In this engaging conversation, Jason Purgason, President of Highland Canine Training, shares insights from his 30-plus years in dog training, spanning law enforcement to specialized service dogs. He highlights the critical importance of matching dogs with their owners' lifestyles, especially those on the autism spectrum. Jason also addresses the need for ethical standards in the industry and rethinking dog training methodologies, particularly for detection dogs, advocating for evidence-based practices while emphasizing the power of community engagement in fostering a supportive dog training environment.
Jason Purgason's extensive background in law enforcement and K9 handling informs his tailored approach to dog training across various disciplines.
Highland Canine Training focuses on customized training solutions for families, particularly children with autism, emphasizing a personalized understanding of their needs.
The organization maintains long-term relationships and offers continuous support to clients after service dog placements, fostering community and emotional connections.
Ferguson seeks to elevate industry standards in police and military detection dog training through systematic, evidence-based methodologies for better results.
As president of the IACP, Ferguson advocates for inclusivity and collective strength to address legislative challenges impacting training practices and tools.
Deep dives
Overview of Highland Canine Training
Highland Canine Training, founded by Jason Ferguson in 2006, has evolved into a multifaceted business located in rural North Carolina. The facility offers various services, including pet training focused on behavioral issues, a division for police and military working dogs, and a service dog program primarily assisting individuals with autism spectrum disorders. Emphasizing individualized approaches, the organization tailors training to meet the unique needs of each client. Ferguson’s commitment to continual growth reflects in the expansion of their offerings over nearly two decades.
Approach to Service Dogs for Autism
The journey into training service dogs for individuals with autism spectrum disorders began for Ferguson after fostering a child with autism. Seeing the high costs associated with existing service dogs, they sought to provide affordable and effective training tailored specifically for children with autism. The philosophy adopted centered on customizing dogs to match each child's unique needs, rejecting a 'cookie-cutter' approach. Ferguson emphasizes that true understanding of the children and their families is crucial for successful dog placements, reflecting a commitment to personalized solutions.
Selection Process for Service Dogs
The selection of suitable dogs for service work is a meticulous process that considers the unique lifestyle and needs of the client. Ferguson highlights the importance of understanding the individual and their environment to ensure successful matches between dogs and families. While their organization has experienced a high success rate, they acknowledge that not every match will work, and thorough assessments are essential for effectiveness. This detailed application process aims to avoid creating further challenges for families who are already dealing with significant difficulties.
Ongoing Support and Family Connections
Highland Canine Training maintains relationships with clients long after dog placements, offering follow-up support. Ferguson discusses the profound connections formed with families, highlighting that many continue to stay in touch even years after receiving their service dog. This connection emphasizes the emotional aspect of the training process, fostering a sense of community among families and trainers. Celebratory moments, such as receiving holiday cards from past clients, underscore the long-term impact of their service.
Training for Detection Dogs
The training of police and military detection dogs is another focus of Highland Canine, which aims to elevate standards within the industry. Ferguson expresses a desire to shift conventional training methods to be more systematic and evidence-based. He believes there’s untapped potential in the capabilities of detection dogs that can be better harnessed through comprehensive training programs. By advocating for longer, more detailed training processes, Ferguson hopes to improve results and the overall effectiveness of detection work.
Challenges in the Dog Training Community
The divisive nature of the dog training community, particularly between balanced training methods and force-free approaches, poses a significant challenge. Ferguson notes the pressure to conform to popular opinion surrounding training tools, often driven by misinformation and aggressive campaigns against their use. This division has resulted in a reluctance for professionals to engage in open dialogue, further complicating collective efforts to educate the public about effective training practices. Ferguson believes it is crucial for balanced trainers to communicate their perspectives more effectively to counteract misconceptions.
Future Goals for IACP
As the current president of the International Association of Canine Professionals (IACP), Ferguson is committed to enhancing the organization’s outreach and inclusivity. He emphasizes the importance of growing the membership base to strengthen the organization’s voice on legislative matters concerning training tool bans. The IACP aims to encourage members to engage actively in their mission, recognizing that collective strength is necessary to produce substantial change. Future efforts will focus on more visibility for IACP in the ever-changing landscape of dog training.
Networking and Education in the Dog Training Community
IACP provides various platforms for networking and knowledge sharing among dog trainers, fostering a rich community for professional development. Ferguson highlights the need for trainers to not only participate but to take the initiative in educating themselves and others about effective, humane training techniques. Through conferences and seminars, trainers are encouraged to exchange ideas and learn from diverse perspectives within the community. This collaborative atmosphere aims to unify differing training philosophies while promoting effectiveness in dog handling.
Upcoming Conference and Importance of Participation
The upcoming IACP conference in July 2025 in Savannah, Georgia, aims to unify dog trainers from various backgrounds to exchange insights and experiences. Ferguson is excited about the lineup while emphasizing that engaging with the community is crucial for advancing the standards of the industry. The conference will feature a blend of presentations from experienced trainers, workshops, and ample opportunities for networking. He encourages all professionals to participate actively and seize the chance to contribute to the growth of the organization and dog training standards.
Today, I have a guest whose experience in the dog training world spans over 30 years and covers just about every aspect of the industry. Jason Purgason is the President of Highland Canine Training.
With a background as a former police officer and K9 handler, Jason has trained and certified working dog teams across law enforcement, military, and specialized detection disciplines—everything from narcotics and explosives detection to human remains and even termite detection.
Beyond training, Jason is also the primary instructor at his school for dog trainers.
He’s also the current president of the International Association of Canine Professionals (IACP), where he plays a key role in advocating for high standards in the dog training industry.
In this episode, we dive into his business, his leadership at the IACP, and what’s happening in the dog training world.
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