Professional Dog Trainer, Chris Danker CPDT-KA KPA-CTP
Working with families to integrate their dogs to become well-behaved family companions while developing a positive trusting relationship with them is an on- going theme in Chris’ philosophy of dog training. Whether is it going for a short walk or an all-day hike; snuggling up with your pet after a long day at work or taking your dog out for a good game of fetch; she believes the one-on-one relationship is always continuing to develop. What better way to enjoy your companion than when he or she can behave favorably?
Active in pet therapy for over 30 years, Chris spent many hours each week visiting area hospitals and nursing homes, along with participating in educational programs at area elementary and middle schools. Showing dogs in competition is fun for Chris, but she believes it is the daily enjoyment that dogs can bring to your life that is most important.
A graduate of Pat Miller’s internships held at Peaceable Paws in Hagerstown Maryland, Chris continues to attend seminars and hands-on instructional courses to learn the latest techniques. She has graduated from the Karen Pryor Academy, and is also certified through the Certification for Professional Dog Trainers. She has attended multiple workshops taught by Pia Silvani, including a semi private mini internship with Pia. Chris is constantly expanding her knowledge and continues to take classes via Fenzi Dog Sports Academy, has attended Fenzi training camp and workshops along with attending 5 different Clicker Expos throughout the country.
Animals have always been a part of Chris’ life…whether it was the baby bird that fell out of a tree that needed tending to, or her father’s racing pigeons, or the family dogs, Chris always found herself spending hours with ‘her pets’ Chris began ‘officially’ training dogs at the age of 13. Showing the family German Shepherd, Sheba, in a junior handling competition, she placed 3rd, and her life has totally been immersed in dogs ever since. As a teenager, Chris showed Sheba to her CD title and Sheba’s son Duke to his CDX title, and her first Basenji to his Championship and his CD title.
Graduating from college with a BS in Chemistry, Chris went on to obtain her BSN RN from Columbia University in NYC. During this time, she continued to show the family dogs. Following the 2 German Shepherds, a Basenji, then a Borzoi, and a few years later a Doberman joined the family. Today Borzoi are still a active part of Chris’s life along with a 12 year old Labrador, Lucy. Lucy competed in many venues and is officially known as High Peaks Just an Illusion At Hemlock Hollow CDX, RAE, MX MXJ, XF. Lucy was retried from competition due to a shoulder injury with two of the three required qualifying scores for the Utility title.
Traveling throughout the country, Chris has been active in conformation, obedience, agility and rally. She has handled not only her own dogs, but also dogs for others to over 70 titles in these venues. Chris has piloted two different dogs to Best in Specialty Show at the Borzoi Club of America National Specialty. In 1998 Paul and Chris’ Ch. Sky Run Hemlock Hollow Rerun CD won this top honor, in April of 2007, their 10 year old Borzoi Ch. Sky Run Catera CDX RE AX AXJ AXP OJP NAC NGC NJC took the top award. In 2009, Chris flew to Sweden and obtained a pup from Borscana Borzoi. Puppy Melissa when on to win multi Specialties, was active in pet therapy for 9 years, worked with disabled children, trialed in agility obedience and rally and earned her AKC Grand Championship. GCh Borscana Melissa Loveletter BN RE OAP OJP JC. In 2014 Melissa gave birth to 11 pups. 8 have gone on to complete their AKC Championships. 3 of these Borzoi have earned the Borzoi Club of America annual Versatility award for the last 4 years. Melissa is now 11 years old and is content to watch her children and grandchildren win honors at the shows.
