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Pawsitive Progress

Exclusive English Cream Golden Retriever training to shape their success.

Advanced Puppy Training Program

Bringing home a well-mannered puppy doesn’t have to be wishful thinking. At Southland Goldens, our structured training programs are designed to guide your English Golden Retriever puppy through key developmental milestones. From foundational commands to real-world socialization, every step is handled with care and consistency.

Just a heads up: space in our training program is intentionally limited to make sure each pup gets the attention they deserve, so if you’re considering enrolling, now’s the time to claim your spot.

Foundation Training

4-week training program$2,995$2,995 Training + $8,500 Basic Puppy Price = $11,495 Total

Our foundation training is designed for puppies starting at 8 weeks old. In just four weeks, your pup will build the essential skills they need to thrive. By the time they’re 12 weeks old, they’ll be ready to join you at home, equipped with the basics to set them up for success.

Commands
  • “Sit”—Responds to the verbal command “sit”
  • “Stay”—Holds position with verbal and hand signals for up to 10 seconds.
  • “Here”—Comes when called from a short distance with both verbal and hand signals, even with minimal distractions.
  • “Down”—Follows verbal and hand commands to lay down in position.
  • “Place”—Goes to an assigned spot and sits when directed.
Socialization
  • Exposed to men, women, and children in a safe, controlled environment. (No public outings until fully vaccinated due to age)
  • Comfortable with baths and grooming
  • Accustomed to car rides, especially trips to the vet
  • Exposed to everyday household noises like the TV, washer/dryer, and vacuum.
Potty & Crate Training
  • Crated for three to four hours without accidents
  • Let outside immediately after crate time and feedings to potty. Praise is given when they go outside.
  • While your puppy won’t be fully potty trained yet, we’ll lay the groundwork to help ease their transition to your home.
Manners
  • We begin teaching the basics of good puppy manners, focusing on “all four on the floor.” Puppies learn to sit politely to be petted and are gently discouraged from jumping, helping them develop respectful habits from the start.

Intermediate Training

14-week training program$8,500$8,500 Training + $8,500 Basic Puppy Price = $17,000 Total

Our intermediate training program is designed for puppies starting as young as eight weeks old, with a focus on building solid foundations in obedience, socialization, and confidence. By the time your pup is ready to head home—around five months old—they’ll have developed the skills necessary to make an easy transition into family life.

Commands
  • “Sit”—Follows verbal and/or hand signal commands to sit, even with distractions
  • “Stay”—Holds position with verbal and/or hand signal commands for 15-20 seconds
  • “Here”—Comes when called from a distance and automatically sits upon arrival
  • “Down”—Responds to verbal and/or hand signals to lay down and stays in this position for 30 seconds
  • “Place”—Goes to an assigned spot and remains there for 30 seconds
Socialization
  • Exposed to men, women, and children in a safe and controlled environment.
  • Begins public outings after receiving 15-week vaccinations
  • Comfortable with baths, grooming, and handling.
  • Accustomed to car rides around town without accidents.
  • Familiar with common household noises like the TV, washer/dryer, and vacuum.
  • Gradual exposure to thunderstorm sounds during designated TV time to promote desensitization.
Potty & Crate Training
  • Can be crated overnight for up to 6 hours without accidents
  • Taken outside every two to three hours during the day to reinforce potty training and build the ability to hold it for longer periods
  • While progress is significant, occasional accidents may still occur as they adjust to their new home
Leash Training/Manners
  • Daily walks reinforce proper leash behavior, encouraging a loose-leash walk
  • Introduced to walking on the left side in the “heel” position for structured training
  • We begin teaching the basics of good puppy manners, focusing on “all four on the floor.” Puppies learn to sit politely to be petted and are gently discouraged from jumping.

Advanced Training

36-week training program$13,500$13,500 Training + $8,500 Basic Puppy Price = $22,000 Total

Our advanced training program is the most comprehensive option, tailored for families who want a fully trained companion. Puppies can begin as early as eight weeks old, and by the time they’re ready to come home—around 10 months—they’ll have mastered obedience, public access etiquette, and dependable house manners.

