About Us
About Sally Said So Professional Dog Training
Helping Dogs and Their People Since 2009
Established in 2009 by founder Shane Gentry, Sally Said So Professional Dog Training helps families build better relationships with their dogs through practical, customized training and owner education.
What began as a local North Carolina dog training company has grown into a multi-market team serving families throughout the Carolinas. Along the way, Sally Said So has built long-standing relationships with veterinary professionals, pet-care organizations, and communities that trust our trainers to help with everything from puppy manners and everyday obedience to more challenging behavior concerns.
Our goal has remained simple: help dogs and their people live better together.
Training Built Around the Individual Dog
No two dogs, households, or behavior challenges are exactly alike. That is why we do not believe in a one-size-fits-all approach to dog training.
Our trainers develop customized training plans based on the dog, the owner’s goals, the home environment, and the behaviors that matter most in everyday life.
Whenever appropriate, training begins in a familiar, lower-distraction environment such as the home. As the dog and owner build skills and confidence, training can progress into increasingly realistic environments where those skills are actually needed.
We use reward-based training strategies while helping owners understand how learning, motivation, environment, communication, and consistency influence behavior.
The goal is not simply for a dog to perform commands during a training session. We want owners to understand why their dog behaves the way they do, how to communicate more clearly, and how to continue building successful behavior long after the trainer leaves.
Behavioral Wellness Comes First
At Sally Said So, we view dog training as an important part of a dog’s overall behavioral wellness.
Behavior can be influenced by many factors, including learning history, environment, stress, fear, frustration, physical health, and the relationship between a dog and the people around them.
That means effective training often requires looking beyond the behavior itself.
Our trainers help owners recognize what their dogs are communicating, understand what may be contributing to unwanted behavior, and build practical strategies that support both the dog and the household.
When a behavior concern may involve pain, anxiety, medication, or another medical component, we encourage owners to work closely with their veterinarian or an appropriate veterinary behavior professional.
Trusted by Veterinary Professionals
Veterinary relationships have played an important role in Sally Said So’s growth since the company was established.
Veterinary teams regularly encounter dogs whose behavior affects their ability to receive medical care, interact safely with their families, or navigate everyday environments. Training can be an important part of addressing those challenges.
Over the years, Sally Said So has developed relationships with veterinary hospitals and animal-care professionals throughout the communities we serve.
Our team also participates in professional education and maintains credentials and affiliations related to dog training, behavioral wellness, Fear Free practices, canine evaluation, pet first aid and CPR, and the human-animal bond.
We believe the best outcomes often happen when owners, trainers, and veterinary professionals work together.
More Than Obedience
Sit, stay, come, and loose-leash walking are useful skills, but successful dog training goes far beyond commands.
Families come to Sally Said So for help with concerns such as:
- Puppy training and socialization
- Basic manners and household behavior
- Leash pulling
- Reliable recall
- Jumping and overexcitement
- Reactivity toward dogs or people
- Fearful behavior
- Separation-related concerns
- Resource guarding
- Behavior around visitors
- Preparing dogs for veterinary visits
- Canine Good Citizen skills
- Therapy dog preparation
- Service dog training
- Therapy dog training
For some families, success means enjoying a peaceful walk through the neighborhood. For others, it means being able to welcome visitors, take their dog into public, attend a veterinary appointment with less stress, or simply understand their dog better.
Those everyday improvements are what matter to us.
We Train the Human, Too
One of the most important parts of our approach is owner education.
A professional trainer only spends a limited amount of time with a dog. The owner is the person who lives with that dog every day.
That is why we focus heavily on helping clients understand what they are doing, why they are doing it, and how to adapt those skills as situations change.
Rather than creating dependence on a trainer, our goal is to give owners the knowledge and confidence to continue making progress themselves.
Real-Life Training for Real-Life Dogs
Dogs do not live in training rooms.
They live in homes, neighborhoods, apartment buildings, veterinary hospitals, parks, restaurants, breweries, walking trails, and busy communities.
Training should prepare them for those environments.
Our programs are designed to help dogs and owners build skills that transfer into everyday life. Depending on the dog and the training plan, that may include working inside the home, around the neighborhood, in public spaces, or through structured group-training opportunities.
Progress happens gradually, and we work to meet dogs where they are rather than expecting them to succeed immediately in environments they are not ready to handle.
Why the Name “Sally Said So”?
Because “Sally” the Boston Terrier said so!
While our name is cute in origin, we believe dog owners deserve practical guidance they can understand and actually use.
Our job is not simply to tell a dog what to do. It is to help people understand their dogs well enough to create clearer communication, better behavior, and healthier relationships.
That philosophy has guided Sally Said So since 2009.
Meet Our Team
Sally Said So has grown through the work of professional trainers and team members who share a commitment to helping dogs and their owners succeed.
Our trainers bring different backgrounds, specialties, and experiences to the company while working within a shared training philosophy centered on behavioral wellness, practical education, and long-term success.
We invest in continuing education so our team can continue improving the way we support dogs, owners, and our veterinary partners.
Where We Serve
Sally Said So Professional Dog Training serves families across multiple markets in North Carolina and South Carolina, including communities throughout the:
- Triangle
- Triad
- Charlotte region
- Crystal Coast and coastal North Carolina
- Greenville and Upstate South Carolina
- Nashville TennesseeÂ
Training services and program availability vary by location.
Visit our Locations page to find the Sally Said So team serving your community.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who founded Sally Said So Professional Dog Training?
Sally Said So Professional Dog Training was established in 2009 by founder Shane Gentry.
What kind of dog training does Sally Said So offer?
Services vary by market but may include private and in-home training, puppy training, obedience and manners, behavior modification, reactive dog training, group training, Canine Good Citizen preparation, therapy dog preparation, service dog training, and other specialized programs.
What training methods does Sally Said So use?
Our trainers use customized, reward-based training plans based on the individual dog, the owner’s goals, the environment, and the behavior being addressed. We also place a strong emphasis on owner education and helping training skills transfer into everyday life.
Does Sally Said So work with reactive or aggressive dogs?
Yes. Our trainers work with many dogs experiencing reactivity and other challenging behaviors. Because aggression and severe behavior concerns can have multiple contributing factors, recommendations are made based on the individual dog and situation. In some cases, collaboration with a veterinarian or veterinary behavior professional may also be appropriate.
Does Sally Said So work with veterinarians?
Yes. Sally Said So has developed long-standing relationships with veterinary hospitals and animal-care professionals and receives veterinary referrals for training and behavior concerns. We believe collaboration between owners, trainers, and veterinary professionals can play an important role in supporting behavioral wellness.
Where does Sally Said So provide dog training?
Sally Said So serves multiple markets throughout North Carolina and South Carolina. Visit our Locations page to find current service areas and contact information.
How do I know which training program is right for my dog?
The best starting point is an evaluation or consultation with our team. We consider your dog’s behavior, your goals, your household, and the environments where you need the most help before recommending a training plan.
Does Sally Said So offer in-home dog training?
Yes. In-home and private training are important parts of many Sally Said So programs because the home environment allows trainers to observe and address behavior where it occurs naturally. Training may later progress into real-world environments as appropriate.
Ready to Get Started With Your Dog?
Tell us what life with your dog looks like today, what you would like to change, and where you need the most help. Our team can help you determine the best next step.
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