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It all began with one dog -- a Doberman named “Dana.” That single animal sparked Chris Banke’s interest in dogs for a lifetime, and very specifically, training these dogs in skills to match their capabilities. He was only 15 years old when this lifelong pursuit began and he found the Algemeiner Schutzhund Club. He then began his first training alongside a German Shepherd dog and Margarete Iaquinto who helped bring his passion to education in the industry. Soon thereafter, Banke excelled in helper work and by 18, was a helper in several Schutzhund trials, including with his own German Shepherd “Chief.” A trainer named “Smitty” aided Banke considerably. As a top trainer in the U.S., Smitty passed along immense knowledge that led Chris Banke to open his first dog training business at the young age of 19. From there, his work in dog training only flourished.
When Chris Banke began his professional work in dog training as a young kid of age 19, he had little idea that one day, many years later, some of his well-trained animals would discover roles in featured films on the big screen. But alas, Banke has worked with a variety of dogs whose names appeared in lights among the motion picture industry.
Banke began dog training professionally under Chris Banke Protection Dog Trainer at only 19 years old, following several youthful years of education and passion, honing his hobby. After training multiple dogs to IPO/Schutzhund III -- Schutzhund work he began years beforehand -- Banke worked toward coaching and competitive handling as well. He also began his own breeding kennel, vom maechtigen Turm. This experience only helped Banke continue his swift growth within the industry. In Northern Vermont, his reputation grew as well. Banke’s breeds carried onto multiple competitions and were utilized in national-level and regional-level law enforcement. Additionally, they began use in motion pictures. In 2008, Banke and “Dino” were in the Oscar-nominated film Frozen River where “Dino” starred as a guard dog. Banke’s services are often used independently today for training in the film industry. If you are looking for training for your dog for law enforcement, competition, or entertainment, Chris Banke is a dog trainer that can help you get the results you are looking for. Even as a teen, Chris Banke had a love for training German Shepherd Dogs. This love has led him to be a part of many reputable training organizations. He was even a founding member and Vice President of the Schaeferhund Schutzhund Club, a founding member and training director of The Mid-Island Schutzhund Club and a founding member of The Pinebarrens Schutzhund Club.
At the age of 19, Chris Banke established his training company. After that, he founded what has now become one of the largest training facilities in America that is currently located in Northern Vermont. His journey did not end at his training facility as Chris Banke then went on to found his own breeding kennel as well, “vom maechtigen Turm.” Chris Banke has over thirty years of training experience at all levels ranging from basic pet training to advanced law enforcement training. Chris Banke currently works as an independent trainer for the motion picture industry in addition to his training facility and breeding kennel. His own dog, “Dino von der Maineiche”, received the second highest Schutzhund/IPO III in the United States with a trial score of 297. In addition, in 2008, Chris and Dino were in the Oscar nominated movie Frozen River, directed by Courtney Hunt. |