Meet the Trainer

Sarah Hatfield, CPDT-KA...Your Instructor at the Good Dog Academy!

Sarah joined the SHS in May of 2010 after serving as a Behavior Specialist with a humane society in Alabama. With over four years of professional dog training experience, Sarah has successfully helped hundreds of pets and their people and she is eager to continue her efforts in our community.

Sarah has proven her skills by earning the Certified Professional Dog Trainer-Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA) title, earned through the Certification Council of Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT)

The Council offers the CPDT-KA certification for trainers who have not only established their understanding of the field but have also demonstrated their knowledge of canine ethology, animal husbandry, classroom management, technique, and much more. Sarah is the only trainer in Spartanburg with this certification.

Sarah's determination to help animals started at a young age. After successfully transforming her family’s rambunctious lab and Newfoundland mix into a polished therapy dog, Sarah caught the dog training bug. As an adult, Sarah pursued her passion for animals through volunteer work with a local animal placement group. But, it was a challenging foster puppy she credits for leading her to training professionally.

Sarah currently shares her life with a 5 year old German Shepherd mix named Renee, who started off as a foster dog.