Mikaela Cater
Dog Trainer
My route to specializing in dog behavior has been a little bit circuitous.
I have not always wanted to be a dog trainer, but I have always loved working with animals. In fact, my original passion was Vet Med. My dog training journey didn’t even start there, however. When I was very young, I joined the Navy to help pay for my college education. During my time in the service, I adopted my first personal dog, Achilles, a Bullmastiff. Achilles was my heart and soul – he got me through everything the military threw at me and was the reason I came home. And, he is the one who led me down the path I am on today. After my contract was up and we moved back home here in SC, Achilles started showing some extreme reactivity with strangers and dogs outside the home. Working with him changed everything for me. We got into muzzle training, and through positive reinforcement, I got my dog back. I also fell in love with the process of healing problem behaviors and restoring a damaged relationship.
Unfortunately, in August of ‘22, Achilles passed away from thyroid cancer at only the age of 6. It is in his memory that I am inspired to now give back to other families what he gave to me.
I am excited to help you and your dog grow into the partnership you deserve, and show you how to trust your dog again.
In Memory of Achilles:
Achilles was a loving 140lb lap dog who wanted nothing more than to be by my side and doing whatever I was doing, or eating what I was eating. He was the textbook definition of a woman’s best friend.
Meet My Dogs
Kingston:
Chow/Dalmation mix
Kingston is a 10 year old Chow/Dalmation mix. He is the most loyal dog I have ever met, and truly understands the English language. I rescued him at 4 years old in Norfolk, VA. He is a vocal, opinionated boy who loves freedom. A true definition of a Natural dog. Kingston’s nicknames include: Krinklefry, Krinkletown, Krinkletini, Kingslini, Monkey. Hobbies: Hiking, screaming at incoming waves on a beach, screaming at me, screaming, swimming, any off leash activity out in the woods, eating ice cream, chasing.
Cricket:
Standard Poodle
Cricket is a 5 month old Standard Poodle. This boy has an amazing calm and sensitive temperament, but a goofy and bouncy personality. He is my service dog prospect for PTSD. He has taken everything I have thrown at him and has passed with flying colors. I am excited to watch him grow into the dog he is going to become. Cricket is also known as: Crickie, Crimson Chin, Clicket Ticket, Shrimpkit, Crikey!, Ratchet strap. Hobbies: stalking, chasing, flirt pole games, shredding my bills, testing my limits, napping.
Bean:
APBT/Bulldog/Boxer mix
She is an absolute terror full of confidence and spice and I love it. Two years ago, my coworker found her tied to a basketball pole 20 pounds underweight and with a face full of mange. I could not say no to rehabbing her, and although it has not been easy, I am glad I did. Bean sometimes goes by: Bean Bean crunchwrap supreme, Beanfred longbottom, beanie weanie, beanster, beanbag, lean bean green machine. Hobbies: shredding everything, chasing, herding, flirt pole activities, destroying her surroundings, digging, hiking, swimming, sleeping, eating.
