In episode 131 of Zero Limits Podcast, host Matty Morris gets into it with Jason Kelly, former Military Working Dog Handler in the Royal Australian Air Force and owner of K9 Solutions Australia, a leading provider of premium working dogs and training services to military and law enforcement agencies in Australia and overseas.
Jason served as a qualified Military Working Dog Handler in the Royal Australian Air Force for nine full-time years and an additional five as a part-time reserve. He achieved remarkable success during this period, including securing the prestigious Dux Award for the Top Dog Team on the Basic Royal Australian Air Force K9 Course.
His accolades also include leading the Top Dog Team at the Royal Australian Air Force Base Darwin Dog Section in 2008-2009, finishing as the runner-up for the 2009 Bill Perrett Trophy, and eventually clinching the top spot in the 2010 Bill Perrett Trophy, awarded to the finest dog team in the Royal Australian Air Force.
His skills and dedication led to deployments as part of a Dog Team in East Timor and a K9 Trainer in Afghanistan within the Special Operations Task Group, where he instructed on multiple Special Operations Command Combat Military Working Dogs Courses. He was also responsible for initiating and managing the Special Operations Command Pup Foster Care Program, showcasing his driven approach to K9 training.
Jason's military journey culminated with his role as the Kennel Master at the Royal Australian Air Force Canine Development Cell Program.
On today's Zero Limits Podcast I am joined in the studio chatting with Jason Kelly former Royal Australian Airforce Military Working Dog Hander and now owner of K9 Solutions Australia.
Jason had an extensive career as a dog handler in the RAAF which included a support posting to the SASR as a kennel master. During his posting out west he was deployed to Afghanistan again as the kennel master for the SASR working with handlers like Ryan Wilson and Andy White both SASR. Having undergone numerous domestic and international operational deployments, Jason has gained exceptional insight and a unique perspective on the world of working dogs. passion Jason has for K9’s is out of this world and not to mention the drive to be the best handler/trainer he can be.
After exiting the Australian military Jason has gone from strength to strength with his own business, producing highly trained dogs that are destined for difficult and dangerous roles with agencies and organisations within Australia and abroad.
Jason's journey to Military Working Dog Handler offers an enlightening glimpse into the world of canine service. His stories of dedication, camaraderie, and the indelible bond between dogs and their handlers are sure to leave a lasting impact, fostering a deeper understanding of the vital role played by these remarkable animals in both military and civilian contexts.
At the heart of the episode is the discussion about the integral role of Military Working Dogs (MWDs) in modern defence forces. He shares anecdotes that underline the deep bond forged between handlers and their canine companions, showcasing the immense trust and teamwork required for success in their missions.
The conversation delves into the challenges of working in the military's K9 unit, including the physical and emotional demands placed on dogs and their handlers, the evolving role of technology in dog training and the exciting prospects it holds for the future.
Jason's influence extended beyond his military service. He shared his expertise as an Instructor on the Queensland Police SERT K9 Workshop and participated in seminars by renowned figures in the field, including the Franco Angelini Decoy Seminar and the Randy Hare Odour Detection Seminar. Notably, he is a NePoPo® Gold and Silver School Graduate, attesting to his dedication to staying at the forefront of modern canine training techniques.
One of the significant aspects covered in the episode is Jason's ownership of K9 Solutions Australia, where he extends his expertise to government agencies. Through this endeavour, he imparts valuable training and emphasises the importance of understanding and addressing behavioural issues in dogs. Jason's experience offers a unique perspective on the versatility of his skills and the shared principles that underpin both roles.
Throughout the episode, Jason's dedication and unwavering respect for these four-legged heroes shine through. His stories underscore the incredible contributions that MWDs make to national security and disaster response, often placing themselves in harm's way to protect civilians and military personnel.
Zero Limits Podcast is hosted by Australian Veteran Matty Morris. Throughout his podcasts, Matty speaks to high charging humans from around the world with the zero limit attitude. matty thinks one of the best ways their podcast can give their listeners motivation and the ability to complete any goal they set their mind to, is through hearing zero limit stories from these hectic people!
For more amazing stories, visit Matty's website at www.zerolimitspodcast.com