Beth Shepherd Founder & Owner, Salty Dogs Training (and Cape Fear Service Dogs)
Beth Shepherd is a 20-year veteran of the canine training industry, whose career is defined by both professional excellence and a deeply personal mission. Her specialized expertise in training service animals—particularly Diabetic Alert Dogs (DADs)—began over 15 years ago, inspired by her own father’s journey with diabetes. This personal connection drove her to master the science of scent detection and medical alerting, bringing life-changing independence and peace of mind to families navigating similar challenges.
Before establishing Salty Dogs Training and its dedicated division, Cape Fear Service Dogs, Beth spent two decades honing her craft alongside some of the most respected national service organizations in the country, including Carolina Canines, Canines for Service, and 4 Paws For Ability (NC). Today, she blends the rigorous, uncompromising standards of those national programs with the warmth, care, and individualized attention that only a local, family-oriented business can provide.
Beth’s training philosophy is rooted in positive reinforcement, consistency, and a deep understanding of canine behavior. She believes that a well-trained dog isn’t just a medical asset or an obedient pet—they are a trusted member of the family. Whether she is shaping a puppy's foundational manners, coaching a family on household obedience, or fine-tuning advanced scent detection for a medical alert partner, Beth is dedicated to strengthening the bond between handlers and their dogs.
When she isn't on the training field, Beth is a passionate advocate for service dog awareness and public access education. Her deep knowledge, compassionate approach, and decades of hands-on experience make her a trusted guide for families throughout the Cape Fear region.
