The Golden Academy

08/24/2024

Today was the boys last dock diving competition of the year and man was it just about perfect. We had home dock advantage which was certainly on our side today!

Bumper took home 1st in the Novice division for all 3 of his waves and even took him 3rd in finals!

River had a bit of a rough day. We aren’t quite sure what was up with him. He was jumping 6 feet lower than what he normally does, but was still able to bring home a 2nd place medal for one of his waves and 3rd place in finals for the Junior division!

Moss, wow, I barely have words. It was his first ever competition and he made his mark. Moss jumped consistently 14’ and took home 1st place is all 3 waves AND 1st in finals for the Junior division. Little man absolutely stole the show today!!

So unbelievably thankful for the SDK West dock diving team this summer. They saw River go from not getting off the ramp of the dock to jumping almost 19 feet, Bumper breaking out of Novice, and Moss go from learning how to swim all the way to him dominating the dock. Thankful for the friendships created, all the laughs, and continuous encouragement. I wish it was next summer already but don’t worry, you’ll know when we are back on the dock😉

08/22/2024

Last year on this day we celebrated Thick’s first birthday in our family, this year mourn his first birthday in Heaven. Today is one of those days that change your perspective in life.

I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again. All those annoying things we all want “fixed” with your dog will one day be something you want back. With Thick is was his lack of personal space, his constant zoomies at the most inappropriate times, constantly stepping on my toes, and simply just being the giant dog that we was.

Man today is hard. There’s nothing that I wouldn’t give up or trade for even just one more day with Thick.

Today I ask the opposite of what I normally do. Don’t train your dogs, instead love them like you wouldn’t have tomorrow with them.

Happy 1st Heavenly birthday Thick. We love and miss you so much buddy.🤍

08/21/2024

As of September 1st, 2024, the Board & Train program will have a revamp with new innovative programs available.

Puppy Program for dogs six months and younger!
*During this program, your pup will get 3 training sessions each day.
*These sessions will include desensitization to sounds, textures, locations, handling, and basic obedience.
*Basic obedience will include sit, down, place, loose leash walking, recall, and leave it.
*As well as potty training, crate training, and basic home manners!
Cost is $135 a day plus tax (minimum of 2 weeks is needed)

Basic Obedience Program for dogs older than six months!
*During this program, your dog will get 2-3 sessions each day.
*These sessions will include all ON LEASH behaviors; leash pressure paired with sit, down, and recall, as well as place, doorway manners, and loose leash walking. Depending on length of B&T distractions will be added to all commands!
Cost is $115 a day plus tax (minimum of 2 weeks is needed)

Advanced Obedience Program for dogs who have completed basic obedience training with me.
*This program is structured the same as the Basic Obedience program except working on all OFF-LEASH behaviors and or IN PUBLIC behaviors.
Cost is $115 a day plus tax (minimum of 2 weeks is needed)

Behavior Modification Program for dogs of any age who need a specialized program!
*This program will focus more on behaviors such as (but do not only include), leash reactivity, human or dog reactivity, and or confidence building.
Cost is $135 a day plus tax (minimum of 2 weeks is needed)

**Additional charges will apply for all programs, EXCEPT the Puppy Program, for dogs who are not crate trained and or potty trained.

**All programs will still receive the tools used for free as well as two free private lessons. One at pick up and one two weeks after pick up to ensure a good transition back home.

For any questions or interest of availability please message me via email [email protected] or via phone 605-951-7176. Thank you!

08/21/2024

Stop on out tonight! It should be a pretty cool evening which is perfect for training!

I’ll be bringing all 3 of my boys tonight! Come for however long you want!

Mark your calendars for the drop in sessions! During these sessions we can work on all basic obedience with distraction at Yankton Trials off Western! Hope to see some of you guys there!

08/12/2024

Wow wow wow,
5 days : Wednesday - Sunday
4 states : Iowa, North Dakota, Nebraska, South Dakota
3 days of dog sports : Friday, Saturday, Sunday
2 concerts : Wednesday & Thursday
1 tired dog momma : Me

This week has been a long one, but so rewarding! Wednesday and Thursday were spent with friends at the local fair for a concert and then Okoboji, IA for another concert!

Followed by driving to North Dakota on Friday morning for our first ever runs in FastcCat! River ran 24.35MPH and Bumper ran 24.29MPH!

