When Sydnie Hyde first dipped her toes into the world of working with dogs, she didn’t expect to build a career from it.
Hyde got her start working for a local boarding facility, gaining experience in pet boarding services, doggy daycare, and the training department.
“I had worked there for four and a half years, but when I left, I didn’t quite know what I wanted to do with my life,” explained Hyde.
Despite pursuing a new career at Avera Behavioral Health, Hyde continued to work with dogs by helping her friends and family train their furry friends.
“My coworkers eventually got word of what I was doing, and I started to help them and their friends and family,” explained Hyde.
She continued, “Since I was helping so many people, I began thinking about starting a canine training business.”
In December 2022, the journey to opening The Golden Academy began.
Hyde traveled to Starmark Academy in Texas to obtain her training and behavioral specialist certification.
Throughout her training, Hyde was assigned two rescue dogs and worked closely with the animals to expand her skills and knowledge.
“Over 12 weeks, I took written, verbal, and performance-based tests,” said Hyde. “I earned my Canine Training Degree and Behavioral Specialist Degree.”
With new certifications under her belt, Hyde was now equipped with the extensive knowledge and skills to train and manage dogs successfully.
“My behavioral degree hones more into dogs with anxiety, aggression, and other behaviors in that realm,” shared Hyde.
Today, the Sioux Falls local runs The Golden Academy outside her home, serving her clients to help build harmonious and respectful relationships between owners and their dogs.
With Hyde’s dedication and proven curriculum, she ensures every dog—from playful puppies to seasoned adults—can achieve their best behavior.
The Golden Academy’s training philosophy revolves around balanced instruction, consistency, and patience.
QUALIFIED CANINES
Hyde has worked continuously to add more certifications to her toolbox. Here’s a couple she’s earned along the way:
+ American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen Certification
+ American Kennel Club Evaluator and Educator
+ American Kennel Club FIT DOG Instructor
+ Instructor for Pet CPR and First Aid
+ Pet CPR and First Aid Certified
Hyde believes understanding each dog’s unique personality and needs is effective for training.
The academy offers three training programs tailored to meet the diverse needs of owners and their dogs. Clients can choose between Private Lessons, Day Train, or Board & Train.
“My most popular service is the Private Lessons,” said Hyde. “I explain to my clients that I teach them to teach their dogs.”
Hyde travels directly to her client’s house for a more individualized training session. Throughout these lessons, she works on basic obedience skills, off-leash obedience, and home manners.
“I explain and show my clients the skills they need to work with their pets, because ultimately it falls back on them,” stated Hyde.
She adds these personalized lessons are a great start for behavior modification.
“My dogs have their personalities, & each brings something different to the company.” -Sydnie Hyde
The Day Train is perfect for clients working or leaving for a quick vacation. In addition to visiting her clients at home, Hyde can take the dog to her home for three training sessions throughout the day.
“We work on the goals the owner is looking for, and at the end of the day, I send videos explaining what I taught them,” said Hyde.
The Board & Train allows the canines to stay with Hyde for an extended period and continuously train to meet the client’s objectives.
“I offer anywhere between two to five week stays, and your dog and I will work on the goals the owner wants to achieve,” explained Hyde.
After the dogs stay, clients will learn the techniques to manage and maintain the training.
Hyde aims to connect with all of her clients on a personal level so they don’t feel, as Hyde says, “lost in the sauce.”
“I will always start with a consultation where they’ll hear about my background, certifications, and my dogs, and then we’ll break down what issues they’re having with their dog, what goals they have for them, and how I would meet those goals,” she explained.
Hyde often dives into the “hows and whys” behind the dog’s background, and her training methods, to make her clients feel more comfortable.
Hyde will always mention canines will be trained progressively throughout the lessons.
“I put in the work to train, and the owners have to put in the work to be consistent,” she added.
Hyde expresses she would not be where she was without her three companions by her side.
“My dogs have their different quirks and moments that shine, and have made me grow and taught me more things than I can count,” shared Hyde.
Bumper, a golden retriever, is Hyde’s literal “golden” child. As her go-to assistant in dog- to-dog reactivity training, Bumper holds four obedience titles, two trick titles, and a therapy certification.
River, a German shorthair pointer, is as Hyde states, a typical high-energy, high-anxiety pointer. He’s the go-to for training that involves mental stimulation, such as performing high-level tricks, off-leash obedience, and hunting.
“I LOVE RECEIVING TEXT MESSAGES FROM CLIENTS ABOUT HOW THEY CAN NOW BRAG ABOUT THEIR DOGS WHEN THEY ARE OUT IN PUBLIC.”
-Sydnie Hyde
River is often used for distractions during training with high enthusiasm and barking on command under his collar.
“He has one of the best tricks out of the bunch, which is jumping off of a wall,” Hyde said with a chuckle.
Moss, a six month old British yellow lab, is the newest addition to The Golden Academy pack.
“Moss is just starting, and he’s got a long road ahead of him in the dog sport and hunting world,” said Hyde.
Hyde’s goal for Moss is to take over some responsibilities Bumper holds.
“Bumper may be 3, but he acts like he’s 13,” laughed Hyde.
Hyde shared her recently passed pitbull boxer, Mr. Thick, was a huge turning point in her career. Mr. Thick was introduced to Hyde as one of her assigned rescues from Texas, and she adopted him as soon as she could.
“Thick dove me deeper into the world of dog training,” shared Hyde. “He was human and dog aggressive, which unfortunately many of my clients go through. If there was one dog that relates to more of my clients than not, it’s Thick.”
With many challenges, the pitbull boxer pushed Hyde to her limits in the best possible way. He became the most obedient dog out of her pack.
Unfortunately this year, Hyde said goodbye to Thick, as he suffered from a brain tumor.
GONE, BUT NEVER FORGOTTEN
In a pocket of her home, Hyde has a memorial dedicated to Mr. Thick with an imprint of his paw, nose, a remembrance candle, and his ashes.
“I’ll always continue to talk about Thick, as he excelled me in my career as a trainer and a handler,” said Hyde.
Although The Golden Academy is a small business, Hyde says it’s mighty.
“I put my heart and soul into my clients, making sure everybody feels known and welcome,” explained Hyde. “I will never turn anyone away.”
Hyde relishes her success when she’s able to see or hear her clients enjoy their lives with their furry friends again.
“There’s nothing better than having dogs in our lives,” she said.
