A small team of Tucson dog people, and the pack that keeps us honest.
Lead Dog Trainer / Owner
Crystal is a Tucson native who leads our training team. She has worked at dog boarding, doggie daycare and veterinary facilities since adolescence, and before founding Ruff House she was the Animal Enrichment & Behavior Coordinator for the Humane Society of Southern Arizona. She keeps sharpening her skills through continuing education, competitive dog agility and pet therapy work.
Titles & certifications
Operations / Owner
Michael grew up in Pennsylvania with dogs, snakes, fish and even a tarantula, and moved to Arizona in the early ’80s. After college and 15 years in Los Angeles he came to Tucson, met and married Crystal, and helped her start Ruff House. He serves in the Air National Guard and runs our operations.
Administrative Assistant
Hayley is a Tucson native raised “Ranchy” in Catalina, Arizona. With her Australian Shepherd Rosie she won 4H Grand Champion in Showmanship, Agility, Rally and Obedience at the Pima County Fair. At Ruff House she has been an animal caretaker, dog trainer and now leads our administrative team.
Every one of them has run the course with us.
Director of Dog Sports
A Goldendoodle adopted from Arizona Golden Rescue in 2010, Wrigley is our pack leader and team Momma Dog. She was Crystal’s agility partner until her retirement, holds a 2018 USDAA Cynosport World Champion title and still does therapy dog work with the HSSA VIP program.
Director of Treat Consumption
A Miniature Poodle adopted from the Humane Society of Southern Arizona in 2012, Larry is the oldest of the Blaker pups at over 13. Favorite activities: eating, chasing tennis balls, tug, snuggling and, of course, eating.
Agility Star
Most people think a Bulldog can’t move fast. This French Bulldog keeps up with her longer-legged packmates, has a string of agility titles and qualified for the 2024 Cynosport agility world championships in Tucson.
Therapy Dog Trainee
A Golden Retriever–Great Pyrenees mix adopted from a rescue in the high desert north of Los Angeles, Maple is doing the foundation work for formal therapy dog training.
