Dog Park Drama: What Garret Wing Wants You to Know

Cheryl Kaye on Pet Life Radio

This week on Unleashed, Cheryl Kaye welcomes top dog trainer and viral sensation Garret Wing, who shares why you should never take your puppy—or even your adult dog—to a dog park. 🐾

A former law enforcement K9 handler and founder of DIYK9, Garret breaks down the hidden dangers of dog parks, from unsafe dog interactions to exposure to disease, and explains why real socialization starts at home with you—not with a pack of unpredictable dogs.

🎧 In this powerful episode, you’ll learn:

  • Why dog parks can be physically and psychologically damaging for your pup
  • The right way to socialize your puppy for lifelong success
  • How crate training, structured play, and everyday outings (yes, even to biker bars!) create a calm, confident dog
  • Why the first 6–12 months are critical to your dog’s future behavior

Whether you're a first-time puppy parent or a seasoned dog owner, this episode is packed with actionable advice and eye-opening insights to build a better bond with your dog.

Listen to Episode #82 Now:

BIO:


My name is Garret Wing. I am the owner and founder of American Standard Dog Training. This company is the culmination of decades of personal experience living and working with police K9s. My father was a police K9 handler for nearly 30 years for a major metropolitan police agency in South Florida. My father started his police K9 career in 1981, and when I was born in 1983 there was already a fully trained police K9 in our home as part of our family. Thus, from birth, began my journey with police dogs being a significant part of my life. Instead of the usual family vacations, my family and I would travel to police K9 competitions and demonstrations across the state and country. My earliest memories are traveling to these competitions and watching my father and other police K9 handlers participate in these competitions. I have watched thousands of dogs and handlers compete over the last few decades, and yet I still get excited going to these events where now I get to not only watch but compete and help others train to compete as well.