After we got home from FastCat, we headed down to Nebraska for the weekend for another dock diving competition! Both the boys blew me away this weekend! Bumper broke his PB by 11inches, so his new PB is 12’11!! River broke his PB by FOUR FEET, with his new PB of 18’9, and his dock senior title (not pictured because they ran out of ribbons).

The boys and I are now home and resting. Our next competition will be at our home base on the 24th of this month! If you’re bored stop on out!

08/06/2024

A little late of a post but this past weekend the boys and I went to the event.

Both of the boys honestly really struggled this weekend. I’m not sure if it was the amount of people there or if they were both just having a rough weekend, but neither of them jumped at their normal distance. Somehow, Bumper still pulled two first place medals for Novice.

Friday we will be headed to ND for FastCat with a friend and then Saturday and Sunday we will be in NE for another dock diving comp with . Super pumped to see what they do!

Last and final accomplishment. Last night we rented the dock to spend some 1:1 time with Moss to try and finally get him off the dock and to our surprise after a little bit of encouragement with me in the water, he started jumping. Moss was consistently jumping 10 feet. To most people that doesn’t seem far, but to put into perspective Bumpers PB is 12’ and Rivers PB is 14’6. So Moss jumping 10’ at 7 months is wild. He’s going to be an absolute BEAST next summer.
** view story or Facebook comments to see Moss jump

Photo creds to my friend 🤍🤪

08/02/2024

I’ve had a lot of new faces join this page recently so I figured I’d introduce my crew and I again!

My name is Sydnie Hyde the owner of TGA! I’ve been training dogs for almost 4 now! I completed dog training school in Texas almost 2 years ago and started my business in January of 2023. If I’m not doing some sort of dog thing you will probably catch me at a concert, with my family, or doing something random outdoors! I’m always down for doing anything if it involves my dogs and have been trialing my dogs often this summer.

Bumper, my Golden Retriever, is my go to for just about everything. He’s pretty lazy (as you can see in this photo🤦🏼‍♀️), but he’s the most reliable pup I have. Bumper started this whole journey for me and will always be my little baby. Bump has 4 obedience titles, 2 trick titles, a dock diving title, and his therapy certification.

River, my German Shorthair, is the most energetic of my crew. He’s always ready for anything and will let you know by barking, whining, or jumping. His favorite thing is finding pheasants, chasing bunnies, or running off leash. Riv has 2 trick titles, a barn hunt title, and a dock diving title.

Moss, the British yellow lab, is the definition of “little brother” and is constantly in a silly goofy mood. He is a sponge soaking up all the knowledge and a walking ray of sunshine. Mossy has one obedience title!

I’m super thankful to have each and every one of you here following my journey and helping me grow as a trainer, handler, and business owner!

This month we are featured on 605 Magazine August lifestyle issue. Head over to their website or grab a copy of this months magazine to read our story!

08/01/2024

What an amazing opportunity! I’d love your support in reading and sharing this article! Without the support of each and every one of you I wouldn’t be able to do what I do. THANK YOU!

605 Issue Updates605 SpotlightLifestyleSioux Falls 605 Spotlight // The Golden Academy written by Gabby Sudenga + photos by Cailyn Patterson July 31, 2024 0 FacebookTwitterPinterestLinkedinEmail When Sydnie Hyde first dipped her toes into the world of working with dogs, she didn’t expect to build ...

07/26/2024

Today’s drop in session will be happening in a couple hours!! With it being so hot today I’m going to try to keep the session around 30 minutes or so. Normally I’ll shoot for an hour, but I don’t want dogs to overheat

Mark your calendars for the drop in sessions! During these sessions we can work on all basic obedience with distraction at Yankton Trials off Western! Hope to see some of you guys there!

07/24/2024

I’m excited to announce another title in my home!

Moss has earned his first achievement which is the AKC S.T.A.R Puppy Program. The AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy program focuses on all the things every puppy and owner need to have a great start together. STAR stands for Socialization, Training, Activity and a Responsible owner and in six weeks of STAR puppy classes through the AKC!

Up next is testing Moss for his Canine Good Citizen test. This little man has such an extraordinary future ahead of him.

07/22/2024

Well well well, here we are again. Another dock diving comp in the books!

