Chris is the Owner of Harrisburg Off-Leash K9 Training. From a young age, Chris worked on horse farms and trained horses until he answered the call for the military. After 9 years in the Army including a deployment to Iraq, Chris became a municipal law enforcement officer in the state of Pennsylvania and transitioned to K9 during his tenor there. Chris and his partner, K9 Pedro were certified by the National Police Work Dog Association in basic obedience, handler protection, narcotics detection, suspect apprehension, building and article searches, and tracking. While their favorite activity was foot patrol, Chris and Pedro also participated in community events, raising drug awareness and demonstrating Pedro’s awesome skillset. While training, Chris was able to work with multiple dogs of varying breeds and ages and their handlers in basic obedience and K9-related skills. Chris also attended a K9 Medic course and works with rescue animals.Chris has eight dogs at home, all of whom were rescued. He calls them his “Muttley Crew” and they range from 10lb miniature dachshunds to a huge St Bernard named “Barlow”. Chris lives with his family in Newville, PA. Chris is also an avid fisherman and loves the outdoors and nature. Chris recently obtained his instructor certification in Pet First Aid and CPR through PetTech and founded a non-profit called “Cumberland Valley Animal Assistance Program” (www.cvaap.org) which feeds local pets.Chris believes in the quote by author Dean Koontz, “Once you have had a wonderful dog, a life without one, is a life diminished.” He says, “I treat dogs like I treat my daughter. I respect them. I admire them for their own unique personalities and differences. It reignites my passion to train every time I see that light bulb come on and they master a skill. The pride you see come over them and the happiness on their owner’s faces. That’s what this job is all about.”