Trainer: Humans are reason for most canine problems

By: Donna Swicegood | Statesville Record & Landmark
Published: March 17, 2010

Experienced dog trainer Jason Purgason said the most of the problems between man's best friend and their human companions rests squarely on the people.
Purgason, owner of Highland Canine in Harmony, talked about dog behavior and training at a seminar Monday night at Troutman Elementary School.
The common problems people experienced with their dogs, from behavior issues to overeating, are the fault of the owners, he said.
"We see a lot of fat dogs, and that's purely a manmade problem," he said. "You don't see overweight canines in the wild."
Purgason said a lot of other problems stem from people picking the wrong dog to not addressing their dog's mental needs to lack of socialization.
"People don't understand what the breed characteristics are," he said. "They purchase dogs as an impulse buy, and a lot of those dogs end up at shelters or in rescue groups."
Matching a dog with the owner's lifestyle is crucial. "Some dogs need a lot of exercise. Others are happy lying at your feet. And there are certain breeds that are not particularly good with children," he said.
One of the mistakes people make in getting and taking care of a dog, he said, is lack of socialization.
"This is critical for puppies and adult dogs," he said. "Make out a socialization plan. Make a list of everything you want this dog exposed to in the first year of his life. Check it off the list. Take your dog with you everywhere you go that you can take him. Have them exposed to as many people and other dogs as you can."
Many people, he said, misinterpret a dog's body language. "Tail wagging means zero, nothing," he said. The way in which a dog is wagging his tail could mean he's happy or he's stressed, Purgason said.
Purgason said 95 percent of fights between dogs are the fault of the owners. Tension from the owner is transferred down the leash to the dog, causing a negative reaction.
Improper communication between pet and owner is also a trouble spot, he said.
"You talk to your dog and you end up sounding like Charlie Brown's teacher," Purgason said. "It's important to understand what appropriate communication is."
Many of those in attendance, some experienced dog owners or volunteers for dog rescue organizations, questioned Purgason about behavioral issues.
Peg Farmer is starting her own dog training business in Myrtle Beach, S.C., and she drove five hours to attend Purgason's seminar.
Farmer , who works full-time as a police dispatcher, said she graduated from a dog obedience school recently and found Highland Canine through an online search.
She signed up for Highland Canine's newsletter and read about the seminar there.
"I said I've just got to go," she said.
So she took a couple of days off work to come to Purgason's seminar.
She said it was worth the trip.
"I loved it. I wish he was closer so we could network together," she said.

Trainer: Humans are reason for most canine problems

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