Commands
  • “Sit”—Responds to verbal and/or hand signal commands, even in distracting environments
  • “Stay”—Holds position until released
  • “Here”—Comes when called from a distance, automatically sits upon arrival, and waits patiently until released
  • “Down”—Responds to commands to lie down, remaining in position and staying calm until released
  • “Place”—Goes to a designated spot and stays put until given permission to leave
Socialization
  • Confident and comfortable around men, women, and children in a safe setting
  • Successfully introduced to public environments such as shopping centers, restaurants, and stores
  • Familiarized with shopping carts, crowds, and various public access noises
  • Walks calmly in the heel position through parks, stores, and dining areas
  • Enjoys baths, grooming, and general handling without resistance
  • Relaxed and well-behaved during car rides, capable of holding potty needs for extended trips
  • Unfazed by common household sounds, including TVs, vacuums, and washing machines
  • Gradually desensitized to noises through exposure during designated TV time
Potty & Crate Training
  • Capable of being crated overnight for up to 8 hours without accidents
  • Fully understand the concept of holding their potty and will wait until taken outside
Leash Training
  • Walks in the heel position without pulling or straying, making outings smooth and enjoyable.
  • We begin teaching the basics of good puppy manners, focusing on “all four on the floor.” Puppies learn to sit politely to be petted and are gently discouraged from jumping, helping them develop respectful habits from the start.

Watch Our Southland Goldens Trainers in Action

We could talk all day about how effective our training programs are, but seeing is believing. These videos give you a front-row seat to the progress our pups make, the techniques our trainers use, and just how smart these English Cream Golden Retrievers really are.

Want to see more videos? Be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel for weekly updates on our puppies, training videos, and so much more.

Sophie Foundation TrainingWatch Video
Sophie Foundation Training
Woody Intermediate TrainingWatch Video
Woody Intermediate Training
TC Advanced TrainingWatch Video
TC Advanced Training

All Your Puppy Training Questions, Answered

Not at all. While we do encourage our expert training programs to help set your puppy up for success, it’s not mandatory before you bring them home. We understand that every family has different needs and timelines, so if you feel that training is something you’d like to pursue a little later, we’re happy to support that, too.

You can enroll your puppy in our training programs post-adoption, but please keep in mind that space is limited. If you’re interested in learning more about our training program, contact us today.

It’s important to keep consistency in mind as you continue training your puppy once they join you at home. By not using the same commands and rules consistently, you can confuse your puppy and make training harder. Additionally, a few other mistakes to avoid include:

  • Punishing, not redirecting: Punishment doesn’t teach puppies what they should do. Instead of punishment, redirect unwanted behavior to something positive.
  • Expecting too much too soon: Puppies need time to learn and adjust. Don’t expect perfection right away; be patient and celebrate small wins.
  • Lack of socialization: It is crucial to expose your puppy to different people, animals, and environments early on. Neglecting this can result in anxiety or behavioral issues later.
  • Not using positive reinforcement: Rewarding good behavior is one of the most effective ways to reinforce training. Make sure to use treats, praise, and play to motivate your puppy.
  • Overtraining: Short, positive training sessions work best. Avoid long training sessions, which can tire your puppy out and make it less focused.
  • Not being clear: Make sure your puppy understands the “why” behind each command. If you’re unsure about something, it’s okay to ask us for help.
  • Not following your rules: Dogs are constantly learning, even when a training session isn’t going on. So if you let your dog get away with bad behavior, or worse, you reward it, you risk them learning said bad behavior. If you set a boundary during training, you—and everyone in your household—should follow that boundary for your dog at all times.

Of course! Once you’ve adopted a purebred English Cream Golden Retriever from us, you’re a part of our family. We’re here for you every step of the way, even after your puppy has completed their training.

Whether you need tips on reinforcing commands, advice on handling new behaviors, or simply need a little pep talk, don’t hesitate to reach out!

Unfortunately, not every puppy can be admitted to our training program. We reserve our exclusive training services for the puppies of Southland Goldens because our training methods are tailored specifically to the temperament, needs, and development of our English Cream Golden Retrievers. These puppies have been raised with the foundation of our care, socialization practices, and health protocols, guaranteeing that they are prepared for the next steps in their training journey.

Additionally, by limiting our training program to Southland Goldens puppies, we can maintain a high standard of individualized attention, furthering the breed’s good behaviors and calm temperament.

The Happy Pet Parent Chronicles

Read heartfelt testimonials from families across the country who have welcomed an English Cream Golden Retriever from Southland Goldens into their lives.

“Alyson and her team are an absolute joy to work with and the entire experience more than exceeded our expectations. Our new arrival, Barkley is an absolute darling, and a testament to Southland Goldens dedication and devotion to these wonderful animals. Barkley is our 4th Golden Retriever but the first one provided to us by this outstanding organization. Highly recommended. Thank you again, Alyson .”

