My name is Jas Whiting and I’m the trainer and business owner of Prime Canine. I come from a background of 6 years in the Australian Army, with most of my time posted to Special Operations.

In 2015, I suffered a significant back injury fracturing part of my spine so immediately began 2 years of rehab and began the long discharge process, during which time I was diagnosed with PTSD. By the end of the year, I had adopted a 6-month-old dog (Jenta) with the intention of training her to be my PTSD Assistance dog to aid in my mental health rehabilitation and alleviate some of the debilitating symptoms I experienced. Little did I know, I was well out of my depth - she had a lot of issues that would ordinarily deem her unsuitable, and it would take an enormous amount of knowledge & skill (that I didn’t have) to achieve her certification.

Thankfully, I had the opportunity to be mentored and guided by world renowned dog trainer, and now good friend, Pat Stuart of Operant Canine. He mentored me from the most basic techniques and foundations of dog training, through to some of the most advanced concepts and complex skills. I’m incredibly grateful to have the opportunity to learn from him and in turn, also learn from other world class trainers such as Bart Bellon.

Fast forward 2 years…by the end of 2017, I had been medically discharged, Jenta was a qualified assistance dog, I had successfully completed the NePoPo schools multiple times, registered my own dog training business, and after diving into the world of dog bitesports, I became the first female in Australia to be qualified as a PSA (Protection Sports Association) Decoy.

In 2018, I was introduced to Jay Jack (founder of GRC Dogsports) during his first tour in Australia and began learning his ‘Play As The Way’ training style. I quickly dived headfirst into GRC Dogsports - not only competing with Jenta and becoming the first team in the world to advance through all levels of the SR test, but also becoming the first Australian judge. From there, I also became the AUS/NZ Regional Director and started helping the sport develop here in Australia.

In addition to starting GRC in 2018 (but outside of the world of dog training), I started Brazilian Jiu Jitsu - although Jiu Jitsu may seem completely unrelated to dog training, there are some direct links to be made between the two and I believe they have been big factors into my overall development in both areas of my life. It is arguably the most positively life changing decision I’ve made to date. Prior but unrelated to my back injury, I was a qualified Crossfit Coach – I was fit, healthy and very active in that lifestyle. Once I was injured, I focused on my rehab and when I returned to Crossfit after 2 years, I felt I needed a change because I was missing something. I had about 50kgs to lose to get back to my healthy body, so I needed a very active sport that is a whole lifestyle but one that challenges me beyond anything I’d done before…

Due to the nature/cause of my PTSD, it was extremely difficult to even contemplate doing a sport like Jiu Jistu, so I immediately signed up. Despite all the mental stress, emotional discomfort, blood, sweat, tears and urges to quit – I’ve stayed consistent, training a minimum of 2 classes x 5 days a week. 5 years later; I’m a purple belt, dropped half my body weight in fat, and am competing in numerous championships. I earned the title of Australian National Champion in 2021 and 2022, Pan Pacific Champion 2021, 2022 and 2023, am a +10x state champion across multiple states, and was ranked first in Australia in 2022. This is only the beginning of my Jiu Jitsu journey, just as it is in the dog training industry. I can positively say that what I learn and do in the dog training space has made me a better athlete, training partner and coach within the realm of Jiu Jitsu, and vice versa.

Some of these similarities between Jiu Jitsu and dog training have also helped me uncover what it is that I really enjoy and find a way to do that more. This can be seen when you compare my business from the beginning of my journey to what it is now…
Over the course of the last few years, I’ve changed the trajectory of my business from pet dogs and behavioural problems to that of sport and working dogs, k9 handlers, teaching seminars worldwide, and coaching other dog trainers. I’ve continued to dive deeper into my understanding of NePoPo and how to adapt that system for any dog training and situation. In addition, I’ve investigated, studied and learned other styles of training like that of Ivan Balabanov and Dick Staal - I’m eager to expand my knowledge and skills even further and apply aspects of their training within my own system to continue to develop my own skillset and provide the best possible training and coaching for others.

Currently, my core business focus is raising puppies with Pat Stuart and developing them into working dog roles for Law Enforcement/Military. I start by acquiring 2-3 puppies at a time and they live with me for 12-18months before being sold to their unit. In that time, I teach them all the necessary behaviours and skills required for their future career (such as tracking, bitework & apprehension, high level obedience and plenty more) as well as develop them to be a safe and socially responsible dog within society - from there, they’re handed over to their new handler to begin their working dog career.

Even though I’m raising puppies, I continue to present seminars across Australia, overseas and at events such as the IACP (International Association of Canine Professionals) Conference and also compete regularly in Jiu Jitsu tournaments across Australia.

This is only the beginning of my journey into dog training, progression & expansion within the industry and my personal development. Stay tuned as I continue
Unlocking the Potential.