Today we’d like to introduce you to Mike Lilley.
Hi Mike, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
I started working with dogs at a young age with my father. As I grew older, I knew I wanted to get into a career in Law Enforcement with the dream of someday becoming a K9 handler. In 2009, I was hired by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Division of LE. I was selected for a position in K9 where I was partnered with my first dog, K9 Roscoe.
After a few years, I decided to make a move and was hired by the Hendry County Sheriff’s Office where I was quickly placed in the K9 unit with my new partner K9 Neko. I was promoted to Sargent and Trainer of the K9 unit where I supervised 5 handlers. I decided to retire in 2019 and move to TN where I opened MLK9 (Mike Lilley K9).
I now help pet owners with their unruly house pets while also providing LE agencies with well-trained Police K9s to help better assist their community. I am also an instructor for a nonprofit organization called K9’s United. K9’s United provides LE K9 units with updated training techniques, equipment, and dogs.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Definitely not smooth. Moving to a new state where I didn’t know anyone was tough. After a handful of happy dogs and owners, word spread like wildfire. The vast majority of my business comes from word of mouth and referrals.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about MLK9?
I provide pet owners and their dogs with a clear line of communication so that everyone is on the same page. My trainers and I pride ourselves in providing a level of training that far surpasses the owner’s expectations.
My training programs are a bit longer than most other training companies but we are about quality over quantity.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
I love the growth of the city while keeping that down-home feel. The worst part of the area is the roads, the potholes are horrendous.
Contact Info:
- Email: Mike@mlk9.com
- Website: Www.southeastusdogtraining.com
- Instagram: @mike_lilley_k9
- Facebook: MLK9
- Other: 865-657-1109
