IACP Hall of Fame
IACP International Hall of Fame
Frank Inn, William E. Campbell, Barbara Woodhouse, Monks of New Skeet, Will Judy, Weatherwax Family, Captain Arthur Haggerty, Carol Lea Benjamin, Dr. lan Dunbar, Lois Meistrell, Vicki Hearne, William R. “Bill” Koehler, Wendy & Jack Volhard, Captain Max Emil Fredrick V. Stephanitz, Edi Munneke, Scott Mueller, Cesar Milan, Dr. Daniel F. Tortora, Martin Deeley, Dr. Bonnie Bergin, Winnifred Gibson Strikland, Dr Bruce Fogle, Sylvia Bishop, Bart Bellon, John & Sandra Halstead, Bob Jervis, Roger Abrantes, Steven Lindsay, Barbara DeGroodt, Tracy Atkins, Robert Cabral, Ivan Balabanov
IACP Member Hall of Fame
Jay Stull, Dick Russell, George Cockrell, Mary Mazzeri, Vivian Bregman, Cyndy Douan, Lorraine Smith, Aimee Sadler, Pat Trichter, Marc Goldberg, Bob Jervis, Tawni McBee, Dody Dunning, Leslie Horton, Chad Mackin, Mailey McLaughlin, Martin Deeley, Tyler Muto, Nelson Hodges, Heather Beck, Rick Alto, Jason Vasconi, Monica Davis, Willan Sadler
Newsletter Staff
Editor: Jason Purgason
Design: Emily Shekleton
Article Selection: Antonio Diaz
The editors reserve the right to refuse any advertising or any article or letter submitted for publication. Copy subject to editing for length and content.
Board of Directors:
President: Jason Purgason
Vice President: Marlene Ruiz
Treasurer: Laurie McIntosh
Secretary: Rachelle Yates
Director – Legislative: Marlene Ruiz
Director – European Members: Magdalena Szymanska
Director – Ethics: Matt Covey
Director – Therapy Dog: Jason Purgason
Director – Certification: Rebecca Pasko
Director – Education: Antonio Diaz
Director – Member Support: Jason Purgason
Director – Service Dog: Laurie McIntosh
Legal Notices
The Canine Professional Journal is a publication of the International Association of Canine Professionals. The CPJ is intended as an education and communication vehicle for fostering learning, cooperation, exchange of information, and networking across the canine professions. The Canine Professional Journal is distributed bi-annually.
The IACP does not assume any legal responsibility for published articles. The views expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the IACP, its officers, or editorial staff.
Reprint Permission / Submission
Copyright 2026 IACP. All Rights Reserved. No items may be reprinted without the written permission of the IACP and the authors.
2026 IACP Annual Educational Conference
We cannot wait to see everyone NEXT WEEK at the 2026 IACP Annual Educational Conference in Newport Beach, California!
We’re just days away from three incredible days of education, connection, and celebration with canine professionals from around the world. From thought-provoking presentations and hands-on learning to networking with fellow professionals and plenty of fun, there’s so much to look forward to!
Get ready, Newport Beach—we’ll see you soon! 🌴
Message From The Executive Director
Over the course of my career, whether I was working in grooming, boarding & daycare, training facilities, product manufacturing & education, or now serving as Executive Director of IACP, I’ve found myself asking the same question:
How do we make this better for the people, so it’s better for the dogs?
I’ve come to believe those two things are inseparable.
Healthy businesses create educated professionals. Educated professionals make better decisions. Better decisions improve animal welfare. Everything is connected. It’s a philosophy that has guided my career, and it’s one that continues to shape my vision for IACP.
That vision starts with our members.
One of the greatest responsibilities of IACP is protecting the ability of educated professionals to do what they do best: make thoughtful, individualized decisions for the dogs and families they serve.
Every dog is different. Every family is different. That’s why our legislative efforts matter. When we advocate against blanket restrictions on training tools, we’re not simply defending equipment. We’re defending the professional judgment that comes from education, experience, ethical decision-making, and a commitment to animal welfare. We believe those decisions belong in the hands of trained professionals who are committed to lifelong learning and responsible, humane application.
But advocacy is only one piece of our mission.
A strong association requires a strong organization behind it.
Over the past several months, much of my work has focused on strengthening the foundation of IACP. Organizing backend systems, improving processes, documenting procedures, and building infrastructure may not be the most visible part of the job, but it’s some of the most important. My goal is to ensure this organization serves our members well, not only today, but for many years to come.
People tell me it’s unusual that I’m not a full-time trainer serving as Executive Director.
I actually think that’s one of the strengths I bring.
I have enormous respect for the knowledge our members possess, and I don’t see my role as telling professionals how to train dogs. My role is to manage an organization that helps great professionals thrive. I get to combine my background in leadership, operations, and organizational growth with a genuine love for this industry and the people who dedicate their lives to it.
To me, leadership has never been about standing in front of people. It’s about standing beside them. It’s about listening, connecting people who can help one another, creating opportunities for growth, and leaving every organization a little stronger than I found it.
That brings me to what has impressed me most since joining IACP: this community.
Every week I have conversations with trainers, behavior consultants, business owners, competitors, and members who simply want to continue learning. While our backgrounds and specialties may differ, our shared commitment to improving the lives of dogs gives us far more in common than what separates us.
As professionals, we have an opportunity to lead by example. To mentor generously. To challenge ideas respectfully. To continue learning. To hold ourselves to high ethical standards. And to remember that the way we treat one another shapes the future of our profession just as much as the work we do with dogs.
One group I never want to overlook is our vendors and sponsors. Their support helps make our educational programs, conferences, and member resources possible, but their role extends far beyond sponsorship. They are innovators, educators, problem-solvers, and trusted partners who invest in the success of our profession every day.
I encourage our members to see them as more than exhibitors at conference. Lean on their expertise. Ask questions. Explore new products and services. Build relationships. The strongest industries are built when professionals and industry partners work together, sharing knowledge, solving problems, and raising the standard for everyone.
I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve this membership and to help steward an organization whose mission I believe in deeply.
Together, we’ll continue building a stronger association, a stronger profession, and ultimately, better outcomes for the dogs and families who depend on us.
Thank you for being part of that journey.
Sincerely,
Jess Okon
Executive Director