No matter what behavioral issues may be present, a deeply enriching and rewarding relationship can be achieved by building a solid foundation of trust and communication. A Better Pet Dog Training will equip you with the knowledge, skills and tools to help your dog overcome obstacles and be successful in all situations.
Leaving you free to fulfill perfectly your role in their life, and he to fulfill perfectly their role in yours. Are your expectations for your dog clear, reasonable and realistic? Do you understand how your dog is experiencing the world, how he thinks and what factors influence his behavior?
Leaving you free to fulfill perfectly your role in their life, and he to fulfill perfectly their role in yours. Are your expectations for your dog clear, reasonable and realistic? Do you understand how your dog is experiencing the world, how he thinks and what factors influence his behavior?
Services
Rachel has over 30 years experience working with dogs, specifically resolving tangible behavioral issues such as: aggression; separation anxiety; resource guarding; poor boundaries; reactivity; leash pulling; and more. She is expert in assessing the dog, diagnosing the underlying causes of the behavior, and prescribing and executing treatment plans.
ABP clients typically seek ABP pet dog training or companion dog training because they wish to address (or preemptively avoid) behavioral issues which can cause frustration or anxiety in the household and prevent the owner (and their family) from fully enjoying the relationship with their dog. The ABP foundational principle of, 'training the owner to train the dog' means working closely together with the owner at all times.
ABP Service Dogs are trained to fulfill a specific function in the life of their owner. This function will be defined within a therapeutic treatment plan for psychiatric disorders, medical conditions, physical rehabilitation, or physical disability. Are trained to help their owner navigate treatment plans for a broad range of psychiatric disorders such as anxiety, depression, personality disorders, trauma history, and PTSD.
The client dog will be boarded in Rachel's home in Cleveland, OH, during which time intensive training and socialization protocols will be applied. While Rachel advocates for high levels of owner engagement in the training process, the concept of boarding and training the dog can be a valuable tool for jump-starting a training program or intervening in a deeply ingrained behavioral pattern.
Reviews (16)
Sanetta Bivins
May 30, 2022
I found Rachel and A Better Pet in the search for a service dog for my daughter. I couldn't have found a better trainer or dog for that matter. I was able to secure funding for my daughter's service dog and Rachel has been an absolute GODSEND! My daughter's service dog FIG has been nothing short of amazing and the skills that she came with I can't thank Rachel and her team of trainers enough.
The difference that the service dog has brought to my daughter's life has been life changing. I highly recommend her services, she is knowledgeable, compassionate, dedicated and all around advocate for placing the correct people with the correct dog. Rachel's insight on people behavior and dog behavior is one of the things that make her a fantastic trainer. I'm so happy that I found Rachel and A Better Pet.
The difference that the service dog has brought to my daughter's life has been life changing. I highly recommend her services, she is knowledgeable, compassionate, dedicated and all around advocate for placing the correct people with the correct dog. Rachel's insight on people behavior and dog behavior is one of the things that make her a fantastic trainer. I'm so happy that I found Rachel and A Better Pet.
Natalie Shuman
Mar 09, 2022
Immediate results! My fur baby Ziggy and I were fortunate to train with Rachel of a Better Pet and we immediately saw an increase in better communication and behavior. Rachel is very intuitive and within minutes of meeting us could read where we needed to adjust our interactions for the outcomes I was seeking. She presents the foundation of her training philosophy in an easy to understand and memorable structure.
She gave us hands on training assessment and guidance, as well as taught me how to do an easy 3-day training intensive that yielded immediate positive results, including getting my pup to sleep in his own bed at night (instead of ours!). And she willingly shares a ton of helpful resources to help you further educate yourself on how to communicate effectively with your pet.
Training with a better pet has changed the dynamic in our household in a very positive way and we're grateful to have this resource as we continue to build upon the positive results and learnings we yielded in just the first consult.
She gave us hands on training assessment and guidance, as well as taught me how to do an easy 3-day training intensive that yielded immediate positive results, including getting my pup to sleep in his own bed at night (instead of ours!). And she willingly shares a ton of helpful resources to help you further educate yourself on how to communicate effectively with your pet.
