Puppy Training | ESA and Therapy english golden retrievers
Puppy Academy
Trained English Golden Retrievers
Gentle. Obedient. Affectionate.
At Creekside Goldens, we go beyond standard puppy training. Whether your goal is a well-mannered family pet or a future therapy dog, ESA dog, or even a candidate for service dog work, our Puppy Academy sets the foundation early. We specialize in training English Golden Retrievers with a tailored approach to socialization, obedience, and confidence-building.
Our programs begin at 7 weeks of age and are led by our certified trainer, an expert with over 15 years of experience supporting children with autism and neurodiverse needs. This unique background makes her especially equipped to train Golden Retrievers for autism support and therapy roles. The result? Calm, responsive, and emotionally attuned dogs ready for family life or further service training.
Goal
Individualized program of desired duration gives your puppy a solid foundation.
Communication
Keeping you appraised throughout training of your puppy’s progress.
Written Report
Detailed summary of training procedures and puppy’s level of achievement for each skill/command.
Pickup Transition
Directions given for your home environment for the absolute best transition results.
Ongoing Support
To assist with questions after puppy arrives at home.
Training Programs for Future Companions, Therapy Dogs, and Beyond
Give Your Puppy A Head Start
Goal: Individualized program of desired duration gives your puppy a solid foundation.
Communication: Keeping you apprised throughout training of your puppy’s progress.
Transition At Pickup: Directions given for your home environment for the absolute best transition results.
Written Report: Detailed summary of training procedures and puppy’s level of achievement for each skill/command.
Ongoing Support: To assist with questions after puppy arrives at home.
Puppy Training Programs for ESA Dogs, Service Dog Prep, and Well-Mannered Companions
Our Puppy Training Packages
Stepping Stones
3 Week Foundational Program
$2800
Skills Development: Potty training basics, discourage biting/chewing/jumping, confidence with loud noise, car travel, ascending/descending stairs, relaxation during grooming and water play (as weather permits).
Socialization: Exposure/playtime with children and adults, playtime with other dogs, exposure to cats, chickens, rabbits, horses and cows.
Obedience Commands: Sit, Coming to name, Chhh (sound of disapproval) and introduction to Wait.
Crate Training: Introduction to daytime and 7 hours at night.
Other: Introduction to harness/leash walking with skills of sitting and waiting while stopped.
Trails
5 Week Foundational Program
$3200
Skills Development: Building on the Stepping Stones program, puppy will continue instruction and practice in all areas.
Socialization: Exposure to children, other animals and locations will continue.
Added Obedience Commands: Here (without name called), Kennel and Wait.
Crate Training: Increased daytime duration and 8 hours at night.
Other: Harness walking with a loose lead.
Peaks
8 Week Intermediate Program
$4200
Skills Development: Increased frequency in daily instruction and practice opportunities. Mastery of all areas continues.
Socialization: Challenges and exposures continue.
Added Obedience Commands: Duration of previous commands increased with addition of Heel, Let’s Go, Back and introduction to Lie Down and Free.
Crate Training: Comfort with daytime crating and will sleep though the night.
Other: Harness walking at heel on a loose lead with appropriate sidewalk manners.
Summit
12 Week Advanced Program
$5500
Skills Development: Solidifying all areas.
Socialization: Continued confidence building in multiple settings.
Obedience Commands: Continued work towards mastery of all commands learned.
Crate Training: Fully crate trained and well on the way to being housebroken (once the transition to their new home environment is made).
Other: Walking at heel on a loose lead as well as walking off leash.
Overall focus is progressing towards mastery of the ten AKC Canine Good Citizen goals:
- Accepting a stranger
- Sitting politely
- Appearance and grooming
- Walking at heel on a loose lead
- Walking through a crowd
- Sit and Down command and staying at Place
- Coming when called
- Appropriate reactions to unknown dogs
- Appropriate reaction to distraction.
Expert Puppy Trainer for English Golden Retrievers
Meet Our Certified Puppy Trainer
Extensive Experience with Animals
Combines a deep love for dogs with years of hands-on experience that led to a career in dog training.
15+ Years as an Autism Specialist
Brings a unique perspective and expertise from her background in education, specializing in individualized support and learning strategies.
Passion for Canine Personalities
Finds fulfillment in getting to know each puppy’s distinct personality and creating customized training plans to help them thrive.
Creekside Program Differentiation
Works exclusively with our English Golden Retriever dogs and puppies which allows her to build relationships with puppies from birth, ensuring familiarity and trust before training begins.
Dedication to Unlocking Potential
Focus is on identifying each puppy’s unique traits and developing puppy-specific plans to enable them to reach their full potential.
Everything You Need to Know About Our Puppy Training Programs
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best age to start puppy training?
The ideal time to begin puppy training is around 7 weeks of age, when puppies are highly receptive to learning and socialization. At Creekside Goldens, all of our AKC-registered English Golden Retriever puppies begin their training during this critical development window. Starting early supports emotional regulation, confidence, and a smooth transition into family life or future therapy and ESA dog roles.
Do you only offer training for English Golden Retrievers?
We specialize in puppy training exclusively for our own AKC-registered English Golden Retrievers. This allows us to tailor each training plan to the puppy’s genetics, temperament, and early socialization from birth. We do not offer training for outside dogs or other breeds to ensure consistency and the highest level of success for our puppies.
How long are your puppy training programs?
Our structured Golden Retriever puppy training programs range from 3 weeks to 12 weeks, depending on your goals. Whether you’re looking for basic obedience or preparing a future ESA or therapy dog, each level builds progressively—with expanded commands, socialization challenges, and confidence-building experiences. Programs include Stepping Stones (3 weeks), Trails (5 weeks), Peaks (8 weeks), and Summit (12 weeks).
Will my puppy be housebroken after training?
By the end of the Summit program, your trained Golden Retriever puppy will be fully crate trained and well on the way to being housebroken. We work on consistent potty routines, overnight crate comfort, and leash manners to make the home transition smooth. You’ll also receive detailed transition instructions so you can maintain progress at home.
What support is offered after puppy training is complete?
Every puppy training program includes a written report detailing your puppy’s progress, achieved commands, and remaining areas to focus on. At pickup, you’ll receive specific transition guidance for your home environment, and we remain available for post-placement support. Our goal is to set you and your trained English Golden Retriever up for long-term success, whether as a beloved family pet or future therapy or ESA dog.