Bump started the weekend off with breaking his previous PB by 3 feet and continued to break it over and over during the weekend. He started from last comp with a PB 7’6 and ended with a PB of 12’ and advancing from Novice to Junior division. As well as taking home his first dock diving title!!
Now introducing Bumper CGCA TKI DJ

Riv started the weekend unfortunately not jumping his first jump. After some encouragement he successfully jumped the rest of the weekend. Riv almost broke his previous PB every time he stepped on the dock this weekend. His previous PB was 5’9 and ended the weekend with his new PB of 14’6 and his first dock diving title.
Now introducing River TKN RATI DJ

Last but not least, unfortunately it wasn’t documented because I was tending to Bumper, but Moss did have his first solo successful jump off the dock.

This weekend is one of the most proud weekends I’ve had with the boys. From wanting to disown River for failing on his first jump, to crying at the end of the weekend with how far he improved. And dispite Bumper being on meds for his new hotspots that slow him down, he jumped further than I ever thought he would. I love these dang dogs 🥹🤍

07/17/2024

Mark your calendars for the drop in sessions! During these sessions we can work on all basic obedience with distraction at Yankton Trials off Western! Hope to see some of you guys there!

07/16/2024

‼️You’re not going to want to miss this post!!Moss is here to tell you some upcoming exciting things! ‼️

1. Any board and trains scheduled during the remainder of July and all of August for September- December will receive a 10% discount with the mention of this post

2. Any day trains scheduled during the month of August will receive a 10% discount with the mention of this post

3. Every client that is referred to me the remainder of this month and all of August (they must mention your name at the time of the consult), I will Venmo that person $10

4. I currently have 54 reviews on Facebook, if by the August 1st I have 75 or more reviews I will do a giveaway!
** If I have over 850 followers on Facebook I will do a second giveaway!

Lastly, come back around 5pm tonight when I announce a new drop in training opportunity 😉

07/04/2024

Happy 4th of July from my pups to yours!! 🎆

We hope you have a fun and safe weekend! With 6 dogs in the house we aren’t doing much, so have some extra fun for us! 😉

07/01/2024

Are you looking for a discount on my Board & Train or Day Train services? Now’s your chance! Watch this video!

06/26/2024

Did you know the following;
☀️ I am based out of Sioux Falls, SD but, I service South Dakota, Minnesota, and Iowa
☀️ I offer 1:1 private lessons, day trains (just me and your pup), and board & train sessions (2-5 weeks)
☀️ I help with basic obedience, off leash obedience, home manners, in-public behaviors, and behavioral modifications
☀️ Each session is catered to you and your goals with your pup

☀️☀️ To start training with me, visit my website at http://thegolden.academy to schedule a consult at your earliest convenience! Looking forward to working with you!

06/17/2024

I just wanted to give a special shout out to all the dads (human or dog) but specifically to Hunter (my boyfriend).

All of the photos except the first and last are all of client dogs. When dogs come into my home for a day or weeks, they are treated as my own. Hunter is the typical dog dad that will fart around all day long with the dogs and encourage bad behaviors. I joke that he is and always will be my worst client, BUT I would not be able to run the business without him and his support.

Between him going to trials by himself because I have client dogs to take care of, him being okay with 8 dogs in the house at a time, or always being supportive of every dog thing in my life, I am so grateful.

Happy Father’s Day to all the dads out there! 🤍🐾

06/10/2024

Sunshine & dogs, what’s better than that??

Thankful I get this life to have this many dogs in my life 🤍☀️

06/05/2024

Don’t forget to vote!

The 5 best Pet Training in Sioux Falls, SD. Reviewed by locals. View rankings or vote at https://thelocalbest.com/sioux-falls/

05/29/2024

Hey everyone!! It’s time for local best voting!!

I would really love for all of you to take a minute to vote for The Golden Academy, this is my first year being nominated!! Please share and encourage others to vote for me!

The 5 best Pet Training in Sioux Falls, SD. Reviewed by locals. View rankings or vote at https://thelocalbest.com/sioux-falls/

05/29/2024

It’s been almost a week since Thicky boy left us, this morning we got his ashes back. I’m going to take this opportunity to tell everyone thank you from Hunter Nieuwendorp and I for all of your support. From flowers and plants to texts and calls to distract us, we cannot thank you enough.

This past week has been one of the hardest weeks and I swear there’s no way I have tears left and there always happens to be more.

Glad to have you home T🤍

05/23/2024

603 days ago was the first time I saw thick. We got to walk around and see all the rescues before we got our two assigned dogs. Right when I passed thick’s kennel, I told my roommate “I want him”. Little did I know the laundry list of problems that would be attached. Funny enough, 7 hours later. thick became my assigned rescue.

