Hailey O'Connell
General Manager/Trainer
Hailey is the epitome of a dog lover. She loves your dog more than you love your own dog. She got started training dogs through an organization called Labs for Liberty that trains service dogs for military veterans. The service dog training has led Hailey to be detail oriented with your dog. She understands the impact of a well trained dog can have on someones life.
Hailey's love for training dogs goes beyond a mere profession. It is a genuine passion that drives her to put the needs of dogs before her own. She believes in building strong bonds with the dogs she works with, establishing trust and fostering a positive learning environment. Patience and understanding are at the core of her training philosophy, allowing her to work at the dog's pace and adapt techniques to suit their individual learning style.
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Rescuing and finding dogs loving homes is a cause very close to her heart. "Every dog deserves a chance at a happy and fulfilling life". Finding the perfect forever home for a rescued dog is a gratifying and rewarding process. She invests time and effort into carefully evaluating potential adopters, ensuring that they are committed to providing a loving and supportive environment for the dog. Matching the right dog with the right family is essential for a successful and lasting bond.
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By combining her experience in dog training, her passion for rescue work, and her commitment to finding dogs good homes, Hailey strives to make a positive impact in the lives of both dogs and their human companions. Together, we can create a world where every dog is valued, loved, and provided with the care they deserve.
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In addition to her passion for dog training, she holds a nursing degree. This background has provided her with a unique perspective on health and wellness, allowing her to approach dog training from a holistic standpoint. Understanding the importance of physical and mental well-being, she incorporates these principles into her training programs, ensuring that dogs receive the care and attention they deserve.
Summit Canine Training Methods
Summit Canine is dedicated to providing the highest quality of training for every dog. We strive for excellence in all that we do by staying up to date with the latest and most effective training methods. We use a balanced training approach. This means we believe in teaching the dog the difference between appropriate and inappropriate behavior. We use food, toys and praise as methods to reinforce the appropriate behaviors, as well as consequences that are meaningful to the dog for dangerous and unwanted behavior. We also believe that training should be fun for both you and your dog. Integrating these training methods will help build and strengthen your relationship with your dog like never before.
Mike O'Connell
Owner/Lead Trainer
Owner and Trainer, Mike O’Connell has worked with dogs for many years. His love for dogs became a passion when he got involved training service dogs for military veterans through an organization called Labs for Liberty. He currently serves as the head trainer for Labs for Liberty, a 501(c)3 non-profit. Seeing the incredible impact that dogs have on people's lives, Mike started Summit Canine in an effort to help others live more harmoniously with their dogs so that they can experience their wonderful companionship.
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Mike is certified by Michael Ellis School for Dog Trainers and Heather Beck/K9 Lifeline, and for pet care & CPR.
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Mike used to work as a nurse where he worked in the ER, ICU and Med/Surg units. He also started his nursing career at Huntsman Cancer Hospital. His passion has always been with the dogs. During nursing school, Mike would take every opportunity to work with dogs instead of study. This would range from traveling to other states to work with trainer and other dogs or just putting on classes or taking his own dogs to the park.
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In February of 2024, Mike was diagnosed with Stage 3 Hodgkin's Lymphoma. This happened just 2 months in to his marriage and the business was just over a year old. Refusing to quit, Mike and his wife Hailey doubled down and continued to grow the business despite these obstacles. Mike went through 12 chemotherapy treatments at Huntsman Cancer Hospital and has successfully beat it as of September of 2024.
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Overall, Mike is dedicated to your dogs success and stops at nothing, not even cancer.