At Hero Dogs, I offer comprehensive dog training services designed to fit your lifestyle.
With over 30 years of experience, I, Sara Hughley, provide personalized, positive-reinforcement training to help you and your dog build a lasting bond. Whether your dog is a beginner or already advanced, I am here to guide you through every step of their journey toward becoming a well-mannered, confident companion.

Originally from Croatia and now based in Atlanta, GA, I bring a global perspective to dog training, with a passion for helping families build better relationships with their pets. As a veteran spouse and an expert in working with traumatized, fearful, and reactive dogs, I have spent over 30 years refining my training techniques. I combine my vast experience from diverse areas of dog training to offer the best possible solutions for you and your dog today.
I use a holistic training approach that nurtures both you and your dog. By creating a strong communication language between you and your pet, I ensure lasting results that benefit both ends of the leash.
Whether you're in Europe, North America, or anywhere else, I offer online training sessions catering to your dog’s specific needs. Distance is no barrier – you and your dog can receive expert guidance no matter where you are.
As an expert in working with dogs who have experienced trauma, fear, or aggression, I understand the patience and compassion required to help these dogs thrive. My methods focus on building trust and confidence, ensuring that even the most reactive or fearful dogs can find peace and happiness through positive reinforcement.
My 30+ years of experience cover a wide range of dog training areas, and I bring all of that knowledge to my work with pet dogs today:
Search & Rescue Expertise: With over 25 years of experience as an international trainer for Search & Rescue dogs, I deeply understand high-pressure, advanced training. My experience equips me with unique insights into how dogs think and respond in various environments, which I now apply to pet dog training.
Film and Sports Dogs: Having worked with zookeepers, film animals, and dogs in sports and shows, I offer a wealth of knowledge about training dogs for specialized tasks. These experiences help me understand how to motivate dogs, create fun and engaging training experiences, and solve behavioral challenges creatively.
At Hero Dogs, I only use positive reinforcement techniques backed by the latest scientific research in dog behavior and psychology. My training methods are designed to reduce stress, build trust, and create a fun learning environment for your dog, ensuring long-lasting results that strengthen your bond.
I am committed to improving the lives of all dogs, not just through training but also by giving back to the community. I continue to volunteer at dog shelters and support shelter dogs in need, including my ongoing work at "Dumovec," Eastern Europe’s largest dog shelter in Croatia, and "Shelter & Shelves" in GA, US.
Contact me at: [email protected]
As part of the military community, I understand the unique challenges of frequent moves, unpredictable schedules, and busy lives. My online training is specifically designed to help military families manage these challenges, offering effective, consistent support for your dog wherever you are. With our help, you’ll prevent unwanted behaviors that stem from constant change, such as separation anxiety, reactivity, and family adjustment issues. Together, we can make every PCS smoother for both you and your dog.
Learn more and sign up ➡️HERE
Our online course is tailored for women wanting to deepen their bond with their dogs while working on self-development. This program is designed to help you cultivate a more balanced, harmonious life with your dog as your partner and mentor. Learn how to connect with and understand your dog on a deeper level, enhancing both your lives with each session.
My commitment to lifelong learning ensures that I am always at the forefront of the latest dog training and behavior developments. I’ve studied under some of the world’s leading experts, including Ken Ramirez, Suzanne Clothier, Karen Pryor, Grisha Stewart, and many others. This constant pursuit of knowledge allows me to bring cutting-edge techniques to every training session, ensuring the best possible outcomes for you and your dog.
At Hero Dogs, I believe every dog deserves to be understood, and every family deserves to experience the joy of a well-trained pet. Whether you’re facing specific challenges or want to deepen your connection with your dog, I’m here to help – no matter where you are.
Let’s embark on this transformative journey together. Contact me today to get started with a personalized, online training program tailored to your dog's unique needs.