Training with a better pet has changed the dynamic in our household in a very positive way and we're grateful to have this resource as we continue to build upon the positive results and learnings we yielded in just the first consult.
Sarah Lovett
Aug 28, 2021
I am loving my experience at A Better Pet LLC. Rachel and her dogs are phenomenal. I went through her training with my puppy Holden at about 3 months old and not only learned the process she uses to train dogs, but also a lot about the psychology of dogs and how I can be a lot more effective with my training through positive reinforcement. The DIPs (drop in plays) that she holds have been priceless. Holden is more socialized than we could have hoped and so accepting of other dogs.
We recommend Rachel hands down. Although Holden is not a service dog, I have met many of the service dogs that she works with and they are phenomenal. If you listen to what she says, and you come practice what you learn at DIPs, you are set up for for success and everyone will have fun.
We recommend Rachel hands down. Although Holden is not a service dog, I have met many of the service dogs that she works with and they are phenomenal. If you listen to what she says, and you come practice what you learn at DIPs, you are set up for for success and everyone will have fun.
Alexandra Franceschini
Mar 24, 2021
Rachel has transformed our Double-Doodle, Moose, into A Better Pet! She came highly recommended by a friend, and was immediately responsive, inquisitive, and eager to share her methods with us. Rachel's background in counseling and therapy also gives her an innate ability to listen deeply and hone in on core issues while simultaneously providing easy, manageable guidance on how to help our dog be the best he can be. We look forward to a long relationship!
Brianne Gilchrist
Mar 05, 2021
Rachel has provided me with the tools and guidance I need to make Charlii A Better Pet! I was first introduced to Rachel online, so when she started a Zoom Training Series I immediately jumped at the opportunity and it's been a great experience. Rachel quickly identified some basic responses that were missing in our handler/pet relationship and provided guidance on how to teach my pup the expected behaviors. Rachel taught the entire class series over zoom, paying special attention to everyone's needs.
She educated us all on the formula for success, gave us the tools to develop and customize our own training plans and provided encouragement. She also shared a formula on how to break an unwanted behavior which has been a great tool for level setting expectations. She is responsive and encourages videos to share situations which help her to provide customized guidance.
While I'd love an opportunity to travel to Ohio, until then Zoom works great! Her online sessions have been extremely helpful in guiding me through the teen years helping to train Charlii become A Better Pet. We look forward to more Zoom sessions ~ Thanks Rachel! Brii & Charlii in Carlsbad, California
She educated us all on the formula for success, gave us the tools to develop and customize our own training plans and provided encouragement. She also shared a formula on how to break an unwanted behavior which has been a great tool for level setting expectations. She is responsive and encourages videos to share situations which help her to provide customized guidance.
While I'd love an opportunity to travel to Ohio, until then Zoom works great! Her online sessions have been extremely helpful in guiding me through the teen years helping to train Charlii become A Better Pet. We look forward to more Zoom sessions ~ Thanks Rachel! Brii & Charlii in Carlsbad, California
Elene Feigenbaum
Jan 20, 2021
I hired Rachel in 2002 when I adopted my cattle dog mix who was smart difficult to control. Rachel had my dog, Skittles, sitting and attentive without even uttering a single word to her - all while explaining her training methods to us. Her methods involve training the owners to train their dogs. Any of my dog's current poor behavior is due to my lack of consistency while training her and does not reflect on Rachel's expertise!
She understands dog behavior and is an excellent trainer. I love the Harvest dog vest because it keeps the handler in control and not the dog. I used one exclusively on Skittles and now on my current dog, Taffy. Taffy walks so much better when she wears the Harvest and doesn't pull as much while wearing it. I just purchased my second Harvest for Taffy - who is 10 years old - which shows just how durable this item it.
I have been using it every day for the past ten years. The only reason it needed to be replaced was that some of the snaps broke after extensive use. I also really like the leather leashes that A Better Pet sells. They are durable and have clips on both ends so you can "wear" your dog. I have only needed to replace them a handful of times since 2002 and that is because my dog tends to bite her leash. I highly recommend Rachel as a trainer and the products that she sells, especially the Harvest.
