Head trainer Rachel J Stintzcum, BA – Psych, CCPDT-KA, CGC/Therapy Dog
Rachel Stintzcum has been training dogs professionally for over 15 years, both teaching classes in a dog training facility and private lessons in client homes. Her background in psychology gives her the unique perspective of preventing possible behavior problems and dealing with existing ones in a way that benefits both the dog and the handler.
Mandy Taylor, BA Communications, CPDT-KA, Elite FFCVP
Mandy has been in the veterinary field for over 15 years and has been involved in dog training for the past 10 years. She focuses mainly on Cooperative Veterinary Care and using Fear Free methods to improve communication and decrease fear between human and dog. Mandy also has a passion for working with deaf and/or blind dogs in addition to a wide variety of medical issues. She also competes in and teaches WCRL rally, an inclusive dog sport that focuses on the bond between human and dog.
Thérèse, aka PatchO’ Pits has a BA in Elementary and Spec. Ed grades Prek-12
Thérèse believes in positive training to build solid relationships and trust with the dogs. She has been doing therapy dog work with her Pit Bulls for almost 25 years. She has apprenticed under Rachel for 10 years.
She also enjoys doing NACWS canine nose work, agility, k9 fitness, dog tricks, freestyle dance, dock diving, conformation events with her dogs, and has a special interest in k9 nutrition. She wrote a nose work article that was published in American Dog Magazine and is also a children’s book author. Her dogs have been featured in Training Secrets for Bully Breeds, American Dog Magazine, Bark, and other publications.
Jeanette Trabilcy-Logan, BS Marketing
CPDT-KA, AKC Evaluator
Jeanette joined the team at Best Friends in 2018.
Her experience with common dog challenges (at and away from their home) including crate and potty training, separation anxiety, or just enjoying a pleasant walk, has fueled her passion for continuing education around all things related to dog behavior.
She takes an empathetic and positive approach to helping both dogs and their people to understand each other, live comfortably together and have fun.