Masterful Dog Training
Meet the breeder
I'm Dona B., the breeder behind Masterful Dog Training located in North Carolina. Our dogs are our beloved companions. We care deeply about this breed and are proud to be responsible Golden Retriever breeders. Our dogs are such an important part of our lives and we can’t imagine being without them. It’s an amazing experience as breeders to provide others with the same joy!
Q. & A. with Dona
Why did you start breeding?
My extended family was involved in showing purebred dogs back in the 1960's. My first journey into the show ring was when I was only ten years old. I was attached to a wild Irish Setter bitch who sent me sailing around the ring. I had a very understanding judge. Since then, I had the dog show "bug".What makes your program special?
Our dogs are healthy and long-lived which is very important in the Golden Retriever world where cancer is prevalent. Our stud is 11.5 years old now. His father is 15.5 years old. Those are pretty wonderful numbers in Goldens. Our puppies are raised in our home and hear and see everything going on in a regular busy household. They are handled frequently and get to explore the outdoors on our fenced -n dog patio. Puppy enrichment time is important so they get to have fun and learn to explore age-appropriate equipment and hurdles which builds up their confidence. Our puppies are well-rounded when they join their new families.Where do your breeding dogs live?
They live in my home.
Getting a puppy from Dona
Dona 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.
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 include a $100 non-refundable deposit and between $1,900 - $3,400 final payment, before taxes & fees.
“The price includes AKC limited registration. Full registration may be given with terms. A deposit saves your spot for picking out your puppy. Thought should be given to what kind of activities your dog will be participating in. Is your puppy going to be a companion dog, a Therapy Dog, Service Dog, Agility star, Obedience competitor...?”
Contract & health guarantee
Dona 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 Dona 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 Dona directly.
Always communicate and pay on Good Dog.Learn more
What’s included
From Good Dog
- Lifetime support from Good Dog’s Care Team
- 10% lifetime discount on Figo pet insurance
- Puppy Training Program & private community
Puppy health practices
- Vet check
- First round of shots and deworming
Location & pick-up
You can drive or fly to pick up your puppy from Dona.
Breeder’s location
Meet in North Carolina
Other pick-up locations
Flexible meeting point
Dona can meet at a location that works for both of you
More about Dona
Dona has been a member of Good Dog for about 4 years
Dona was screened for responsible practices and has been a member since 2021.
DB
Dona is a trusted Good Dog breeder
Masterful Dog Training 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
Parent health testing
Breeder-Reported Testing
Good level
Masterful Dog Training 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.
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).