She understands dog behavior and is an excellent trainer. I love the Harvest dog vest because it keeps the handler in control and not the dog. I used one exclusively on Skittles and now on my current dog, Taffy. Taffy walks so much better when she wears the Harvest and doesn't pull as much while wearing it. I just purchased my second Harvest for Taffy - who is 10 years old - which shows just how durable this item it.
I have been using it every day for the past ten years. The only reason it needed to be replaced was that some of the snaps broke after extensive use. I also really like the leather leashes that A Better Pet sells. They are durable and have clips on both ends so you can "wear" your dog. I have only needed to replace them a handful of times since 2002 and that is because my dog tends to bite her leash. I highly recommend Rachel as a trainer and the products that she sells, especially the Harvest.
Halle DeLong
Nov 07, 2020
Rachel with a Better Pet connected my family with a perfect dog fit. We went from a family with no pet experience to a family who would do anything for our new dog almost overnight. Rachel has made the transition so smooth with all of her guidence and advice and is always available to answer questions. I highly recommend a Better Pet. Having a dog (trained by Rachel) is the best!
Maddie McDowell
May 14, 2020
Rachel has great knowledge about dog training! She is great and really knows how to calm all of the "quirks" of a pup. Really looking forward to continuing to work with her and get back to DIPS soon! She also recommended Life's Abundance dog food both wet and dry. Since doing so, my pup has been less anxious in the car and eating more regularly!
Danielle Van Heeckeren
Mar 05, 2020
Rachel was able to help us identify the issues that we were having with our Doodle and help us modify the behavior that was contributing to it. When hiring a trainer, the human must be willing to modify the way they interact with their dog in order to get the desired results. There is no magic wand! Rachel has a wealth of knowledge about and experience with dogs.
Upon meeting your dog, she will quickly assess their temperament and make very practical recommendations. Her leash and vest combo have made walking our dog safer and more enjoyable.
Upon meeting your dog, she will quickly assess their temperament and make very practical recommendations. Her leash and vest combo have made walking our dog safer and more enjoyable.
Danielle V.
Jan 28, 2020
As all pet owners "should" know, success with dog training is as much about the human as it is about the pet. Rachel knows dogs and appreciates their innate intelligence and their unique needs. She will focus on the concerns that you have with your pet and identify ways that you can modify your behavior so that your responds favorably. Again, hiring a trainer is not a magical fix for a dysfunctional human-pet relationship. I highly recommend Rachel if you are willing to follow through will her recommendations.
Elise B.
Feb 22, 2019
Rachel came over to help me with my two 12 week bichon puppies. She was amazing with my dogs. She trains service dogs in her home and her training method is "user friendly." My puppies have already mastered the sit/come/down commands after one session with her. This is the best money I've ever spent on my dogs. Rachel's services are worth every penny - I highly recommend her!
Stephanie M.
Oct 26, 2015
Lanna P.
Sep 18, 2015
Gracie R.
Sep 03, 2015
I have worked with several different dog trainers in the Cleveland area, searching for the right one, and Rachel is absolutely the right one. As soon as I saw her with my dog when she came to my home for the initial training session, I knew that she understood Gracie and me. The DIP (Drop In Play) option is perfect for Gracie, who needs to learn to socialize appropriately with other dogs -- apparently, she never learned as a puppy. (I got her when she was 2.) Having Rachel there to referee the play takes the anxiety out of the play sessions for me.
And when I screw up, Rachel is patient and doesn't make me feel inept (which I often am). I've also worked with trainers in a variety of other cities where I've lived, and with a variety of dogs I've had, and again, I would say Rachel is the best. I can't recommend A Better Pet highly enough.
And when I screw up, Rachel is patient and doesn't make me feel inept (which I often am). I've also worked with trainers in a variety of other cities where I've lived, and with a variety of dogs I've had, and again, I would say Rachel is the best. I can't recommend A Better Pet highly enough.
Tracy B.
Aug 27, 2015
These Har-Vests are amazing! I have bought several for my dog and encourage many of my clients to buy them as well They work in a number of ways. First they are the best no pull harness I have ever used and in my career, I've trained over a thousand dogs and boarded hundreds, using every no pull device on the market. Second, and I don't know if this was intentional or not, but they have an incredibly calming effect on dogs.
