Today we’d like to introduce you to Lamar Bowman.
Hi Lamar, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Neighbors grew out of Lamar Bowman’s lifelong connection to dogs and the Austin community. Before Neighbors, Lamar founded BJ’s Backyard, which started as a neighborhood dog park and quickly became a gathering place for local owners. It was a hands-on space where Lamar worked closely with dogs and their people—learning what healthy play actually looks like, how group dynamics shift, and how much structure and supervision matter in off-leash environments. That experience still shapes how Neighbors runs today.
When Kati Luedecke moved into Lamar’s East Austin neighborhood, the two became fast friends. What started as casual conversations about dogs and community slowly turned into bigger ideas about building something together. Kati, who had previously owned and operated the Peruvian food truck Killa Wasi, brought an entrepreneurial mindset and the push needed to turn those conversations into a real plan.
After nearly three years of planning, that shared vision became Neighbors Dog Park & Café on South Congress—and now, four years later, it’s continued to evolve through real-world experience. The heart of Neighbors is still rooted in Lamar’s training background: a fully staffed, supervised off-leash play space paired with education, structure, and dog-focused programming. Over time, the team has learned, adjusted, and refined what works best for dogs and for the people who love them.
At the end of the day, Neighbors is about connection. It’s built on the belief that when dogs are set up for success, people connect more easily too. By blending dog-training principles with hospitality and intention, Lamar and Kati have created a space that’s constantly growing—shaped by the community that shows up every day.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
One of the biggest challenges Lamar and Kati faced early on was financial. Opening during COVID, a period of rising inflation led to higher-than-expected costs across the board—from construction and staffing to insurance, utilities, and ongoing maintenance. Building a model that could absorb those costs while still remaining accessible to the community required constant adjustments and careful decision-making.
Another major challenge has been building and sustaining a true community, not just a customer base. A dog park naturally brings together people with very different expectations, communication styles, and levels of experience as dog owners. Creating a shared culture—one centered on safety, respect, and accountability—has taken time, consistency, and a lot of hands-on education.
Offering food and beverage also came with its own learning curve. Operating a café alongside a dog-focused environment requires navigating health regulations, logistics, and staffing, all while ensuring the space remains safe and comfortable for both dogs and people. Balancing hospitality with animal welfare has been an ongoing process.
Perhaps the most complex challenge has been learning, in real time, what works best for dogs in this type of environment. No two dogs are the same, and managing group play requires constant evaluation of behavior, energy levels, and stress signals. At the same time, Lamar and Kati have had to work outside to maintain their lives and provide for themselves, all while owning and managing Neighbors—from highly experienced to first-time owners—helping them understand boundaries, structure, and what’s truly in their dog’s best interest. That balance of advocacy, education, and empathy continues to shape how Neighbors operates today.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Lamar Bowman, dog extradonaire, whose work is rooted in putting dogs first and using them as the connection point for building stronger communities. He specializes in off-leash group play, pack dynamics, and real-world dog behavior, and is widely respected for training not only dogs, but staff teams—teaching dog-care professionals how to read behavior, intervene thoughtfully, and make decisions based on what’s best for the dog.
Lamar continues to shape the Neighbors community by letting dogs lead the way, bringing people together through shared care, accountability, and presence. He is constantly evolving the vision for both the dog play area and the coffee shop, never settling and never quitting—always pushing to improve safety, structure, and the overall experience.
He leads with love, but not the easy kind. For Lamar, love isn’t just cuddles and treats—it’s patience, persistence, and consistency. It’s advocating for dogs when it’s uncomfortable, holding people to higher standards, and committing to long-term growth over shortcuts. That philosophy is what sets him apart and what continues to define the culture and impact of Neighbors.
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
an support and collaborate with Lamar Bowman by aligning with his dog-first philosophy and commitment to community-based care. He welcomes collaborations with dog-focused businesses, trainers, and organizations that prioritize safety, education, and responsible ownership—whether through staff training, program development, or consulting on group-play environments.
Lamar also partners with brands and small businesses that want to support spaces where dogs are truly advocated for, not just accommodated. This can look like sponsoring dog enrichment programming, supporting staff education, or collaborating on events that bring people together through their dogs.
The most meaningful way to support Lamar’s work is to engage with the community he’s building: show up, listen, stay accountable, and be open to learning. Collaboration with Lamar isn’t transactional—it’s relationship-driven and rooted in patience, persistence, and leading with love in ways that genuinely serve dogs and the people who care for them.
Pricing:
- 50$ membership monthly single dog
- 25$ additional dog membership
- 15$ day passes
Contact Info:
- Website: https://neighborsatx.com
- Instagram: neighborsatx
- Facebook: neighborsatx
