Golden Heart Canine is family operated company owned by myself, Becca Murphy, and my husband, Michael. I grew up in Montrose, getting my start as a dog trainer through a local 4-H group. After graduating with a degree in Psychology at the University of Northern Colorado in 2007, I went on to attend Triple Crown Academy in Hutto, Texas (now known as Starmark Academy.) There, in 2008, I met my goal of becoming a Certified Dog Trainer and Behavior Specialist, my faithful golden 'heart dog' Gabe by my side. Since that time, I have had the privilege of growing my experience and knowledge under various professional dog trainers on the Front Range, as well as running a chapter in a thriving dog rescue for many years. I have now trained hundreds of dogs of numerous breeds, temperaments, and personalities. I also compete in agility, competition obedience, and rally obedience with our three 'All American' rescued dogs Walden, Griswold, and Boggans, plus a Berger Blanc Suisse named Brütten, a sport bred Golden Retriever/Border Collie mix, Deacon, and the newest to the pack, a Border Collie/Papillon mix named Weevil.

Now, with the return to my hometown, we are thrilled to be able to offer our help and services to this very special community. I have personally witnessed how detrimental it is to a dog / owner relationship to lack the communication and bond that training provides. It is very fulfilling to be able to assist in not only helping make training goals happen, but also to keep dogs in their forever homes, and to hopefully even have some fun along the way!

Our vision is that our beautiful ten acre farm would be a place that dogs and owners alike can get excited about being a part of. Whether you are in need of boarding or training we would feel privileged to be a part of you and your dog's story.

We hope you’ll explore our website and reach out if you have any questions for us.

$45...

Boarding Per Night

We believe that all Golden Heart dogs should receive ample exercise, playtime, and mental stimulation in your absence. Our boarding fee includes all of your dog's daily care, tailored to suit his or her needs. This includes but is not limited to: administering medications, playtime (solo or group), touch up training (available to graduates of our training programs), and exercise in the fresh Colorado air. (only open to board and train graduates at this time.)

$3200..

four week BOARD AND TRAIN

Do you need some more significant help with your dog? Maybe you want a reliable off-leash buddy to accompany you on your camping trips, or just a well-rounded canine companion. The 30 Day Board and Train program could be right for you. In this month long intensive, your dog will learn eleven solid obedience commands, both on and off leash. Cost includes your training equipment, an initial 30 minute consultation, a one hour send home lesson, and two follow up lessons, as well as free touch up training when your dog boards with us in the future. *The Four Week Board and Train is required for aggression control*

$1800..

two week board and train

Our Two Week Board and Train is an immersion-based program ideal for families or individuals who don't have a lot of time to lay a proper training foundation with their dog. It is also a perfect, popular way to improve on your dog's obedience basics while you travel. If you are needing to board your dog anyway, why not maximize the outcome for when you return? This program covers nine reliable on-leash commands, and includes your training equipment, an initial 30 minute consultation, a one hour send home lesson, and one follow up lesson, as well as free touch up training when your dog boards with us in the future.

$700...

PUPPY KINDERGARTEN (PER WEEK)

Puppies 8-16 weeks old are welcome to participate in the puppy program, where the initial focus will be on potty training, crate training, basic house manners and beginning obedience. These young pups will board in our home in order to receive the extra care and attention they need. This program is perfect for giving young puppies a foundation that will benefit them for years to come. Price is per week, and also includes your training equipment, an initial consultation and a send home lesson. Kindergarten can last as long as needed, but a four week minimum is now required.

Turnkey puppy program

In partnership with well-respected, local breeders, we offer an option that combines the best of both the breeding and training worlds. The turnkey puppy program combines the pick of the litter from outstanding local breeders with four months of extensive training to offer people a puppy that has reached many of its important first milestones and is ready for an easy transition to its new home. You also have the choice to send a puppy from a breeder you’ve chosen; we have worked with breeders from all over the country. 

*price does not include the cost of the puppy*

WHITNEY S, MONTROSE

Golden Heart is like dog heaven! Their brand new, clean facilities are spacious and secure. Dogs are given time outside to play multiple times a day, and after a careful introduction, if all goes well, they're able to play with other dogs who are staying, as well as the kennel owners, who have extensive experience in caring for and providing training for dogs. I know when I leave my dog, he's in good hands at Golden Heart!

DEBBIE T, MONTROSE

My name is Deb Turner, and my husband Tom and I are thrilled that a new professional boarding and training business has come to Montrose! 

We have known Becca since she was a teenager, when she helped us train a troublesome rescue dog. Even back then her passion and commitment to dogs and their relationship with their owners were obvious. Over the years our mutual love of dogs has brought us all close together as friends, and meeting Michael and getting to know him has been a blessing. 

Becca's education and extensive training experience, along with their excitement and dedication in starting this new business venture make Golden Heart Canine an excellent choice for both boarding and training. We boarded our two dogs recently for the first time, and we were very pleased with the care they received.

gRACE A, MANCOS

I wanted to let you know how pleased we were with how well you cared for Lucy. I would recommend your kennel to friends, family and anyone who needs good care for their dear dog friends.

KELVIN AND BECKY K, RIDGWAY

Eighteen months after adopting our 2 year old mixed breed dog, Laddie, he was still anxious and reactive around new people and dogs and had separation anxiety; all of which was exacerbated by the lack of social interaction during COVID. We decided to enroll him in Golden Heart Canine’s 30 day board and train program. This was not an easy decision, but we could not be happier with the result. Laddie’s confidence, maturity and obedience has improved greatly. He is now a much happier dog. Becca Murphy and her wonderful staff are pleasant, skilled and a blessing to have in our community. Laddie now enjoys spending time with his new friends at Doggie Day Camp. We will definitely board him at Golden Heart when we travel.
In summary, we are extremely pleased with the warm, loving and personal care provided. We applaud the expertise and professionalism of all the staff of this exceptional facility.
With thanks and appreciation.

AL AND DEBI S, MONTROSE

If you are looking for a loving, calm environment for your dog, look no further, Golden Heart Canine has it all!

Located just minutes from town, this is a family owned business that is top-notch from "top to bottom."

Our rescue dog, Freddie, has separation anxiety issues.  He was obviously comfortably at home at Golden Heart from the very beginning.  Becca (owner, trainer, dog lover) met us with a warm smile the first day and every time since. She is 100% hands on! She even takes photos of Freddie during playtime and posts them!

Freddie loves to be dropped off and is wonderfully tired at pick up time.

We will be overnight boarding soon with no qualms whatsoever and will start agility training with Becca in March!

Beautiful setting! Individual attention! Closely monitored frequent playtimes!

5 stars!!

julie f, colorado springs

I 100% recommend Becca and Michael. We took our Newfoundland puppy there for a 4 week board and train and they laid his foundation down to start his work as a therapy dog. He knows so many commands and is the star puppy in his puppy class he’s supposed to take for his therapy dog training. Brady would not be where he is today without Becca. We also took our golden retrievers to Becca when they were younger (now they are 7 and 8) and they are the best, well mannered dogs. She treats your dogs like her own, and handles them so well. I wouldn’t take my dogs anywhere else. I drove them all the way from Colorado Springs and would do it again for the next dog. Thank you Becca!