My guess is that the straps hit certain acupressure points. My own dog was fearful of people when he was young. I put the vest on him for a vet visit for the first time, worried about him being in close quarters with so many people in the waiting room and in a small exam room with 2 people poking and prodding him. What a difference the Har-Vest made.
My boy walked straight into the waiting room and went up to each person to nuzzle their hands with his nose! I was flabbergasted. In the exam room while they took blood he nuzzled his head under the vets arm. They also have handles. A friend of mine recently took her Scottie in a canoe. He had a life jacket on and she was able to, without missing a beat, reach over and pull him back into the boat using the handle of the lifejacket.
She later said "All dogs should come with handles". Well, the Har-vest has handles. When my boy was little he couldn't quite get the hang of climbing into the back seat of the car. It's angled by the floor and until he learned to start by putting his left foot down, I lifted him into the car using the handle. Now, he and I are both 9 years older and I sometimes use the handle and his help to get up my front porch stairs.
They have a cumulative effect too. I often have clients have their new dogs wear them for 2 weeks in a row. To calm them down in a new setting or for the younger ones just to calm the down. I love the pockets in them as well. My dogs carries his own supplies in the pockets. A client who uses her dog as a therapy dog puts all her asthma stuff in the pockets for an emergency. Plus, it's a great place to put your keys and cell phone while you're walking your dog.
The pockets will also hold a bottle of water. The only problem I've had with the Har-Vest is that I work with a lot of dogs with small waists and larger chests (Aussie, Labs, Dalmatians) so they take quite a mix of straps. Sometimes, extra large for chest, large for girth and medium for waist. Rachel has been great in accommodating me in order to get the right size for each and every dog. I've stopped using anything else as a no pull, calming (thunderstorm fears), or back packing vest. The Har-Vest works for everything. Good quality, nice colors, and made in the USA. What more could you want?
My guess is that the straps hit certain acupressure points. My own dog was fearful of people when he was young. I put the vest on him for a vet visit for the first time, worried about him being in close quarters with so many people in the waiting room and in a small exam room with 2 people poking and prodding him. What a difference the Har-Vest made.
My boy walked straight into the waiting room and went up to each person to nuzzle their hands with his nose! I was flabbergasted. In the exam room while they took blood he nuzzled his head under the vets arm. They also have handles. A friend of mine recently took her Scottie in a canoe. He had a life jacket on and she was able to, without missing a beat, reach over and pull him back into the boat using the handle of the lifejacket.
She later said "All dogs should come with handles". Well, the Har-vest has handles. When my boy was little he couldn't quite get the hang of climbing into the back seat of the car. It's angled by the floor and until he learned to start by putting his left foot down, I lifted him into the car using the handle. Now, he and I are both 9 years older and I sometimes use the handle and his help to get up my front porch stairs.
They have a cumulative effect too. I often have clients have their new dogs wear them for 2 weeks in a row. To calm them down in a new setting or for the younger ones just to calm the down. I love the pockets in them as well. My dogs carries his own supplies in the pockets. A client who uses her dog as a therapy dog puts all her asthma stuff in the pockets for an emergency. Plus, it's a great place to put your keys and cell phone while you're walking your dog.
The pockets will also hold a bottle of water. The only problem I've had with the Har-Vest is that I work with a lot of dogs with small waists and larger chests (Aussie, Labs, Dalmatians) so they take quite a mix of straps. Sometimes, extra large for chest, large for girth and medium for waist. Rachel has been great in accommodating me in order to get the right size for each and every dog. I've stopped using anything else as a no pull, calming (thunderstorm fears), or back packing vest. The Har-Vest works for everything. Good quality, nice colors, and made in the USA. What more could you want?
Barbara W.
Jun 29, 2015
Rachel is an excellent, top notch, professional dog trainer that trains pups specifically for people in need. We met many years ago and she has shown us that we could highly recommend her to someone looking for a service dog. We love the video of Tink her newest golden retriever trainee. Keep up the Great Job. =
