I'm the breeder behind Appalachian Dog Training LLC located in Mills River, NC. We are your dog training experts, providing highly skilled service dogs, therapy dogs and amazing family pets.
About Katie
The need for quality service dogs was my inspiration to begin breeding 8 years ago.
What makes Katie’s program special
My background in behavior, training, and health allows for continuous improvement of the Golden Retriever breed.
Katie’s certifications & recognitions
Canine Good Citizen Evaluator, Avidog Transformational Puppy Rearing, AKC Breeder with H.E.A.R.T.
Expected Golden Retrievers from Cayman and Jada
Due Feb. 2025. Ready Apr. 25
Planned Golden Retrievers from Kenda and Magic
Due May 2025. Ready June 2025
Expected Golden Retrievers from Cayman and Jada
Due Feb. 2025
Ready Apr. 25
Planned Golden Retrievers from Kenda and Magic
Due May 2025
Ready June 2025
Katie has been certified by Good Dog's screening team for responsible and trusted breeding practices. When you're ready to reach out, feel free to ask any questions about the breed, their program, or specific puppies. You'll also have the chance to share a bit about yourself and what you're looking for in a new companion. Together, you'll choose the puppy that's right for you, stay in touch with regular updates, and plan how to bring your new puppy home.
Puppy prices range from $3,500 and include a non-refundable deposit of $500.
“Puppy Contract Veterinary Records Microchip & Registration AKC Registration AVIDOG Test Score Sheet Preventive Medications & Vaccines Guide Food & Nutrition Guide Potty & Crate Training Guide Grooming, Feeding, Nail Trim & General Care Guide Training & Socialization Checklist Ongoing Training & Care Support. No puppy is held without a Reservation Deposit.”
Katie may provide a written contract or health guarantee when you purchase a puppy. This helps protect both you and your breeder, ensuring that you both have a clear understanding of the terms of your puppy purchase. If Katie offers a contract or guarantee, the details will be personalized by them. If you have any questions or want to know more, don’t hesitate to reach out to Katie directly.
Puppies are raised in our Service Dog program utilizing data-supported and experience proven raising techniques to promote early potty training, calm temperaments, and biddable personalities. I utilize the following enrichment methods: Introduced to people of different ages and appearances, Socialized with other dogs, Daily handling, Scent introduction, Socialized in new places, Socialized with children, Surface & tactile stimulation, Car rides, Various sounds, Confidence Building, Weekly Nail Trims , Scent Introduction, and Early socialization.
Veterinary Health Exam Microchip Vaccines Negative Fecal Test.
We send our puppies home with Initial potty training, Blanket with mom & littermates’ scent, Puppy starter kit, Registration, Microchip, Vet records, Food & treats, and Toys.
Katie offers options to help you easily get your new puppy home.
If you’re nearby, you can visit in person to pick up your pup. If you’re far away, you can travel by car or plane.
“Puppy Go-Home provides over an hour of tips, tricks, and planning to ensure an easy transition home. We do not ship puppies and we require that you travel to us to meet & approve of your puppy.”
Why Katie started breeding
Producing top dogs for families & working roles is my passion.
Katie has been a member of Good Dog for 12 months
Katie was screened for responsible practices and has been a member since 2024.
Appalachian Dog Training LLC meets or exceeds our community standards in these areas:
All breeds
Golden Retriever
Golden Retriever
About Jada
Jada is a female Golden Retriever. Carefully selected as a great representative of her breed, Katie decided to make her part of their program. Katie has passed Good Dog’s screening process, which involved a review of their breeding practices, environment, and the mental and physical health of their dogs.
Good health testing
Full Embark Panel, Cardiac Evaluation (registered with OFA), +3 more
Golden Retriever
About Summer
Summer is a female Golden Retriever. Carefully selected as a great representative of her breed, Katie decided to make her part of their program. Katie has passed Good Dog’s screening process, which involved a review of their breeding practices, environment, and the mental and physical health of their dogs.
Good health testing
Full Embark Panel, Cardiac Evaluation (registered with OFA), +3 more
Golden Retriever
About Coraline
Cora is an Alliance of Therapy Dogs certified therapy dog and has completed our 2 year Service Dog training program. Cora has also earned her AKC CGC (Canine Good Citizen). She attended Handler's School with Georgia K9 and did exceptional training for Level 1 Trailing dog! She has a great work drive and a nice off switch as she matures. Cora is an exceptional, sound worker with exemplified attention to her handler. Cora has easy movement with a solid top line. Cora moves with little effort, she is efficient and agile and one of our most athletic Goldens. She carries the thinner coat which is most ideal for family pets and working roles as shedding is minimal. Cora has a very friendly and inviting expression, a beautiful genetic match with Gully! Cora has OFA Good Hips, Cardio and Eyes. Genetic panel (Embark) is all clear/no carriers for over 200 genetic diseases and conditions. Cora is your go-to dog, your right-hand companion! She is confident and forward, yet attentive and hard working. Her eagerness to please makes training fun and interactive!
Uploaded health tests
Full Embark Panel, Cardiac Evaluation (registered with OFA), +2 more
Golden Retriever
About Magic
Magic is a female Golden Retriever over 2 years old. Carefully selected as a great representative of her breed, Katie decided to make her part of their program. Katie has passed Good Dog’s screening process, which involved a review of their breeding practices, environment, and the mental and physical health of their dogs.
Uploaded health tests
Full Embark Panel, Cardiac Evaluation (registered with OFA)
Golden Retriever
Excellent level
Appalachian Dog Training LLC reports to performing the health tests below on their breeding dogs. Ask your breeder about the tests performed on the parents of your litter. Learn more about health testing for Golden Retrievers.
Hip Dysplasia
Hip testing reduces the chance of passing down hip dysplasia, which is primarily found in large breed dogs and can cause hip pain and the eventual loss of the function of the hip joint.
Elbow Dysplasia Finals (OFA, BVA, SV, FCI)
Elbow testing reduces the chance of passing down elbow dysplasia, which is primarily found in large breed dogs and can cause arthritis in the elbow joint and front leg lameness.
Eye Certification (CAER, registered with OFA)
Eye testing reduces the chance of passing down a wide range of hereditary eye illnesses including retinal dysplasia, lens luxation, and glaucoma, which can cause impared vision or blindness.
Cardiac Evaluation (registered with OFA)
Heart testing reduces the chance of passing down congenital heart disease, which can cause a range of symptoms ranging from trouble exercising to heart failure.
Ichthyosis, Golden Retriever Type
A breeder may perform additional tests on their dogs that do not fall into these general categories. These tests may be more uncommon or very specific to a particular breed.
DNA Disease Panel, Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis 5 (NCL5), Golden Retriever Type, Degenerative Myelopathy (DM; SOD1A), PRA, Rod-Cone Degeneration (PRA-prcd), PRA, Golden Retriever 2, PRA, Golden Retriever 1
Genetic testing reduces the chance of passing down a wide variety of hereditary diseases of differing prevalence and severity such as Progressive Retinal Atrophy (an eye disease) and Von Willebrand's Disease (a blood disease).
Health testing is one key piece of responsible breeding and is performed on breeding dogs to prevent the presence of heritable conditions in their puppies.
Health testing is one key piece of responsible breeding and is performed on breeding dogs to prevent the presence of heritable conditions in their puppies.
Health testing is one key piece of responsible breeding and is performed on breeding dogs to prevent the presence of heritable conditions in their puppies.
Health testing is one key piece of responsible breeding and is performed on breeding dogs to prevent the presence of heritable conditions in their puppies.