About K9 of Mine

At K9 of Mine, our goal is to bring readers the very best dog care resources and info to help owners better care for their canine companions. After all, we believe man’s best friends deserve the best treatment!

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Our Mission

At K9 of Mine, our goal is to help humans better understand their canine companions, enabling them to be better caretakers.

Life in a human-centric world can be tough for a four-legger, and we believe many of the most common training and behavioral issues result from — at least in part — a misunderstanding of the dog’s needs and how dogs operate.

We always work from a perspective of compassion and empathy for our furry friends, and do our best to share that understanding with our readers.

Expert-Guided Education

Media makes dog ownership look easy — but it’s not!

From figuring out what dog food your pup needs to teaching your dog to chew on (toys) and what not to chew on (your antique walnut dining table), it’s easy for new dog owners to feel overwhelmed.

We’re here to step in and guide you.

Our experienced team of professional dog trainers, certified behaviorists, licensed veterinarians, and animal shelter workers have seen it all, and are here to provide the advice you need to be the best pet parent you can be!

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Dedicated to Force-Free Training

Scientific research into canine behavior has shown that positive reinforcement-focused, force-free training is the most effective, safest way to train a dog.

K9 of Mine is committed to force-free training methods that do not use aversive methods like prong collars, choke collars, shock collars, or harsh leash corrections that have been shown to increase stress and anxiety, damage dog and owner relationships, and potentially increase aggression.

We may (rarely) have content about these tools and methods, but always with the aim of education and demonstrating why such tools are not recommended and cause more harm than good.

Science-Backed Research

There is a lot of misinformation on the internet when it comes to caring for your canine. At K9 of Mine, we only give you the research-backed truth while leaving out the myths. We’ll show you the studies that support our positions so you can fact-check yourself!

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Our Team

Our team of experts and all-around awesome individuals at K9 of Mine

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Megan Marrs

Founder | Dog Trainer | Shelter Volunteer

Credentials: Dog Writers Association of America (DWAA) | Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT)

Megan is a dog trainer and the founder of K9 of Mine, starting the site as a tribute to her childhood dog Benzy. An avid dog enthusiast since childhood, her goal is to help owners develop better, richer relationships with their pets through compassion and understanding.

When not managing K9 of Mine, Megan spends time training her own rescue pit bull mix Remy, attending digital lectures on positive reinforcement-based training, and volunteering at local animal shelters, where she tends to dogs with a variety of behavior issues.

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Ben Team

Editor | Environmental Educator

In addition to being a dedicated dog dad, writer, and the editor for K9 of Mine, Ben is a lifelong environmental educator and animal care professional, who’s worked with species ranging from crocodilians to invertebrates.

Passionate about animal welfare and the value pets provide their people, Ben has been profiled in a variety of media outlets, including local public television, Countyline Magazine, and Disney Radio.

He currently lives in the Atlanta area with his beautiful wife, two step kiddos, and two amazing dogs.

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Kayla Fratt

Dog Trainer | CDBC

Kayla Fratt is an Associate Certified Dog Behavior Consultant (CDBC) with the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC) and is a member of Dog Writer’s Association of America.

Kayla has previously worked at Denver Dumb Friends League as a Behavior Technician. She owns her own dog training business, Journey Dog Training, and holds a degree in biology from Colorado College. When she’s not writing or training her border collie Barley, Kayla enjoys cross-country skiing, eating sushi, drinking cocktails, and going backpacking.

Credentials: Associate Certified Dog Behavior Consultant (CDBC) with the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC) | Dog Writers Association of America (DWAA)

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Alisa Healy

Dog Trainer | KPA-CTP

Alisa is a Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner (KPA CTP) and Licenced Family Dog Mediator (LFDM-T). She is the owner and trainer of Dog Forward Training, where she specializes in helping people raise puppies to be awesome adventure companions. Alisa has garnered great experience in animal behavior through working with shelter dogs and training a variety of species through wildlife rescue. She and her husband currently live in the Chicago suburbs with two pups, who are the best agility teammates and hiking pals she could ask for.

Credentials: Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner (KPA CTP) and Licenced Family Dog Mediator (LFDM-T)

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Kelsey Leicht

Editor | Dog Caretaker

Kelsey is a lover of words and woofs. She worked hands-on with dogs for several years at a boarding kennel as a shift runner and office manager before venturing into the world of writing. She lives in New Jersey with her crew of crazy canines.

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Andrea Carter

Dog Trainer | KPA-CTO

Andrea Carter is a Certified Training Partner with the Karen Pryor Academy (KPA CTP) and is a training content writer for K9 Of Mine. Andrea has previously helped a plethora of quirky homeless dogs make their way through the shelter system as a member of Austin Animal Center’s Behavior & Enrichment Team, volunteered as a Guest Trainer at Service Dogs, Inc., and encouraged people and their dogs to begin a lifetime of learning together as a Lead Pet Trainer at a Petsmart.

She is in the process of starting her own dog training business, Smart & Happy Dog Training, and believes that smart dogs are happy dogs! When she’s not working with training clients and writing, Andrea stays busy building a tiny house and performing duties as her eco-village’s resident chicken wrangler.

Staff Credentials: Certified Training Partner with the Karen Pryor Academy (KPA CTP)

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Erin Jones

PhD in Animal Studies, Dog Trainer | KPA-CTO


Erin Jones, PhD, MSc, CPDT-KA, IAABC-ADT, CDBC, CANZ-ABC/ATI, is a forefront animal behavior expert and dedicated dog trainer. With Canadian roots and currently contributing her expertise in New Zealand, Erin’s comprehensive approach intertwines humane training practices and sophisticated behavior modification strategies to solidify the bond between humans and dogs.

