Meet Rachel

Certified Trainer

My Story

My name is Rachel, and I've always known I wanted to work with animals.



Early on, I figured out that grooming and veterinary medicine weren't the right fit for me. It was actually my dad who gave me the idea to pursue dog training while he was overseas working with K9 units. He connected me with a professional trainer, and I signed up for her program. That decision changed everything.

Through that program, I had the opportunity to assist with local K9 units in drug and bomb detection, as well as search and rescue work. On the pet side, I worked with countless behavior modification cases, learning how to help dogs with fear, anxiety, and aggression issues.

During those early years, I got my first working dog—a lab named Primrose. I became fascinated with cadaver detection work, and with my mentor's help, I trained Prim to search for human remains. She was supposed to be a lower-drive dog, but she turned out to have an overwhelming amount of drive. I could tell she was happiest when she was hunting and working.

After four years of professional training, I took a position in New Jersey, where I worked alongside Nicole for about six months. I gained even more insight into dog behavior and deepened my understanding of what makes dogs tick. But after that, I decided it was time to head back home and start my own business.

As I became more focused on pet training, I realized Prim was bored. She wasn't meant for the pet world—she was meant to work. With Nicole's help, we traveled to a professional K9 facility in Alabama, where Prim was evaluated for police work. She passed, and they bought her on the spot. The gratitude I have for that dog could never be put into words. She taught me some of the hardest lessons about myself, but she made me a better trainer in every possible way.

I ran my own training business for two years. But deep down, I always knew I wanted to work with Nicole instead of being a solo business owner. I waited for her to come back to Pennsylvania and get settled into Gypsy K9 Solutions—and in January 2022, I officially joined the team.

Toward the end of 2022, I got my English lab puppy, Salem. With him, I learned how to clicker train and explored free shaping techniques, which were completely new to me. He comes to work with me every day, so I'm able to consistently teach him obedience on and off leash, along with tons of tricks. Through Salem, I've discovered so many new and fun ways to work with dogs. He's captured my heart in ways I didn't think were possible. Nicole says he's my "heart dog"—and I don't doubt it for a second.

Certifications & Professional Experience

• Professional Trainer (2014–2018) – Worked extensively in detection, search and rescue, and behavior modification
• AKC Evaluator: Star Puppy, Canine Good Citizen (CGC), CGC Advanced & CGC Urban (2014)
• Professional Trainer, New Jersey (2019)
• Founder & Owner of Independent Training Business (2019–2021)
• Certified Trainer, Gypsy K9 Solutions (2022–Present)
• K9 CPR & First Aid Certified