GT Retrievers
Our Program
In our breeding program, the welfare and happiness of our Golden Retrievers always come first, emphasizing their role as beloved pets before anything else. We
firmly believe that responsible breeding starts with ensuring that our dogs are cherished members of our family, enjoying a life filled with love and companionship.
Our dogs are not breeding stock; they are loyal, affectionate, and playful companions who bring immeasurable joy to our lives. By prioritizing their well-being
and happiness, we aim to produce not only healthy puppies but also dogs that inherit the gentle, friendly, and sociable nature for which Golden Retrievers are
renowned. It's a commitment to preserving the breed's best qualities while fostering a deep connection with these remarkable animals.
OFA testing is vital to our breeding program, ensuring the health and well-being of our Golden Retrievers and their puppies. It helps us identify hereditary issues like hip and elbow dysplasia, allowing us to make informed breeding decisions and reduce genetic health risks.In addition to orthopedic health, OFA testing covers cardiac, ophthalmic, and other genetic conditions
ENS (Early Neurological Stimulation) involves brief exercises performed on puppies between days 3 and 16 to strengthen their nervous system. It improves brain function, stress tolerance, and overall resilience, leading to healthier, well-adjusted dogs.
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In February 2025 we made changes to our program by transitioning all of our dogs to a raw feeding diet, and puppies will now be weaned directly onto raw food as well. We believe that a raw diet (PMR) is the most biologically appropriate choice for their health and well-being.
PennHIP (Pennsylvania Hip Improvement Program) is a diagnostic method used to assess the hip health of dogs, specifically to measure the degree of hip laxity (looseness of the hip joint). It is a highly accurate, objective, and quantifiable way of evaluating a dog's susceptibility to hip dysplasia, a hereditary condition where the hip joint doesn't develop properly.
​ESI (Early Scent Introduction) involves exposing puppies to various scents between 3 and 16 days old. This helps develop their olfactory system and enhances their ability to process and differentiate smells. ESI promotes better sensory development, leading to more confident and adaptable dogs.
Chemical Free
Our goal is to keep our dogs as chemical-free as possible. While our current dogs are vaccinated, we are shifting the future direction of our breeding program to focus on producing the strongest, healthiest dogs. Going forward, puppies will not be chemically dewormed, and we will use Nosodes to help strengthen their immune systems naturally.
Using Embark provides valuable genetic testing to ensure the health and quality of the breeding stock. It screens for over 200 genetic conditions, including hereditary diseases. By identifying potential genetic risks, Embark helps us make informed decisions, preventing the passing of harmful traits to offspring. This promotes healthier, genetically diverse puppies and supports responsible breeding practices that maintain the integrity of the breed.
​Puppy Culture is a comprehensive program that focuses on early socialization and development for puppies, starting from birth. It includes exercises and activities to improve behavior, confidence, and adaptability, ensuring puppies are well-adjusted and prepared for life in a home. The program emphasizes positive experiences, handling, and exposure to various stimuli, setting the foundation for healthy, well-behaved adult dogs.
The Volhard Test is a behavioral assessment that we use to evaluate puppies' temperament, including traits like confidence and adaptability. It uses standardized exercises to observe reactions to different stimuli, helping breeders match puppies with the right families.