%20(1)_edited.png)
About Us
At Sunbuilt Retrievers, we’re more than a kennel—we’re a family dedicated to raising puppies with purpose.
As a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (Knowledge & Skills Assessed), bringing years of education, science-based techniques, and heart to every litter we raise, our dogs are cherished family members and beloved working partners. Whether they go on to provide life-changing assistance as service or therapy dogs, compete in performance sports, or simply bring joy to their new family, each Sunbuilt puppy gets the best possible start to thrive in their future role.
Our home in the suburbs of Houston, Texas offers a cozy and diverse lifestyle that shapes every part of how we raise our puppies—with room to play, train, and grow in the sunshine. From early socialization to lifelong guidance, we are proud to build dogs that shine. Our dogs are trained to serve, and built to bond.
Here at Sunbuilt Retrievers
At Sunbuilt Retrievers, our purpose is simple: to raise Golden and Labrador Retrievers who are not only beautiful and healthy, but who are also prepared to change lives.
Howdy! I’m Sammye Darling, Certified Professional Dog Trainer (Knowledge & Skills Assessed) and lifelong dog enthusiast. I'm a proud honors graduate from Texas A&M University where I earned my degree in Psychology and minor in Neuroscience. My journey began with a love for dogs that grew into a mission—to create a program where science-based training, ethical breeding, and my heart for making a difference through service dogs all come together.
Our Philosophy
Every puppy we raise begins their path with intention. From day one to sixteen, we implement Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS) and Early Scent Introduction (ESI), and then the internationally recognized Puppy Culture and AviDog weekly age-based objectives. These practices help shape resilient, adaptable puppies ready for the challenges of service, therapy, or family companionship.
Health & Responsibility
Our breeding dogs are fully health-tested according to breed-club standards to ensure we are building a foundation of soundness, longevity, and genetic strength. We believe in transparency, integrity, and a lifetime commitment to every puppy we produce.
Training & Support
As a professional trainer, I take a positive reinforcement–based approach, rooted in evidence-based methods endorsed by veterinary and training organizations. This philosophy carries into every aspect of our program—equipping our puppies and their future families with tools for long-term success.
Why Sunbuilt Retrievers?
-
Purposeful Breeding: Focused on temperament, health, and suitability for service and therapy roles.
-
Comprehensive Early Development: Structured socialization and enrichment from birth. We dremel our puppies toes, blow dry their coats, take them in the car and on outings in public, we begin crate and potty training, clicker training, and so much more!
-
Lifetime Partnership: Ongoing education, resources, and support for every family who joins the Sunbuilt community.
Our goal is not just to place puppies, but to build lasting partnerships—between dogs and people, between science and compassion, and between families and their future companions.
