



Mustard 15
3 weeks old · Male

Black 15
3 weeks old · Male

Yellow 15
3 weeks old · Male

Light Purple 15
3 weeks old · Male

Grey 15
3 weeks old · Male

Light Green 15
3 weeks old · Male

Light Blue 15
3 weeks old · Male

Tan 15
3 weeks old · Male
I'm Katie W., 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.
Why did you start breeding?
What makes your program special?
Where do your breeding dogs live?
These dogs are already reserved or have gone home.
Grey
Male
Green
Male
Dark Blue
Male
Maroon
Male
Opal
Female
Yellow
Female
Light Pink
Female
Hot Pink
Female
Mint
Male
Purple
Male
Orange
Female
Light Green 11
Female
Black 11
Male
Red 11
Male
Light Blue
Male
Green
Female
Orange
Female
Black
Male
Pink
Female
Dark Blue
Male
Yellow
Female
Gray
Male
Red
Male
Purple
Female

Light Pink 15
Female
Black 7
Male
Girl 3
Female
Red 7
Male
Light Blue 7
Male
Dark Blue
Male
Girl 1
Female
Girl 2
Female
Boy 5
Male
Yellow 8
Female
Pink 8
Female
Red 8
Male
Orange 8
Male
Light Green 8
Female
Black 8
Male
Light Blue 8
Male
Dark Blue
Male
Pink 9
Female
Purple 9
Female
Yellow 9
Female
Light Blue 9
Male
Orange 9
Female
Black 9
Male
Red 9
Male
Dark Blue 10
Male
Purple 10
Female
Pink 10
Female
Katie has been certified by Good Dog’s screening team for responsible and trusted breeding practices. When you’re ready, reach out to ask about the puppies or anything else on your mind. You’ll get to know each other through messaging, phone, or video and pay securely, all on Good Dog.
Katie partners with buyers to find the best match as the puppies develop and their personalities take shape. Typically, matches are finalized when the puppies reach about 8 weeks old.
“Finding the right puppy isn’t about picking the first one that runs to you. It’s about understanding who each puppy is, what they naturally excel at, and what kind of home will let them thrive. Our Best Match process gives you that clarity. Instead of choosing from a crowded group visit, you get a guided, thoughtful experience where we help you understand each puppy’s strengths, sensitivities, and natural tendencies. You’ll see which puppies lean toward confidence, which ones are softer and more people-focused, and which ones have the energy or work ethic you may be looking for. By the time you go home, you don’t just “pick a puppy”—you meet the dog who truly fits your lifestyle, your goals, and your day-to-day pace. It makes the transition easier, improves early training, and supports a lifelong, stable partnership.”

“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.
When you pay and communicate on Good Dog, you’re covered by Payment Protection.
You can drive or fly to pick up your puppy from Katie.
Meet in Mills River, NC
Meet at Asheville Airport
Certifications & recognitions
Canine Good Citizen Evaluator, Avidog Transformational Puppy Rearing, AKC Breeder with H.E.A.R.T..
Katie has been a member of Good Dog for over 2 years
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:
Katie W.
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.
Excellent health testing
Golden Retriever
About Jada
Jada has completed Therapy Dog, Canine Good Citizen Advanced, Canine Good Citizen Urban, and has completed our Service Dog program. Jada is also on the smaller size at just 62lbs. Jada is well balanced with and earned First Place Novice Bitch this summer. Jada & Cayman pairing have produced a total of 3 working and in training service dogs. They have a high drive to work with low excitement, are highly biddable, and environmentally sound. They also both have great ball drive! We are hopeful for another service dog prospect to become our next generation of working service dogs at ADT. Their littermates will be highly biddable, affectionate family pets.
Excellent health testing
Golden Retriever
About Marty
Marty is the life of the party! She greets you with squinting eyes and a grin that reaches both of them! She is excitable and exuberant upon reunion and ready to rock and roll. Obedience was essential to help instill the calm, mature behaviors that hold true today. A stronger dog is eager for more difficult and longer work, and with the need for clear communication and firm direction, Marty thrives with hard work and strong direction.
Golden Retriever
About Aris
Aris is a “perfect copy” of our foundation dog, Summer. She holds that old-school golden retriever deep red coat. Through the years genetic testing has advanced to identify shades of color and we have learned the classic deep-red color is a double recessive trait beautifully expressed. We are so fortunate to have “preserved” our original dog, Summer, who has contributed immensely to our program. The old-school golden brings physical heath and excellent environmental stability. A dog void of noise-shyness, always ready to serve your working needs whether working in the field, providing a comforting companion for a child, or showing off her form and function in the show ring.
Golden Retriever
About Geo
Geo is our class clown with a work ethic to match. Geo brings together the best of athleticism, intelligence, and social confidence. He was selected from a standout litter produced by passionate, quality-focused breeders, and he proved himself early by scoring a perfect 100 percent in his retrieve and return testing. Geo has completed both therapy and service dog training and earned multiple placements in AKC conformation. He’s the calm, social dog who steps into new places like he already belongs there, and he works with focus that feels effortless.
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. 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
Golden Retriever
About Magic
Magic was one of the easiest puppies we have raised from Emerson Retrievers! Magic is quiet, calm and low energy. She naturally earned Alliance of Therapy Dogs certification with ease at just 12 months age. She is very gentle on the leash and follows easily. She absolutely loves children and is very gentle with them. Magic is a key participant in our routine Therapy Dog events and visits, bringing smiles to our community.
Uploaded health tests
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.
DNA Disease Panel, Ichthyosis, Golden Retriever Type, 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.