Chris Park | Owner
- 25+ Years of Experience
- Massachusetts Asbestos Supervisor License
- Thousands of Dogs Trained
- Retired K-9 Police Officer
- Highly Rated On Google
Meet the Owner: Chris Park
My name is Chris Parkiotis, and I am a professional K9 trainer based in Boston, MA. With over 25 years of experience, I specialize in canine behavior and obedience training. I believe in building deep and effective communication between owners and their dogs by focusing on mental engagement rather than just physical control.
How It All Began
My passion for dog training started at the age of 14, a pivotal moment that shaped my future career. My older brother, James, gifted me a dog and a dog training book for my birthday. The dog, a stunning German Shepherd named Hector, captured my young heart immediately. We became inseparable, and I spent every spare moment with him, fascinated by his intelligence and eager to understand his behavior. It was then I realized that dog training was more than a hobby—it was my calling.
Private Dog Training Business (1999-2016)
Eight years later, I joined the police force, and as a graduation gift, my wife Maria surprised me with a Rottweiler puppy, whom I named Hector, in honor of my first dog. Hector’s exceptional demeanor quickly gained a reputation, and soon I found myself running a successful private dog training business alongside my police work. I have since trained over 1,500 dogs of various breeds, tailoring my programs for family pets, service dogs, guard dogs, and special needs dogs. I’ve even helped owners and dogs bond through activities such as agility, biking, and climbing.
From 2004 onward, I expanded my business to include a full-service dog training facility with boarding, daycare, and hotel services. I have always kept and trained my own dogs—including Hector (German Shepherd), Hector-2 and Max (Rottweilers), and Gus (Belgian Shepherd)—participating in numerous agility, obedience, and specialized training competitions, often alongside my children.
Police K-9 Work (2003-2016)
In 2003, my passion and dedication led me to pass the Police K-9 training exam with high honors, earning my certification as a K-9 handler. As a Sergeant, I was assigned my K-9 partner, Zeus, a German Shepherd I personally trained for drug detection. Together, we set regional records in drug seizures and arrests, earning us high accolades and recognition.
Our work was further acknowledged when we were entrusted with a special assignment by the Greek Government, playing a crucial role in drug enforcement and public safety during the 2004 Athens Olympics. After Zeus’s retirement at age 10, I was partnered with Ceaser, a Belgian Malinois whom I also trained for drug detection and agility work. Over 13 years, my K-9 partners and I earned 28 National Courage Awards for our contributions to law enforcement.
Philosophy
Over the years, I’ve developed a clear set of training principles that guide my approach. Successful training is about more than commands—it’s about understanding the unique bond between owner and dog and creating harmony through effective communication. My philosophy is rooted in the following beliefs:
- Teach the Dog Owner to Enter the Dog’s Mind: True training begins when the owner can understand how a dog thinks and what motivates it.
- Communication is Key: Owners must learn to communicate in a way their dogs understand, establishing a language of trust and respect.
- Balance Between Logic and Pleasure: A dog’s brain has two sides—logical and emotional. Effective training brings these two sides into balance.
- Respect the Dog’s Emotional State: Dogs, like humans, have their ups and downs. It’s essential to recognize when a dog is not feeling its best and avoid pushing it beyond its comfort zone.
- Owner Involvement is Critical: The best training occurs when owners are present and actively involved in the process, ensuring they build the necessary skills to maintain progress long-term.
- Consult Before Commitment: It’s always wise to seek a trainer’s advice before choosing a dog, as they can recommend a breed that suits the owner’s lifestyle and family dynamics.
- Training the Owner is as Important as Training the Dog: A dog’s success depends largely on the handler’s ability to lead effectively. I focus on coaching owners to become confident, competent pack leaders.
Present
Family is at the core of everything I do. Seeking a better future for my children, my wife Maria and I relocated back to my birthplace of Boston after retiring from both the police force and my business in Greece. I’m excited to bring my extensive experience and passion to the Boston area, where I am currently building a new chapter of my dog training career. My goal is to help families and their canine companions achieve a deeper connection and a happier life together.
