​About A Touch of Golden Class
​For over 25 years, I've dedicated my life to dogs—not just as a professional trainer, but as a passionate breeder of Golden Retrievers for 15 of those years in upstate New York. That deep understanding of canine behavior laid the foundation for A Touch of Golden Class a business built on a single belief: every dog deserves to be a happy, confident, and beloved member of their family.
Show more
4 customer reviews
Sheryl D.
A Touch of Golden Class has been wonderful to work with! Kathy takes care of my Rainey as if he were hers. When we travel, it's comforting to know he's in good hands! She knows his likes and introduces new pups cautiously and professionally! I like the fact that he's in a house setting as opposed to a kennel. Highly recommend! More...
Athena
Kathy did so well helping my pup set up for success! I rescued a chocolate Labrador, Patchi, from the shelter when she was 8 months old. When I first got her, she was dog and human reactive. We were making some progress on our own, but I knew we needed professional help. Thats when I found Kathy! We did a board and train with her. Progress isn’t linear, and continuing the training at home that Kathy started with Patchi is a must. But with her help, and lots of tips and advices, we are able to get Patchi started to become the best dog she can be! I never had to worry about Patchi when she was under Kathy’s care because I know she is well-loved in her household. More...
Reply from A Touch of Golden Class
Thank you
Megan
Dog Training
Amazing! Kind, responsive and patient. My dog needs work but she is so supportive as we work with her. 10/10 would recommend
Reply from A Touch of Golden Class
Thank you
Janelle V.
Kathy was amazing working with Sansa and myself. My 1yr 10 mo old Australian Cattle Dog/Terrier/Lab Retriever mix was showing some over excitement when visitors came over, jumping on them and whining like crazy while also pulling excessively on her leach on walks. After working with Katy, walks have been SO MUCH easier and I can focus on tuning up her skills as Kathy taught me tricks to help Sansa grow more every day. Sansa constantly focuses on me when I need her to and life has been a happier and more freeing time for both Sansa and I thanks to Kathy. More...
Reply from A Touch of Golden Class
Thank you
What do you love most about your job?
My name is Kathy, and as the owner and head trainer at A Touch of Golden Class, I’ve been dedicated to the well-being of dogs and their families for over 20 years. It’s a career that brings me immense joy, and what I love most is the incredible privilege of building trust—not only with the dogs but with their owners.
​Dog Training
​Dog training isn't just a service we offer; it's a partnership. We treat every dog as an individual, taking the time to understand their unique personality and potential. The most rewarding part of my job is being an advocate for your dog, helping them build confidence while strengthening the bond between you. This is a deeply personal process, and we honor the trust you place in us to be a part of your dog's life. Our ultimate goal isn't to sell a program—it's to empower you and your dog to communicate effectively and live a happy, connected life together.
​Boarding and Daycare
​When it comes to boarding and daycare, the feeling is pure delight. We’ve designed our in-home care to be a true home away from home, where dogs can run freely in our secure, fenced yard, cuddle on soft beds, and get all the belly rubs and playtime they can handle. I love seeing a dog’s tail wag as they arrive, knowing they're excited to be here. My greatest joy is providing owners with peace of mind, knowing their furry family members are safe, happy, and loved while they are away.
What inspired you to start your own business?
Thee Inspiration Behind
A Touch of Golden Class
​After dedicating over a decade to breeding and training Golden Retrievers, my life took an unexpected turn when I needed brain surgery. Following my recovery, I was advised that a service dog would be incredibly beneficial, but I was shocked to discover their price ranged from $20,000 to $30,000. It was in that moment that I realized the incredible need for accessible training. The prohibitive cost was a barrier for many, and I knew I had the skills to help. That personal experience became the foundation for A Touch of Golden Class. My true inspiration is helping individuals and families who couldn't otherwise afford this life-changing support.
Why should our clients choose you?
When you choose us, your dog isn’t just a client; they become part of our family. Our in-home boarding and training model means your dog is with us 24/7, receiving constant care, supervision, and companionship. Unlike a traditional kennel, we offer a safe, low-stress environment where your dog can relax, learn, and feel at home while you're away. They get to experience a normal household routine, which makes the transition back to your home seamless and stress-free. This personalized attention ensures they are happy, comfortable, and well-cared for around the clock.
What changes have you made to keep your customers safe from Covid-19?
I don't do group lessons, only private lessons or boarding and training. We wear masks and have hand sanitizer everywhere. We now offer to meet at the gate, for contactless drop-off.
2 Week Puppy Package (10 weeks old - 5 months old)
2 Week Train and Board Puppy Program 10 day puppy "boot camp" Puppy Training Education and Techniques:
*House training
*Crate training
*Positive socialization with dogs
*Positive play with people
*To accept collars, leashes & harnesses *Healthy chewing behavior
*Loose leash walking
*Polite greetings
Obedience Training Commands Introduced: *Heel/ With me
*Eye contact
*Sit
*Stay
*Down
*Come
*Drop It
*Leave it
Also included with Puppy Training Package: *2 walks per day.
*All day interaction with dogs.
*24/7 care by me personally.
*Has run of the house downstairs inside and backyard.
*Fed twice or three times a day (dependent on dog).
*All food and water dishes cleaned 3 times a day.
We can add or subtract any of these to fit the training you want. You take the puppy home on Saturdays and Sundays. Those days I can evaluate what I need to address more. Then you bring the puppy back for the last week.
Cancellation Policy: NO CANCELLATIONS. Proper training requires consistency. All session fees are still due. For a package deal, if no show or cancel, the session will still be counted as one session.
Puppy Training 10 weeks to 5 months
6 week class:
Learning how to communicate with your dog. Basic skills, "come when called", and loose-leash walking, will be introduced. As well as, addressing problem solving and socialization. *taxes not included
Intermediate Training (5 months & older)
6 week class:
Has completed our Beginner Training. Knows basics. Introducing more distractions, more distance and longer duration off-leash training. "Place', "heel", and more cue words will also be learned. *taxes not included
Advanced Training (5 months & older)
6 week class:
Has completed our Intermediate Training. Strengthens and helps improve reliability. Provides faster more consistent movements. *taxes not included
