Meet Mikayla Bass | Service Dog Trainer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Mikayla Bass and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Mikayla, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
My parents are both entrepreneurs and instilled in me from a young age the entrepreneurial spirit. I knew I wanted to help people and I wanted to do it through the avenue of dogs, specifically service dogs, so Charmed Dogs was born.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I was introduced to the world of Service dog training through my own service dog. I was a college athlete planning to pursue a career in psychology when my whole life turned upside down due to a neuromuscular condition called Myasthenia Gravis. I was diagnosed as a sophomore in college and suddenly became wholly dependent on others for basic needs. I decided to pursue the idea of a service dog and because of that met my training mentor. He not only helped me train Ava but took me on as an intern and patiently worked with me through any limitations. I saw the difference Ava, my now retired service dog, made in my life and knew I would stop at nothing to give that to others in the disabled community. I had the opportunity to learn both general obedience and service dog training, specializing in Diabetic Alert Dog Training. After years of learning and perfecting my craft I decided to start Charmed Dog Training. I am thankfully doing wonderfully health wise and knew it was time to take the next step in my journey. Charmed Dogs has allowed me the opportunity to help so many dog owners build better relationships with their pets, as well as bring together some truly amazing service dogs and their handlers. I love what I do and wouldn’t change anything about the journey to get here!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I would definitely want to explore different scenic areas, especially ones we can bring the dogs along. Garden of the Gods is a must as well as Helen Hunt Falls.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
First and foremost my family, they are my rock and have supported me through every success and failure in life. My parents especially have always been there to lift me up and from a young age pushed me to work hard for my dreams. Secondly my mentor Adam Gibson from Top Dog Professional Training. He is not only an incredible dog trainer but a patient and knowledgeable teacher. He taught me so much and always encouraged me to keep learning and broaden my perspective.

Website: www.charmeddogs.com

Instagram: https://instagram.com/charmeddogs?utm_medium=copy_link

Facebook: Charmed Dog Training

Image Credits
Anne Jensen Photography