Puppies at Picklebee Acres
At Picklebee Acres, our golden retrievers are raised in the heart of family life — surrounded by children, open fields, gentle routines, and intentional socialization. We breed for the furry friend that will watch a movie with you, ride in your kayak, or race you to the summit of your favorite mountain.
Raised with Love
Farm and Family-Raised Goldens
Our golden retrievers are raised on our farm and in our home, where calm temperaments are nurtured daily. We have only a couple of litters every year so we can give all our dogs lots of belly rubs and attention! Every parent is OFA tested and AKC registered to ensure your new family member is healthy and happy. They are AKC breed standard medium sized dogs.
Why We Breed
Our golden journey began with heartache. Our little boy, Theodore, was stillborn on April 20, 2023. His name means “gift from God.” That fall, we brought home our first golden retriever, Conrad. The vet called him our “heart dog.” He brought so much joy and healing to our family during that dark time.
We wanted to start breeding dogs that could snuggle on the couch with someone who is grieving or sick, or go on a long hike with them as they navigate the waters of the world. In Barbara Cooney’s children’s book, Miss Rumphius, she has a mission to make the world more beautiful. By breeding beautiful, family-loving goldens, we hope to spread beauty in this world.
We hope that the goldens we raise will bring joy, hope, and encouragement to the families that bring them home—through the sorrowful, the joyful, and the ordinary moments of life.
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Our Dogs
Our Golden Retrievers are family-raised on our farm and in our home, thriving in a peaceful environment that fosters calm, gentle temperaments. Each puppy is nurtured with love, intentional socialization, and professional care from day one. To uphold the highest standards, all our breeding parents are OFA tested and AKC registered, ensuring your new companion is healthy, happy, and a truly beautiful addition to your heart and home.
Conrad
Conrad is our local heart throb! He will look deep into your soul and do whatever you need, whether that is going for a hike or snuggling little kids during the family rosary. He is an exceptionally obedient boy with a perfect on/off switch. His only fault—he LOVES stuffies; as a puppy, they were his constant companions and pacifiers! Conrad has an exceptional pedigree full of field champions. He weighs 65 lbs.
Zelie
Zelie is our up‑and‑coming female. She is the easiest little puppy, smart as a whip, and just melts in your arms—we are absolutely loving raising her!
Retired Dogs
Rose
She’s a total sweetheart who loves to chase a ball or curl up for ear rubs. She’s very gentle, eager to please, and wonderfully obedient. Rose comes from well-established Golden Retriever lines known for their sweet temperament and classic structure.
Past Litters
“Our kids would be lost without him now! It’s like they all were born together. Thank you so much.”
"We are great and enjoying our summer with Camper! He has been loving running in the sprinkler with the kids more than anything.”
"Little Mookie is growing and thriving! He’s such a joy! He is the mascot of our son’s baseball team!!”
The Path to Your Puppy
01
Apply
If you already know Picklebee Acres is the right fit, complete our adoption form to start the journey.
02
Inquire
Not quite sure yet? Send us your questions to see if our goldens are the right match for your family.
03
Nurture
We perform ENS (early neurological stimulation via "Super Dog program") to develop resilient temperaments. Your puppy will be kid-tested and approved.
04
Go Home
Pick up your new family member vet checked and vaccinated, with a custom take-home bag. Total price: $1,800 with a $500 deposit.
Puppy Curriculum
Puppies possess an innate ability to learn around the clock, capable of achieving remarkable feats when provided with a learning environment tailored to their rapidly developing brains. With the right approach, their potential knows no bounds. During their time at Picklebee Acres, puppies will be immersed in a variety of protocols and exercises, including:
- Beginning House Training
- Basic Obedience: Sit, Down, Stand
- Introduction to Door Manners, Leash Manners, and Settle
- Crate Training
- Intro to Water
- Basic Socialization
- Intro to Food Manners
- Daily Handling
- Problem Solving Exercises
- Confidence Building Exercises
- Resource Guarding Exercises
- Sound Habituation
- Intro to Car Rides
- Intro to Fruits & Veggies
- Basic Balance Exercises
- Stair Exposure
- Intro to Scent Games
- Intro to Grooming
- Nail Trim Exposure
- Daily Novel Toy Exposure or Experience
Apply for a Picklebee Acres Puppy
Consideration for our golden retriever puppies begins with this application. We take great care in matching our little ones with forever families where they will thrive. Please share details about your home, family, and puppy preferences to help us find the perfect match for you.
We are proud members of the Iowa Pet Breeders Association and the Honest Breeder Association.