Within two minutes of having him out he gave me a bloody nose, body slammed me to the ground, and drug me all the way back to the classroom. He was easily the biggest dog out of all 50 rescues and I was indeed one of the smallest people in my class. What a perfect pair. 😂

The first time I took him out of his kennel I learned the following: 1. whenever I touched Thick he would body slam me and bite my arm. 2. He did NOT like leash pressure and would often redirect onto me and then continue to body slam me. 3. He easily became fixated on other dogs. 4. Do. Not. Touch. His. Feet. 5. Walking him back to his kennel was the worst part of my day, because he tried to eat every dog we passed in the kennels. And most important number 6. I had already loved him.

Halfway into the program I decided that I simply would not be able to leave without him and started the looooong introduction process with Bumper and then River. To my surprise all three of them quickly became friends, with not one single issue. You can’t tell me it wasn’t fate that Thick came home with us.

Almost two years later we had been living our best life. Getting ready to start trialing with him, I was using him for lessons, bringing him on pack walks, being fully comfortable with him in any situation. Fast forward to April 28th Thick had his first seizure. May 5th he had his second seizure. 12 hours after his second one, Thick changed. He became aggressive with me, with the other 3 dogs, he wasn’t walking normally, he couldn’t settle down, and just flat out wasn’t acting right. The following day we took him to the vet and thick became very agitated with the vet. We were sent home with meds and to think of a plan where we could get some answers.

Over the last 2 weeks countless questions, thoughts, and conversations were had with the vet, with Hunter, and every dog advocate that I trust in my life.

Unfortunately the vet is fairly certain that Thick had a brain tumor causing the sudden change in behavior, along side the seizures. (The only way to know for sure is bringing him to Nebraska to a neurology vet and spending thousands on testing and scans). So, for the safety of our home, everyone in our lives, and for Thick’s sanity we decided to put him down today.

Never in my life did I think Thick and I’s story would end like this and man is the pain unbearable already. I am fairly certain that I will never be the person I was before today again. Thick made me the dog trainer and person I am. I never thought I’d ever own a dog like him and because of that I will never stop telling Thick’s story. Thick was an unbelievably incredible dog in more ways than one. I honestly took our time for granted because I truthfully thought we had so many more years and I will never recover from that. Thick created a drive in me that no other dog has done. He made me want to help others succeed with their reactive dog. We saw the light at the end of the tunnel and got to the other side. I know it’s possible for everyone else too, because of Thick.

Thicky boy, thank you for being a pain in my ass everyday and causing me to continue to learn. You always continued to make me learn and think on my feet. Bumper will always be your twin flame, the yin to your yang, and I’ll be waiting for the day to see you two together again. I hope there’s enough pillows and squeaky pig toys up there for you. My bed will forever feel empty without you next to me on your designated pillow. All the boys and I will forever love you Thick. Until we meet again, rest in peace big boy.

05/10/2024

As Hunter and I try to find the courage the next couple weeks, I challenge you all this weekend with your dogs, to live with them every day like it is their last day with you.

Man, time is a thief. As my job, it is my duty to help you “fix” the things that drive you nuts and steer you towards your goals with your dogs. BUT, do not forget that one day all of those things that drive you nuts will one day no longer be an option.

Thick is still here with us and still driving us nuts, but we have a hard path to navigate. I have asked twice before, but again I am asking for your prayers for not only him, but for Hunter and I. Eventually we will have to make a decision what is the best course of action for thick and the rest of his life. Unfortunately his second seizure has not been the friendliest to him, and we are left with unanswered questions as of now.

So I’m here to tell you:
* take the dang picture of them no matter how many you have
* trial them like nobody is watching
* enjoy all those stupid little things that drive you nuts
* don’t complain about all that dog hair on your floor
* and just know that they aren’t with us our whole life but we are with them for their whole life.

05/01/2024

Today is National Pet Therapy Day and it’s a very special one for me!

It was always a goal for me to make Bumper a therapy dog because I’m my mind he was always the light in my life, and thought he could be the same for others.

Fast forward just about a year since we’ve been visiting patients and we almost have our first title for 50 total visits! I am so honored to continue to share some of his happiness with others. We are starting to do weekly visits now and I can’t be more excited!

If your families, friends, or yourself are ever in need of a therapy dog, please do not hesitate to reach out! Bumper and I try to go to as many visits as we can and reach as many people as we can!

If any of you are ever looking at getting into therapy work, shoot me a message and I can walk you through the process.

Happy National Pet Therapy Day to all my fellow therapy pets! 🤍🤎