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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.