About the trainer



Beth Shepherd | Owner & Lead Trainer
CPADT | CNVAB | Certified Service Dog Trainer



Beth Shepherd | Owner & Lead Trainer CPADT | CNVAB | Certified Service Dog Trainer At Salty Dogs Obedience Training, we believe training should be family-oriented, productive, and fun! With over 30 years of experience, Beth Shepherd has helped thousands of dogs stay in their homes and is the trusted "go-to" expert for many local veterinarians in New Hanover, Pender, and Brunswick Counties.

Beth’s expertise is backed by a distinguished career in high-level service dog work. She has served as a Head Behaviorist and Trainer for some of the most respected organizations in the industry, including: Canines for Service (formerly Carolina Canines): Specialized training for mobility and veteran support.

4 Paws NC: Focused on task-based training for children and veterans. Delta Society (Pet Partners): Implementing the gold standard for therapy dog reliability and evaluations.

As a Certified Service Dog Trainer, Beth specializes in high-precision work for Diabetic Alert, PTSD Support, and Mobility Assistance. Whether you are looking for agility, competition obedience, or simply a well-mannered family member, Beth applies these same elite-level behavioral insights to every dog she trains. She also mentors the next generation of professionals through her apprenticeship program, ensuring that positive, effective training remains the standard for our community. At Salty Dogs, we help you find your dog's passion and ensure they feel safe, confident, and ready to learn.