Rachel McMichael
CBCC-KA, FDM, IAABC-ADT, CCDT
Rachel McMichael is the owner and founder of UpSwing Canine Behavioral Services and UpSwing Total Pet Care, LLC. With nearly 20 years of experience working with canines and her entire lifetime around them, Rachel specializes in shy/fearful dogs as well as dogs with moderate behavior issues. Rachel goes beyond the basics for dogs in need and puts concentration on humane, positive and effective behavioral change. Her goal is to repair relationships between dogs and their people and to create happier and more harmonious households.
Rachel believes that the relationship that the dog and family share can often be a contributing factor in many behavioral challenges, therefore she aims to create treatment plans for dogs and their families that include relationship building as well as added enrichment. Rachel is not a compliance trainer; she likes to allow dogs to make choices. Once dogs realize that they're the ones making the choices, and they're rewarded for the right ones, they are apt to make those choices again and again. It's all about agency, choice and empowerment for your dog and making your dog more confident!
Rachel's passion was sparked as she was volunteering with different organizations dating back to the early 2000's. She attended school and earned her degree in Veterinary Technology and went on to work with shelter and rescue dogs for nearly a decade after. Animal behavior has always been a fascination, even at a very young age, so she continued her studies. This eventually led her to Catch Canine Trainers Acadamy, where she attended their master course and was a graduate of distinction. After putting in the book work and many hours of hands-on skills, she went forward to become Butler County's very first Certified Canine Behavior Consultant. She considers herself a perpetual student and loves to learn. She attends many courses and seminars to stay current with all things behavior!
In addition to being Butler County's leading Certified Canine Behavior Consultant, Rachel is also a Family Dog Mediator, Catch Certified Dog Trainer as well as a Catch Mentor Trainer for new students. She is an Accredited Dog Trainer through the IAABC, Certified Trick Dog Instructor, and an AKC CGC, STAR Puppy and Trick Dog Evaluator. She is a proud professional member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers, a supporting member of the Alliance of Modern Pet Professionals, as well as a professional member of the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants. She has attended many behavior seminars and demonstrations over the years and continues to earn credits, attend conferences and stay on top of the most current animal behavior studies. She is super passionate about creating enriching, positive and lasting bonds between pets and their families and views training as an integral and imperative part of overall wellness.
If there is anything you and your pet may need, Rachel is just a text, call or an email away.
She looks forward to helping you in any way she can.