Rachel McMichael
CDBC, CBCC-KA, FDM, CCDT
Rachel McMichael is the owner and founder of UpSwing Canine Behavioral Services. With nearly 20 years of professional experience, and a lifetime spent immersed in the world of dogs, Rachel specializes in working with shy, fearful dogs and those exhibiting moderate behavioral challenges. Her approach goes far beyond the basics with a strong emphasis on humane, positive, and effective strategies for lasting behavioral change. Rachel’s passion lies in helping repair and strengthen the bond between dogs and their people, creating happier, more harmonious households. Notably, Rachel does not define herself as a traditional dog trainer; instead, she views her work through the lens of behavioral consulting and emotional rehabilitation, always prioritizing the individual needs of both dogs and their families.
Rachel understands that the relationship between a dog and their family often plays a role in shaping behavior. That’s why her treatment plans don’t just focus on “fixing problems”, they focus on building stronger bonds and creating a life that truly meets a dog’s needs. Enrichment, emotional support, and everyday connection are woven into every plan she creates. Meeting a dog’s needs isn’t just a bonus, it’s absolutely essential. Many behavior challenges aren’t about disobedience at all; they’re signs that something important is missing. Rachel’s goal is to help families and their dogs reconnect, rebuild trust, and live more peaceful, joyful lives together.
Rachel is not a compliance-focused trainer. in fact, she doesn’t consider herself a traditional trainer at all. If strict compliance is the end goal, she is probably not the professional for you. Her approach centers on allowing dogs to make choices, encouraging them to think and engage with the world around them. Her primary concern is not whether a dog can perform flashy obedience skills like holding a perfect down-stay or balancing on raised platforms in public; it’s about ensuring each dog’s emotional well-being, confidence, and genuine happiness. She values your dog for who they are first and then helps you to build the skills they truly need. Empowerment, agency, and choice are at the heart of everything Rachel does, because these are the keys to helping dogs feel more secure, more resilient, and more joyful in their everyday lives.
Rachel has always been passionate about helping animals and volunteered with various organizations since the early 2000s. She pursued formal education in Veterinary Technology, earning her degree and spending nearly a decade working closely with troubled shelter and rescue dogs. Her fascination with animal behavior, present since childhood, continued to grow and ultimately led her to deepen her studies in the field.
Rachel later enrolled in the Master Course at CATCH Canine Trainers Academy, where she graduated with distinction. After completing extensive coursework and dedicating countless hours to developing hands-on skills, she went on to become Butler County’s very first Certified Canine Behavior Consultant (CBCC-KA). A firm believer in lifelong learning, Rachel considers herself a perpetual student of animal behavior. She actively attends advanced courses, workshops, and seminars to stay current with the latest research and practices, always striving to bring the best support possible to the dogs and families she serves.
Rachel is proud to share that as of May 2025, she has officially earned her Certified Dog Behavior Consultant (CDBC) credential through the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC). This achievement makes her one of the rare professionals in the world to hold dual certification from both of the leading certifying bodies in canine behavior. With fewer than 400 certified behavior consultants globally in each organization, the number of individuals who have earned both titles is exceptionally small. This is truly a distinction that reflects Rachel’s deep commitment to the science and ethics of behavior work.
In addition to being Butler County’s first CBCC-KA and the area's only dually certified consultant, Rachel is also a Certified Family Dog Mediator, a CATCH Certified Dog Trainer, and a CATCH Mentor Trainer, where she helps guide and support new students entering the field. She holds additional credentials as a Certified Trick Dog Instructor and a Stunt Dog Judge, which mirrors her belief that behavior work should be both enriching and fun for the teacher and the learner. Rachel is a proud professional member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT), as well as both the IAABC and CCPDT. She remains deeply committed to continuing education. Over the years, she has attended numerous behavior seminars, workshops, and conferences, consistently earning CE credits to maintain her certifications and stay at the forefront of modern animal behavior science.
Rachel is passionate about creating enriching, positive, and lasting bonds between dogs and their families, viewing her style of training not just as a skillset, but as an essential part of overall wellness and quality of life.
Whether you're looking for guidance, support, or just a starting point for a happier relationship with your dog, Rachel is always just a call, text, or email away. She looks forward to partnering with you and your canine companions on your journey together!