About Your Trainer
Hello, I’m Rachel, the business owner and trainer at Rachel’s Canines.
I am currently a Student Member of PACT (Professional Association of Canine Trainers), enrolled on their Canine Training Instructor Course (March 2024). I am working towards Full PACT Membership but have not yet been fully assessed. PACT is a Practitioner Organisation of the ABTC (Animal Behaviour and Training Council).
I chose to study with PACT due to the high priority that they place on animal and human welfare. Any training methods I use must be based on science and compassion. Once I am a full member, I have to complete several hours of Continuing Professional Development to keep my knowledge up to date. I always have to work to the Code of Conduct of both PACT and the ABTC.
My love for dog training began when I got my first dog, a rescue Labrador/Staffordshire Bull Terrier cross called Buddy. I’ve since had several different rescue dogs of varying sizes, breeds and breed mixes, and also trained a Canine Partners puppy through the first 15 months of his life. My current dog is a Border Collie that arrived as an unclaimed stray at the vet practice I was working at. We enjoy a bit of hoopers, canicross, scent work and sheepdog work together. I regularly volunteer dog walk for a local animal rescue and I have previously worked in vet practices which is where I realised my heart was in dog training and behaviour rather than veterinary medicine.
I’ve learnt from each dog I’ve had the pleasure to spend any time with and look forward to meeting your doggy companions and sharing my knowledge with you.
Due to my history working in vet practices and from the majority of dogs in my care having been rescue dogs, I am committed to; helping to reduce the number of dogs ending up in rescue; helping those that may have missed out on early positive socialisation and training; helping dogs who may struggle with handling situations at their vets and helping people get off to the right start with their puppy.
Many dogs end up in rescue centres due to a break down in relationship with their owners, especially during adolescence. I have designed my puppy classes to help people develop a positive relationship with their puppies by having a better understanding of their puppy’s needs as they grow and develop and reach adolescence. This theme continues into my adolescence classes.
I hold an upper-second-class honours degree in Biology from The University of Sheffield and I’ve previously spent time working various jobs including; as a supply teacher, for an ecology company and as a climbing intructor.
QUALIFICATIONS, COURSES & MEMBERSHIPS
PACT Student Member, Canine Training Instructor Course 2024.
PACT Complete Puppy Course 2024.
Member of The Dog Training School.
Accredited Dog First Aid & CPR with The Dog First Aid Co.
Emergency First Aid at Work with Safe Haven Training Ltd.
Fully insured with Protectivity Pet Business Insurance.
