Ken Murphy - Head Trainer / Behaviorist

I have been involved with dogs since the mid seventies. I started out walking and training dogs in my neighborhood. The local Police K-9 Officer observed me training in the park and after a while asked if I would be interested in watching K-9 training which I was very excited over. One thing leads to another and at 16 yrs. old I ended up with a motorcycle tire on my arm being their dogs Decoy. That's how my career in animals started.

Since then I have been training dogs, as well as dog/handler teams in all areas, agility, tracking, obedience and protection work for Sport or Police work. I have trained both domestically as well as internationally. I have trained many individuals to be dog groomers, trainers and protection work decoys. I have owned a Canine Training Center as well as a Professional Dog Groomer and Trainer School. I presently own a Dog Grooming facility in Manchester N.H. and have managed an Animal Shelter for 9 years.

I have been an animal advocate my entire life and have dedicated many years and resources to help place unwanted animals into life long homes.

I grew up with German Shepherd Dogs. My Father trained German Shepherd Dogs in obedience and protection work before I was even born. Growing up around trained dogs left an imprint on me. As a teenager I had my own dogs that I would train in obedience with the help of my Father. Two of the dogs I had were Labrador Retrievers, I trained them for retrieving when duck hunting.

After college I was re-introduced to German Shepherd Dogs by some friends. They were involved in the sport of Schutzhund. This was the beginning of a long passion for working dogs. Through Schutzhund I expanded into personal protection dogs and Police K-9 training. I also have worked as a consultant to evaluate dogs at local shelters, as well as for private kennels.

Over the past 20 years I have had the opportunity to work under well known dog trainers, both nationally and internationally. I continually look to expand my horizons, by attending workshops and seminars to add fresh ideas to my training.

My interest in dogs began when I was about 8 years old. My uncle had a GSD named Max that I was absolutely fascinated with. When I was 9 years old, I met a police dog named Sly and I was amazed by how well trained he was and that he would do anything that was asked of him by his handler. It was at this time that I made up my mind that I wanted to be a K9 Officer.

I became a Police Officer in NH in 1993 and began training with German Shepherds in 1997 in pursuit of my career dreams. I started with my first patrol dog, a GSD named Argo in 2000. We had a very successful 7 year career and Argo Retired in December 2006 at almost 9 years old. I am currently working with a 3 year old Belgium Malinios that is Certified under United States Police Canine Association regulations in both Patrol and Narcotics Detection. I have attended numerous K9 Seminars including Tactical K9 Tracking, K9/Swat Operations, Decoy Training with Castle K9 and Narcotics Detection training with Boston Police K9 Academy. I also have extensive experience in competition with the USPCA as both Regional and National Competitor.