(Submitted photo) Mike Lilley rewards two of his trainees for a job well done.

Local dog owners, do you have a dog that barks incessantly at the pizza delivery person or anytime the doorbell is rung, or barrels through the door nearly knocking you down, and dragging you at the end of the leash every time you go for a walk? Maybe your canine companion is showing signs of aggression towards people or other dogs? If you find yourself wishing that life with your four-legged friend was a bit less chaotic, you’re going to want to contact Mike Lilley’s New Age K9 Services. Mike offers a training program, at his home in LaBelle, where he uses his incredible skills to work with problem dogs, teaching basic commands and household obedience, and even solves more serious or potentially dangerous behavior issues.

Mike Lilley grew up working with cow dogs and hog dogs and has been surrounded by canines ever since. After working for six years with FWC K9 and then moving on to the Hendry County Sheriff’s Office K9 Unit, Lilley is now offering his incredible dog training skills to the public. Having the honor of under the extremely effective head trainer, Justin Rigney, of the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, Lilley was inspired by the innovative training and behavior modification techniques that were being utilized. Combining the knowledge and experience imparted by Rigney, and every trainer that he has met and worked with along the way, Lilley has developed a training program that even the most stubborn of badly-behaved canines can be transformed.

His training philosophy centers on being patient and allowing each dog to take the time it needs to learn. “Free shaping, never being forceful, working to build a dog’s confidence,” says Lilley, “every dog learns at a different pace, and different dogs have different issues.” His force-free training also implements a large variety of other methods. Lilley says he is not opposed to using whatever humane, effective methods that he has “in his tool box.”

(Submitted photo) Even after an intense training session the dogs still love Suzi Lilley.

Taking on around two dogs per month, for his boot camp style four week On-Leash Program, he has brought much needed peace to several dog owning households. He also offers a secondary, more intensive six week Off-Leash Program, and sometimes offers boarding (depending on the kennel space available) with the option of some refresher training, for any dogs that have completed his program. His talent and dedication is quite evident in the videos he has posted on Facebook, an account shared by his Assistant Extraordinaire, Suzi who also happens to be his remarkable wife. You can find his training videos on Facebook as “Suzi N Mike Lilley” or contact him at 239-243-1459 if you know of a dog that needs to learn some manners. He does work nights, so often a text is the best way to reach him.