Rachel Spagnola
Personal Profile
Hi, I'm Rachel, and to put it simply: I speak Dog very well. My canine experience has been ongoing since I was a little kid teaching our family's smooth collie to do agility in our backyard. My knowledge has been amassed from different universities, online courses, books, personal research, professional settings, and lots and lots of hands-on experience with lots and lots of different dogs. I treat dogs like animals - and I mean that in the very best way. I don't approach dog care solely like a trainer, or like a veterinarian, or like a pet parent. I believe dogs can (and should) be understood as the animals they are, which requires an expanded and flexible point of view. Dogs are both animals at heart, and individuals with individual needs and preferences - and that is central to our philosophy. The key to successful dog care and happy canine clients lies in understanding dogs' needs, reading dogs' body language, and of course handing out treats!
My experience and formal education is detailed below, always feel free to contact us with questions, insight, or learning opportunities!
2010-2014;
2020-2023
University of Delaware
Rachel holds two Bachelor's degrees: one in Geology with a minor in Wildlife Ecology, and one in Plant Science with a minor in biological anthropology. Along the way she has jumped at the chance to take animal-care related electives like pet nutrition.
2015-2024
Dog Rescue
Rachel has volunteered with foster based dog rescues for years. She has done it all - from middle of the night transport, to home visits and adopter interviews. She has offered her home to puppies, elderly dogs, blind dogs, fearful dogs, and dog-reactive dogs over the years.
2017-2023
Veterinary Medicine
Rachel worked as a kennel technician, a janitor, a receptionist, and as a technician assistant for appointments. She had the opportunity to become familiar with all areas of hospital operations. In 2018 Rachel became Fear Free Certified.
2025-
University of Colorado
Currently pursuing a Professional Science Master's degree in Zoo, Aquarium, and Animal Shelter management. specializing in shelter program management, learning about both animal care and business operations. Relevant coursework includes: animal behavior, ethics for animal professionals, advanced animal training, behavior and biology of dogs
2017
Duke University
Earned a certificate from Duke University for completing their virtual course on Dog Emotion and Cognition
2025
Canine Ethology
Completed a 13-week long lecture series on dog cognition and ethology, presented by Cynology for Everyone.
