Apprentice
7–10 days
Leash walking and everyday manners.
Board & train and private lessons
Dog training in Charleston, SC
Charleston dog owners use Activate Canine for board & train, off-leash obedience and behavior programs. Our Urban Walkers leash track is designed for downtown outings.
Training in Charleston: what to know locally
- Downtown Charleston means cobblestones, crowded sidewalks, carriage tours and restaurant patios. Our Urban Walkers track teaches heeling, auto-sit and ignoring crowds.
- Popular walking spots such as Hampton Park and Waterfront Park have posted rules, and leashes are expected in most city parks. Check current signage before you go.
- Charleston hosts frequent festivals and tourist weekends, so a dog who is calm among strangers is a real quality-of-life upgrade.
- We mostly serve Charleston through board & train and private sessions rather than daily walks, since walking is limited to our local radius.
Our Charleston clients are often young professionals and families who want a dog that comes along to dinner, brunch and the park. Typical goals are patio manners, a reliable recall and better behavior on crowded sidewalks.
Local rules change. Confirm leash, beach and park rules with City of Charleston and Charleston County Parks (CCPRC). More about Charleston on Wikipedia.
Programs available in Charleston
Essential
15–22 days
Basic obedience: sit, down, heel, place and "let's go."
Trailblazer
25–35 days
Off-leash obedience and recall for hikers and beach-goers.
Reset
21–42 days
Behavior work for aggression, anxiety, reactivity and fear.
Recall
7–10 days
Emergency recall for dogs that bolt.
Explore obedience, aggression and reactivity, leash training and dog walking.
Meet the trainer
Alicia Hale, head trainer and owner, leads every program with more than 10 years of hands-on experience. Graduates get lifetime refreshers while they keep practicing their homework.
Charleston dog training FAQ
Do you offer dog walking on the peninsula?
Our dog walking is local to the Summerville, Ladson and Goose Creek area. Training, board & train and remote coaching are available farther out.
Which program fits a downtown dog?
Urban Walkers for leash manners, or Essential for broad obedience and patio behavior.
How do drop-offs work from Charleston?
Book a free consult and we will plan drop-off, updates and owner hand-off lessons around your schedule.
How do I get started in Charleston?
Call 843-396-2343 or request a free 15-minute consult. We will recommend a program for your dog and confirm which services are available at your address.
Find us
Our training space: 507 W 2nd N St, Summerville, SC 29483 · Tue–Sat, 8am–4pm · 843-396-2343
Nearby areas
Ready to train in Charleston?
Book a free 15-minute consult. We will match your dog to the right program.