitting meeting to see how your dog responds to the sitter, and watch the sitters’ body language — are they comfortable with your dog? Do they engage / play with him or her?

Leave written instructions and in-case-of-emergency contacts, including the veterinarian. Also — it’s not unreasonable to ask for text and photo updates on a daily basis.

Whether your dog is going with you or staying behind — we hope your spring break vacation is a great one! As always, Crown Jewel K9 is here to set you and your dog up for success. We want to equip you both with the skills needed to manage behavior and obedience. Contact us for a free consultation and start living your best life with your best friend!

Two Years: A Time to Reflect

Mon, 02 Feb 2026 12:50:41 GMT

Two Years: A Time to Reflect

They say time flies when you’re having fun, and that must be true. After all, I spend most of my days with dogs and the time certainly does fly by. And yes — people comment all the time that I have the most fun job in the world.

They aren’t wrong.

If you had told me when I was neck deep in my role in the United States Air Force, or even during my nursing days, that I would get to live life this way — building a business entirely focused on dogs and “teaching humans to speak dog,” I would have never believed it.

But here I am. Two years in, and loving every minute of it.

It wasn’t just a love for dogs though that compelled me into this industry. It was my personal experience — the heartbreak of having dogs that I couldn’t seem to help… The countless hours wondering what they were thinking…. Wondering what I should do differently…. Trying new things…. Researching options from experts with opposite opinions….

I had one dog with severe anxiety, for whom the slightest interruption could derail him. He was terrified of everything. And then, I had another who, for unknown reasons (at the time), began exhibiting aggressive behavior, turning her into a liability. Two ends of the emotional spectrum with my dogs and I was in the middle of a losing game of tug of war. I spent a fortune on training that did not produce lasting results in either of them.

I knew there had to be a better option. An option that addressed the common issues, but an option that could be tailored and customized for their unique needs.

So after retiring from a 20-year career in the military, I decided to go back to school…. To learn to speak dog.

After graduating from Highland Canine School for Dog Trainers in December 2023 — I took a gigantic leap of faith and started Crown Jewel K9 in January 2024. As a newly graduated dog trainer, I was determined to help as many dogs and families as possible…. To help them navigate relationships where the only common language is love . To help them communicate with their dogs, learn to love through leadership, and strengthen the bond and mutual respect between human and animal.

In two years, I’ve helped 80 dogs and families and have even brought in a second trainer, Grace Carter, who shares my passion and vision for supporting dogs through our own unique brand of training. These two years have given me so much joy and I’m so thankful for the people and families who entrust me to come into their home and teach them and their dogs how to make the most of life together. I’m thankful that when I leave – they have the confidence to keep growing with their dog and do not feel the same kind of hopelessness I felt over mine.

While my education prepared me with all the ins and outs of commands and behavioral modification — the biggest surprise in my time as a dog trainer is how bittersweet graduation is…. It’s always rewarding to watch a dog go from a “diamond in the ruff” to a “crown jewel,” but to end the training and say “good bye” takes an emotional toll. My clients know that I love progress reports and always welcome pictures, videos, and updates from my students.

As I reflect on the last two years, I can’t help but also ponder the years ahead. Exciting things are on the horizon at Crown Jewel K9! Some I can share but others – we’ll talk about them later. But growth is coming and with that growth, more opportunity to do what I love doing – teaching humans to speak dog…. One crown jewel at a time.