About Us

Get to Know Activate Canine Dog Training

One-sentence snapshot: Led by Alicia Hale, Activate Canine provides balance-reward based training for the Lowcountry families to give Lowcountry families the confident, well-mannered dogs they’ve always pictured walking through Azalea Park.

Alicia Hale
Your Professional Dog Trainer in Summerville

Alicia’s journey started in high school, shadowing police K-9 demos and learning how crystal-clear communication turns chaos into teamwork. After a lifetime spent handling dogs, 10 years of hands-on experience, and even completing advanced workshops with nationally acclaimed instructor Justin Rigney — whose online courses dissect canine motivation in plain English — she opened Activate Canine to share that clarity with pet owners.

Today, Alicia carries the title many neighbors repeat online: “the most approachable professional dog trainer Summerville could ask for.” Her verified listing on E-Collar Technologies’ trainer map anchors her credentials in black and white.

Meet Melissa Smith!
Dog Trainer Apprentice

Melissa Smith joined Activate Canine Dog Training in November 2024 as an Apprentice. Her love and passion for dogs—and the life-changing impact of training—was inspired by her own pit bull, Rocket. Melissa adopted Rocket in 2021 from her local humane society, and shortly after, he began displaying behavioral challenges that made everyday life difficult. He struggled to be in public or around people and other dogs.

Melissa’s journey changed when she met Alicia at a local farmers market. After a consult at her home, Melissa and her family knew Alicia was the right trainer to guide them. With Alicia’s help, along with Melissa’s dedication and consistency, Rocket transformed into a wonderful family dog. Experiencing firsthand how training could change both a dog’s and an owner’s life inspired Melissa to help others achieve the same. She is passionate about supporting clients in everything from enjoying peaceful walks to managing reactive behaviors, and she finds joy in watching the transformation of both dogs and their families.

Outside of training, Melissa enjoys cooking and baking—especially seasonal fall treats—and loves exploring the outdoors with her family and their dogs when the weather cools.

What Sets Us Apart in the Summerville Market

Our passion for dogs sets us apart. This isn’t a job, but a calling. We’re here to train every single dog to be their owners’ best friend. There’s no better way for a dog to live life than to have the joy and fulfillment of a great family with the structure and certainty that comes with high quality training.

Community Involvement & Media Features

Lowcountry Dog Magazine’s April 2025 spread labeled Activate’s approach “a masterclass in rewards-first training,” spotlighting a reactive shepherd who now relaxes at the Summerville Farmers Market.

Alicia and team give free leash-walking demos at pet-friendly festivals like Woofstock and the Hanahan Dog Music Fest, teaching visitors simple focus drills they can try on the spot.

Our Two- and Four-Legged Team

Alicia Hale

Head Trainer & Owner

Assistant Trainers Mellisa

Apprenticed under Alicia, Mellisa is working alongside Alicia until she’s ready to take on her own clients.

Kodak

Our own well-balanced dog who models calm neutrality for trainees.

Giving Back to Rescue Dogs

Every board-and-train helps us provide discounts for training for rescues and pro-bono work with shelter pups before adoption, easing the transition into a forever home.

Quick Facts at a Glance

Founded

2020

Location

507 W 2nd N St, Summerville, SC

Service Radius

Training: Everywhere in SC, NC, and TN
Dog Walking: 25 miles (Goose Creek, Ladson, & Charleston)