Appalachian Dog Training LLC

Raised by Katie W.

Certified Breeder of Golden Retrievers

  • Certified Good Dog Breeder
  • 50% response rate • Responds within a few days

Meet the breeder

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.

Katie’s experience

  • 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.

Newborn & upcoming litters

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

Getting a puppy from Katie

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.

Price

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.”

Contract and health guarantee

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.

Always communicate and pay on Good Dog.Learn more

What's included

Enrichment and socialization

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.

 … 
Puppy health practices

Veterinary Health Exam Microchip Vaccines Negative Fecal Test.

Extras

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.

Bringing your puppy home

Katie offers options to help you easily get your new puppy home.

Pick up your puppy in Mills River, NC or nearby

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.”

More about Katie

  • 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.

  • Katie’s links

Katie is a trusted Good Dog breeder

Appalachian Dog Training LLC meets or exceeds our community standards in these areas:

  • Responsible breeding practices
  • Health of breeding dogs and puppies
  • Puppy environment and enrichment
  • Buyer education and policies

Meet Katie's parent dogs

All breeds

Golden Retriever

Parent health testing

Golden Retriever

Breeder-Reported Testing

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).