We use positive motivation techniques
to train dogs (and their people)
Rachel Long
Owner/Training Director
Member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT)
Bellecreek Sports Dog Training Center is owned by Rachel Long, BHS. Rachel is an agility judge, and a 20 year plus veteran of dog training. Her dogs have earned many titles in agility, obedience, flyball, and herding.
Student of Canine Behavior
Rachel is an ardent student of canine behavior, and uses operant conditioning and positive motivational techniques to train dogs. She trains her own dogs and horses with a clicker, which marks the desired behavior offered by the animal, as worthy of earning a reward. This is not only safe and humane, but the most efficient way of teaching an animal what is expected. The side-effect of this technique is an animal who LOVES to work, and is precise, reliable, and joyful.
This method is also of particular benefit to dogs with “issues.” As a supporter of rescue (with two rescue dogs of her own), Rachel enjoys the challenge of helping shy or rescued dogs develop confidence and achieve their full potential.
AKC Agility judge
Agility became Rachel’s passion in 1988, and she began teaching a few years later. As one of the U.S. pioneers of the sport, she is one of the most experienced trainers in the country. This gives her a unique perspective in knowing which handling/training techniques work, and which are just “fads.”
Rachel was asked to be a member of the AKC Agility Advisory board for 2006, and went on to judge at the AKC National Championships in 2008, and 2009. She is very honored to have judged the AKC National Championship Finals round in 2009 -- her most special judging moment ever.
A lifetime devotion to dog training and dog sports
As a competitor, her agility credits include multiple titles in three different venues. Her Border Collies Maestro and Flint, have both earned Agility Championships (ADCH) in USDAA, and Flint completed his AKC Championship (MACH). In 2000, Maestro, ADCH, FDCH, MX, AXJ, won the USDAA National Championship event (Veterans Grand Prix), in Del Mar, California, and retired in style. Maestro has also won top honors at regional and local level. MACH Flint, ADCH, JHD has won multiple regional Grand Prix events, and has placed nationally. He was in the Agility Top 10 – Gamblers for 2000, and also in the Top 10 for lifetime points. She has also earned titles on her Doberman and GSD, and for many clients dogs of very different breeds.
Prior to becoming a full-time dog trainer and Agility Judge, Rachel worked for more than 20 years as a Registered Dietitian, and was a specialist in renal nutrition. She earned her Bachelor’s degree at the University of Florida, and graduated with honors with the award for outstanding clinical performance. As a recognized expert in human nutrition, she uses this knowledge to assist her in choosing the best diet for her canine friends.