Peter Wilson

“We are so happy with Southland Goldens and our sweet baby Zoey. Alyson was accommodating and very helpful is helping us choose our pup without meeting her first. She is a perfect match for our family and has settled in on day one. Zoey is already trained and loves her crate. If you are looking for an English Golden Retriever this is your breeder.”

Lauren Marr

“Phenomenal experience. We love our new family member Bear. Southland Goldens and Alyson was so easy to engage with. Highly recommended. ❤️❤️❤️”

Andy

“We adopted a sweet girl named Evie from Southland Goldens and could not be more happy. Heartbroken from the loss of our last golden retriever to cancer at a young age (from another breeder) we were afraid to step into a new love. Speaking with Alyson made the process very easy and smooth. She was incredibly helpful in helping us transition our new girl into our home. Evie has gone through training and came to us at five months old. I am astounded at how perfectly behaved such a young puppy can be. She does not even know me yet and already obeys her commands, is very well adjusted, calm and happy. We are very grateful to Southland Goldens and especially Alyson For all the help, all the work and effort they have put into delivering us such an amazing girl. Thank you! We look forward to a long and healthy life with Evie!”

Shannon Champa

“I can’t give Southland Goldens enough Praise and Accolades!!! Alyson is such a top-notch breeder. The organization operates to the very highest of standards. Alyson is very available to answer all questions prior, during, and after the process of bringing our sweet Bentley home from Alabama to Arizona!

Highest of quality breeder of English Cream Golden Retrievers! Their introduction to stimulation and real-life daily objects and sounds is something not many breeders incorporate. It sure has made Bentley into a very smart, and confident little guy. Alyson’s love of these puppies sure is evident and shines through with the care and training of these babies. Introducing them to social situations only adds to their stability and confidence levels.

Eric’s care and white glove treatment while traveling from Alabama to Arizona was again above and beyond our expectations! There was never a doubt in our minds that our fur baby was treated with love just as if he was their puppy!”

Cindy Gebhart

“Alyson and her team are top notch! You will not find a more reputable breeder than Southland Goldens. They pour a tremendous amount of time, love and effort into these gorgeous pups. Definitely recommend these guys!!”

Shea Berry

“The moment I interacted with Alyson I knew I was working with a top notch professional service. The compassion and care they show to their clients and animals is first class. We were looking for a trained adult female for my father in law. They gave us the most perfect fit. I can never express the gratitude I have for them. They made such a difference in his life. Thank you for making finding a dog so perfect and easy.”

Shelly Counts

“We just love Ranger. We’re so impressed with how well he is trained. We highly recommend Southland Goldens!!! ❤️😇 The owners and trainers are so kind and I’m going to miss them.”

Kaytanna Montaine

“Excellent. Alyson was very patient, kind, thorough and knowledgeable in answering all our questions and providing videos of his training and weekly development. It made it easy to follow the puppies and determine who was the best fit for our family . I couldn’t be happier with Alyson and our new puppy she helped us choose. A handsome, sweet and calm boy. I Highly recommend Southland Goldens.”

Joseph Cimino

“From the outset our experience with Southland Goldens has been nothing short of 5 star. The owners are wonderful. Great communication, answered all of our questions. We picked up “Willie” about a month ago. He’s fully trained and is ready to please every day. Our entire family has fallen deeply in love with this incredible dog. He is already a full member of our family. Thank you Alyson for the work you do. Absolutely the best breeder we have ever worked with. 💙”

Jeff Walsh

“I do not have a single negative thing to say about southland goldens. Alyson was extremely easy to communicate with throughout the whole process of getting my puppy. She is very attentive and quick to respond with any questions you may have along the way. Being able to watch my puppy grow through the blog has been such a blessing. I have Mr. Blue (aka Bruin) from the River X Willow litter. He is the best behaved puppy I have ever seen. Within 3 nights he was sleeping through the night fully and within one week he mastered 5+ commands! I am BEYOND thankful for Alyson!”

Rosa Akhmadeyev

Southland Goldens provides a nurturing environment for their puppies from birth until it is time for them to go home with their families. The care provided ensures a lovable, social companion that is perfect for a family of any size. Alyson is great at communicating and providing updates to owners.

Kristen Williams

“Alyson and her team are an absolute joy to work with and the entire experience more than exceeded our expectations. Our new arrival, Barkley is an absolute darling, and a testament to Southland Goldens dedication and devotion to these wonderful animals. Barkley is our 4th Golden Retriever but the first one provided to us by this outstanding organization. Highly recommended. Thank you again, Alyson .”

