About The Dog Gurus

Meet the founders behind the resource hub dedicated to safe off-leash dog play — Robin Bennett and Susan Briggs, two seasoned pet care professionals with decades of hands-on experience.

The Dog Gurus was founded by two passionate professionals who have spent decades working directly with dogs in daycare and group play settings. Their combined experience spans hands-on facility management, staff training, and behavioral observation, giving them a deep understanding of what makes off-leash play both safe and enriching. Rather than relying on theory alone, they built their approach on real-world observations of canine body language and group dynamics. This practical foundation led them to create structured tools and resources that help pet care businesses maintain high standards of safety while still allowing dogs the freedom to socialize, explore, and play in a controlled, positive environment.

At the heart of the Dog Gurus philosophy is a simple but powerful commitment to reading canine body language accurately. The widely recognized green, yellow, and red system helps staff and pet parents alike understand what a dog is communicating during play. Green signals relaxed, appropriate interaction, yellow indicates rising stress or uncertainty, and red means a situation needs immediate intervention. This framework gives daycare teams a common language to assess play in real time, preventing incidents before they escalate. It also empowers facility owners to train their staff consistently, ensuring every team member can recognize subtle shifts in behavior that might otherwise go unnoticed.

Membership with the Dog Gurus opens the door to a comprehensive library of resources designed specifically for dog daycare and off-leash play professionals. Members gain access to detailed evaluation forms, training guides, sample policies, and ongoing educational content that covers everything from facility setup to staff management. The community forum allows members to connect with peers, share challenges, and learn from one another's experiences. Regular blog posts, monthly updates, and seasonal content keep the information fresh and relevant, while the resource directory helps members quickly find the exact tools they need to improve their operations and elevate the quality of care they provide.

Beyond the practical tools, the Dog Gurus community fosters a sense of shared purpose among pet care professionals who are dedicated to safety and excellence. Members take a pledge to uphold responsible play standards, creating a network of facilities that prioritize the well-being of every dog in their care. This collective commitment helps raise the bar across the industry, giving pet parents confidence when they choose a member facility. Whether someone is just starting a daycare business or looking to refine an established program, the community offers support, accountability, and a wealth of knowledge drawn from years of real experience in the field of safe off-leash dog play.

A light-colored puppy with tongue out and paws resting on a white ledge, wearing a collar

Robin Bennett

Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA)

Robin Bennett is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer, author, and consultant with over 20 years in the pet care industry. Her guiding philosophy is that every dog should leave a pet care facility behaviorally better than when they arrived.

Robin is the author of Off-Leash Dog Play and a recognized expert in dog daycare safety, canine body language, and staff training for pet care operations.

Phone: 571.336.2078
Email: robin@safeoffleashdogplay.com
Two tan-colored dogs playfully sparring on hind legs in an outdoor dirt field with trees in background, wearing collars

Susan Briggs

Founder of Crystal Canine

Susan Briggs is the founder of Crystal Canine, a large dog daycare, boarding, grooming, and training center. Her day-to-day experience running a busy pet care facility gives her deep insight into the operational challenges professionals face.

Susan brings practical, real-world knowledge to The Dog Gurus, helping members implement safety protocols that work in actual facility environments — not just in theory.

Trusted Recommendations

The Dog Gurus is proud to recommend the following industry partners who share a commitment to excellence in pet care:

  • IBPSA
  • Crystal Canine
  • Paramount Success Group
  • FetchFind
  • Gingr

Ready to Learn More?

Explore our courses, take the Safety Pledge, or get in touch with Robin and Susan.

Contact Us