The Honest Dog Breeder Podcast

Checking coat condition is by far my favorite quick way that I assess a dog's health. In today's episode we discuss a few simple things to look out for and evaluate so you can make sure your dogs are healthy–and if they aren't, a few ideas on what might be happening. Want to learn more about the Dog Breeder Society ?

As the year is half over, it's a great opportunity to check in on your goals. Today's episode we discuss common pitfalls in dog breeding goal setting and how to fix it so we can get more accomplished and get our programs where we want them. There are also a few techniques for how to make some small adjustments that will allow you to better maximize your time with the breeding program and get a bit...

In this episode we have Beth Berkobien of Rehab Your Rescue in Dallas, Texas, Beth works primarily with anxiety and aggression in dogs.  She has been a wonderful help to me in my own situation with our dog Cinch, a charming cattle dog, and I am so lucky to have met Beth.  As breeders we are usually solving problems from the breeding side of the house, but when that doesn't go as planned, Beth is t...

Brands, and the trust they can build, are very helpful in building a relationship with your buyers. A good brand is essential in your long-term success. In today's episode we discuss three ways to use your brand to build a better breeding business, enjoy! The Dog Breeder Society has a branding MasterClass launching soon for a deep dive into branding and how to design your brand in your breeding bu...

My brother is a master with design and in today's interview we discuss branding.  If you aren't familiar, branding is the feeling customers get when they associate with your business. In order to attract the right ideal puppy buyers and build trust with them, you want your brand to make them feel how they want to feel when they get one of your dogs. If they want a dog to bring them adventure and e...

You hear the terms tossed around all the time: Guardian Homes and Co-Owns, but what are they and, more importantly, WHEN should you use them? This episode discusses their differences along with instances where you may want to use them. Both provide opportunities for your program and then there are instances where you might want to steer clear.

Want to know the truth? I had no idea where my breeding program was going wrong. I was *lots* of emotions about it, none of them warm and fuzzy. It took me a while to put together the process, sort it out. It was stressful and took longer than it should've. This episode discusses the steps you can take to start fixing your breeding program–even if you don't know where to start.  Get the free check...

You can break dog breeding down into 4 Pillars. Each pillar is a different area of focus. When you get them all in harmony your business will thrive. Take the quiz to figure out which pillar you should place your focus! Take the Quiz!

Dog breeding deals with live animals, things happen and the pups that are born aren't always perfect. Sometimes they're born with an issue, sometimes they get injured or have a disease. They are still a life and that life should be respected and cherished, even with a 'defect.' Don't forget to get your free After Action Review (AAR) Worksheet (referenced in the podcast) to use as an effective stru...

What's stopping you from really having the breeding program you want? In this episode we discuss how fear is the thing that is between where we are and where we want to be in our breeding programs and in our lives. If we learn to listen to fear, we can use her as a guide, no longer an all-consuming issue.

We all have regrets...moments in our history we wish we could take back. Places where we wish we would've done something different. This episode discusses my three biggest regrets in dog breeding. It's a little of the good, the bad, and the ugly. Enjoy!

Vetting buyers can be tough...here are 6 red flags to look out for with buyers and how you can handle them. The better we align our buyers with our dogs, the greater the likelihood of success. Our buyers success is our success. Check the shownotes for a downloadable pdf for questions to ask your buyers to vet them correctly. https://honestdogbreeder.com/40

When is it okay to replace a dog that has passed? Is there such a thing as too soon? As a breeder how do you assess your buyers and whether or not they are ready despite what they may be telling you? This episode discusses the ins and outs of assessing grieving buyers, the two different types of grieving buyers and what to look out for when working with them.

As you move to full-time dog breeding there's a transition time when you have too many dogs to have a full-time job, but your dogs aren't paying your bills yet...when that happens, it helps to look for a side hustle that complements dog breeding. In today's episode we discuss five side hustles that complement dog breeding. Enjoy!

You turn your back for two seconds and BAM, the wrong stud tied with your girl...now what? In this episode we discuss oops litters, what they are, where you might go wrong with managing them, and what to do about it.

The Puppy Pack is so much more than just a sweet care package to give to your buyers. Each item carries meaning and will help you build rapport, trust, and success with your buyers. Let's dive in to some of the do's and don'ts of the Puppy Pack.

You know those people who are just handy to have around? Well, what if you married them? Today, for a little fun, we are discussing marrying people in other dog professions, the pros and cons.  Please enjoy this satirical episode. 

If vaccines work, why do puppies get parvo? How are the puppies protected from mom? Can I titer instead? There are lots of questions about vaccines and immunity, in this episode we discuss vaccines, passive immunity, the window of susceptibility, and the controversy that exists with vaccine schedules.

Losing a puppy sucks, it's arguably the toughest part of being a dog breeder. In today's episode I share what it's like to lose a puppy, how it affects breeders, and what to do about it to make your breeding program better.

Can I confess? 

I used to feel so much tension with veterinarians. I always felt like they were judging me for being a breeder, or making me feel like I wasn't able to understand medical things, and, WORST, making my buyers feel like they got a lemon from me. 

It wasn't until later that I took the time to step into their shoes, understand their struggles, and find a balance with them. 

 In this...

Some people never dream of owning their own stud and others think of it as the only way. Let's dive into stud dog ownership and if it's right for you!

If I had to do it all over, I would change some things, I'm not even sure I would've chose German Shorthairs, but I do love them now. If you are looking to breed or add a second breed, selecting the right breed for you will make all the difference. In today's episode we discuss 3 Criteria for Selecting Your Breed. Did you use any of these in your selection process?

Doodles are all the rage these days, but they also are the outcasts of the breeder world. Today's episode dives in to Doodles, why Poodles may not be as popular as their own breed, and why Doodles get such a bad rap.  

How do you maintain integrity in your breeding program? When you work with live animals there can be a lot of variables. They get into stuff, they can get parasites, you can find hidden genes that manifest later on in a dog's life. It's not always cute puppy pictures. In today's episode we discuss integrity and how to maintain it with your breeding program. It's the only way to run an honest progr...

How are dog breeding businesses like Rome? They aren't built in a day. While they aren't quick to establish, they can be built more efficiently by building them with a plan. In this episode I discuss some things you may want to focus on this year in planning your breeding business, some pitfalls I see, and some techniques that have worked for me. So tell me…what is one thing you want to accomplish...