“We are so happy with Southland Goldens and our sweet baby Zoey. Alyson was accommodating and very helpful is helping us choose our pup without meeting her first. She is a perfect match for our family and has settled in on day one. Zoey is already trained and loves her crate. If you are looking for an English Golden Retriever this is your breeder.”

“Phenomenal experience. We love our new family member Bear. Southland Goldens and Alyson was so easy to engage with. Highly recommended. ❤️❤️❤️”

“We adopted a sweet girl named Evie from Southland Goldens and could not be more happy. Heartbroken from the loss of our last golden retriever to cancer at a young age (from another breeder) we were afraid to step into a new love. Speaking with Alyson made the process very easy and smooth. She was incredibly helpful in helping us transition our new girl into our home. Evie has gone through training and came to us at five months old. I am astounded at how perfectly behaved such a young puppy can be. She does not even know me yet and already obeys her commands, is very well adjusted, calm and happy. We are very grateful to Southland Goldens and especially Alyson For all the help, all the work and effort they have put into delivering us such an amazing girl. Thank you! We look forward to a long and healthy life with Evie!”

“I can’t give Southland Goldens enough Praise and Accolades!!! Alyson is such a top-notch breeder. The organization operates to the very highest of standards. Alyson is very available to answer all questions prior, during, and after the process of bringing our sweet Bentley home from Alabama to Arizona!

Highest of quality breeder of English Cream Golden Retrievers! Their introduction to stimulation and real-life daily objects and sounds is something not many breeders incorporate. It sure has made Bentley into a very smart, and confident little guy. Alyson’s love of these puppies sure is evident and shines through with the care and training of these babies. Introducing them to social situations only adds to their stability and confidence levels.

Eric’s care and white glove treatment while traveling from Alabama to Arizona was again above and beyond our expectations! There was never a doubt in our minds that our fur baby was treated with love just as if he was their puppy!”

“Alyson and her team are top notch! You will not find a more reputable breeder than Southland Goldens. They pour a tremendous amount of time, love and effort into these gorgeous pups. Definitely recommend these guys!!”

“The moment I interacted with Alyson I knew I was working with a top notch professional service. The compassion and care they show to their clients and animals is first class. We were looking for a trained adult female for my father in law. They gave us the most perfect fit. I can never express the gratitude I have for them. They made such a difference in his life. Thank you for making finding a dog so perfect and easy.”

“We just love Ranger. We’re so impressed with how well he is trained. We highly recommend Southland Goldens!!! ❤️😇 The owners and trainers are so kind and I’m going to miss them.”

“Excellent. Alyson was very patient, kind, thorough and knowledgeable in answering all our questions and providing videos of his training and weekly development. It made it easy to follow the puppies and determine who was the best fit for our family . I couldn’t be happier with Alyson and our new puppy she helped us choose. A handsome, sweet and calm boy. I Highly recommend Southland Goldens.”

“From the outset our experience with Southland Goldens has been nothing short of 5 star. The owners are wonderful. Great communication, answered all of our questions. We picked up “Willie” about a month ago. He’s fully trained and is ready to please every day. Our entire family has fallen deeply in love with this incredible dog. He is already a full member of our family. Thank you Alyson for the work you do. Absolutely the best breeder we have ever worked with. 💙”

“I do not have a single negative thing to say about southland goldens. Alyson was extremely easy to communicate with throughout the whole process of getting my puppy. She is very attentive and quick to respond with any questions you may have along the way. Being able to watch my puppy grow through the blog has been such a blessing. I have Mr. Blue (aka Bruin) from the River X Willow litter. He is the best behaved puppy I have ever seen. Within 3 nights he was sleeping through the night fully and within one week he mastered 5+ commands! I am BEYOND thankful for Alyson!”

Southland Goldens provides a nurturing environment for their puppies from birth until it is time for them to go home with their families. The care provided ensures a lovable, social companion that is perfect for a family of any size. Alyson is great at communicating and providing updates to owners.

* Disclaimer: It is out of our control to predict exactly how each puppy will perform. Some puppies may exceed expectations at some levels, while others may take longer to fully comprehend the commands.

Start Your Golden Adventure Today!

Whether you’re dreaming of cuddles on the couch or adventures in the great outdoors, our English Cream Golden Retrievers are eager to fill your home with love, loyalty, and lots of tail wags.

Available Puppies