Her educational path led her from a CPDT-KA certification to achieving a PhD in Animal Studies from the University of Canterbury, focusing on the ethics of canine consent and humane training. Erin is also the Science Content Editor for the IAABC Foundation, advancing animal behavior education, and the author of “Constructing Canine Consent,” a groundbreaking work advocating for consent-based dog-human relationships. Renowned for her science-based, consent-focused training philosophy, Erin opposes aversive methods, opting instead for kindness and efficacy. Her contributions to canine behavior study and practice make her a respected voice for ethical animal training globally.

Staff Credentials: PhD in Animal Studies, Certified Dog Behavior Consultant (CDBC) with the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC), Certified Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA).

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April Reed

Staff Writer

April Reid is a seasoned freelance content writer whose expertise shines in the pet care domain. With her work featured on platforms like K9ofMine and Dog Academy, April blends her professional writing prowess with a deep-rooted passion for animals.

Before turning to writing, April honed her skills as a marketing assistant for Portobello Pup, gaining hands-on experience with a variety of dog breeds, including the distinct puli dogs and chow chows. Her involvement in the prestigious Crufts dog show further underscores her commitment to the welfare and understanding of pets.

April’s personal life mirrors her professional path; her free time is devoted to playing with her beloved pooch, delving into animal-themed films, and birdwatching in the Brecon Beacons.

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Dr. Jo De Kerk

Veterinarian

Dr. Jo De Klerk, BVetMed (Hons) MScTAH MRCVS is a distinguished British-qualified veterinarian with a remarkable portfolio that straddles clinical practice, research, and veterinary communication.

Registered with both the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) and the South African Veterinary Council (SAVC), her veterinary journey is characterized by a profound commitment to One Health, particularly in providing humanitarian aid to working and producing animals.

Currently delving into the academic realm as a doctoral researcher through MIBTP and the University of Warwick, Jo’s research ambitiously tackles the epidemiology of veterinary vector-borne diseases, employing sophisticated methodologies like mathematical modeling and spatial analysis.

Her repertoire extends beyond veterinary medicine into the literary and media world, where she has gained recognition as the author of Harper Collins’ engaging titles ‘Tales from a Young Vet’ and ‘Tales from a Wild Vet’, alongside a comprehensive series on dog breeds, ‘The Complete Guide to…’. Jo’s adeptness at bridging the gap between scientific rigour and accessible writing shines through her extensive contributions to animal-related content, from blogs to peer-reviewed scientific literature.

With a Masters in Tropical Animal Health from the Royal Veterinary College, London, and pursuing a PhD in Zoonotic Disease Modelling, Jo’s career has been adorned with roles that transcend traditional veterinary practice, embracing practice management, veterinary consultancy, and even tele-medicine, showcasing her versatile skill set and unwavering passion for animal health.

Staff Credentials: Masters in Tropical Animal Health from the Royal Veterinary College.

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Dr. Paula Simons

Veterinarian

Dr. Paula Simons, DVM is a dedicated Emergency and Critical Care Veterinarian with a commitment to animal health. A 2019 graduate from the Ontario Veterinary College with a Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine (DVM), she serves as a resident at Cornell University Veterinary Specialists (CUVS) in Connecticut, a facility known for its exceptional round-the-clock emergency care and credentialing by the Veterinary Emergency & Critical Care Society for top-notch patient care standards.

Paula also extends her expertise as an Emergency Veterinarian specialist for Senior Tail Waggers and a valued member of the TUFTS Veterinary Emergency team. Moreover, her accreditation as a diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Emergency Critical Care (ACVECC) underscores her depth of knowledge and commitment to advancing veterinary emergency protocols and treatments.

Beyond her clinical work, Dr. Simons contributes her insights and expertise to renowned platforms including K9 of Mine, The Vets, Pet Coach, and Pet Lab Co, aiding pet owners in understanding the complexities of emergency pet care. Currently based in Walpole, MA, Paula’s career is marked by an unwavering dedication to ensuring the health and wellness of pets in critical situations.

Staff Credentials: Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine (DVM) from Ontario Veterinary College, resident of Cornell University Veterinary Specialists (CUVS), diplomate American College of Veterinary Emergency Critical Care (ACVECC)

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Jocelyn Okamoto

Video Creator

Jocelyn is our resident DIYer.  While her background ranges from fashion design to finance, she’s her happiest whenever she’s creating things with her hands.  She volunteers at her local dog rescue and has a huge soft spot in her heart for pit bulls.

Her childhood pittie/lab mix, Nami changed her life and she is currently raising a rescue pit bull puppy with her boyfriend in LA.

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Kate Brunotts

Staff Writer | Dog Caretaker

Kate is a dog-loving content specialist with over a decade of canine-care experience.

She is currently a professional dog walker and pet sitter, with previous experience working at the Heart of Chelsea Animal Hospital in Manhattan. Kate loves dogs of all shapes and sizes, but Bernese Mountain Dogs hold a special place in her heart.


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How We Make Money

K9 of Mine generates revenue by participating in several affiliate programs, which provide us with a small commission when we send them traffic that generates a sale. We also have display ads on the site that help generate additional revenue. In some cases, we may also accept a sponsored placement fee from brands who want a certain product reviewed by our team.

This is how we are able to pay our writers, fund our expert consultants, and keep the lights on. Rest assured that we will always put you and your dog before profits – we never recommend products, training resources, or tools that we consider unsafe or unethical. Even when we are paid to review products, we always do so objectively and with our readers in mind. We always disclose any issues or drawback to a product we are reviewing, regardless of any sponsorship fee.

The goal of any business is to generate revenue, but we promise at K9 of Mine, that will never be at the expense of your furry friends’ wellbeing!