Highland Canine Training, LLC

Trying to put this experience into words feels impossible, but I’ll do my best. Working with Highland Canine changed our family forever. Getting our child’s autism service dog wasn’t just about bringing home a dog, it was about hope, trust, and handing over control of something incredibly precious while believing it would come back to us in the best possible way. Our trainer, Trinity, raised Boomer from a puppy all the way through his training and delivery, and you can feel that in who he is. The care, patience, love, and intention she poured into him shows up every single day. He is calm, confident, intuitive, and deeply connected to our child, and that doesn’t happen by accident. That happens because someone truly cared. The process was emotional, overwhelming at times, and incredibly meaningful. Highland Canine didn’t just train a service dog, they supported us. They educated us, prepared us, and walked us through one of the biggest moments of our lives with compassion and respect. When our autism service dog was finally placed with us, it was powerful in a way I wasn’t prepared for. What this organization does matters. It matters for families like ours who need support the world doesn’t always know how to give. It matters for children who need to gain confidence, safety, and independence. And it matters because they do this work with heart. We will be grateful for Trinity, the time she spent training our dog and us, and the entire Highland Canine team for the rest of our lives. Not only did our service dog join our family, but now Trinity is forever a member of our family. If you are considering a service dog or supporting an organization that truly changes lives - this is it.

Here’s the truth. This program isn’t good. It’s exceptional, and that word is usually abused. I just graduated from the 24-week Master Dog Trainer Program, and calling it a “course” almost feels insulting. This is a complete immersion into the real work. Long days. Real dogs. Real standards. Jason and Erin Purgason have been doing this for over 20 years, and it shows in everything they do. The structure. The expectations. The culture. They run a serious school with a top-tier facility, and they don’t cut corners. Ever. You work with a high volume of dogs, across temperaments, breeds, and problems. Not demo dogs. Working dogs. Dogs with baggage. Mike Halapy, the man, doesn’t just enjoy dogs; he believes in what they can do for people. Service work. PTSD support. Mobility assistance. Dogs opening cabinets, turning lights on and off, and picking up dropped items. You don’t just train behaviors. You see the impact. Retirement homes. Schools. Kids are lighting up. Adults getting independence back. That sticks with you. We also worked with young dogs under Amber Vaughn's watchful eye. This part was no joke. Learning how to evaluate puppies and adolescents for K9 potential drug detection, trailing, article vehicle, and building searches. You’re taught what matters and what doesn’t. And if you're lucky, then you see the end result. Dogs finishing out after months of training and doing real work. That’s rare. And it’s impressive. One of the most meaningful parts of the program was working with a local shelter. Dogs that were found. Surrendered. Overlooked. You help stabilize them, train them, and give them an actual second chance at life. That experience alone is worth the time. Magdalena Szymanska played a huge role here, and without her, that piece doesn’t work the same. You also work with real clients. Real people. Real problems. Reactivity. Obedience gaps. Communication breakdowns. The stuff trainers actually deal with, not Instagram nonsense. You learn how to train dogs and manage humans. Critical skill. When I finished the program, I didn’t just walk away with a certification. I walked away confident. Capable. Connected. And with friendships that will last a lifetime. If you want a shortcut, look elsewhere. If you want to be legit, this is the place.

I was a student at Highland Canine School for Dog Trainers, where I completed the Master Dog Trainer Program as part of the 2025 Class 88. The program provided an exceptional, well-rounded educational experience that exceeded my expectations. The level of knowledge I gained throughout the course was far greater than I anticipated, both academically and hands-on. One of the program’s greatest strengths is the extensive exposure students receive across multiple disciplines within the dog training field. I had the opportunity to work with pet dogs, Police K9s, service dogs, and search and rescue dogs, which provided invaluable real-world experience and a deeper understanding of the industry as a whole. In addition to practical training, the classroom instruction was thorough, structured, and extremely beneficial, reinforcing foundational concepts while expanding advanced training knowledge. As this was my first time living away from home, being 19 years old and eight hours from family was initially intimidating. However, Highland Canine truly fosters a supportive, family-oriented environment. From the leadership of Jason and Erin Purgason to every trainer/instructor on staff, there was a consistent effort to ensure students felt supported, confident, and comfortable throughout the course. The care and encouragement extended well beyond instruction and created an atmosphere where students could thrive both personally and professionally. What stood out most to me was the abundance of opportunities available to students. The trainers and instructors at Highland are always willing to provide guidance, mentorship, and additional support when challenges arise. Their commitment to student success is evident in their accessibility, patience, and genuine investment in each individual’s progress. Furthermore, the instructors and trainers are continuously working to elevate standards within the dog training industry by improving their own skills, refining their methods, and ensuring students receive the highest quality education possible. Overall, the Master Dog Trainer Program at Highland Canine provided an outstanding foundation for my career in dog training. The knowledge, experience, and support I received have been invaluable, and I am grateful to be a part of such a dedicated and professional training community.