Recently I almost lost Bill. I had to take a flight that departed mere hours after finding out. This episode is about setting up your program so that you have the ability to leave in a moment's notice should you need to.  There's a freebie that helps you map out a plan for help, it's in the show notes. 

Guardian Homes sound like the magic sauce, yet co-ownerships are often hit or miss. In truth guardian homes are often hit or miss as well. In this episode we discuss guardian homes and when it's a good idea to add them to your program, so they're a benefit–not a detriment–to your dog breeding business. As a special bonus, I have a link inside the episode where you can get a cheat sheet on where to find guardian homes. Ready to join the Dog Breeder Society?

We are so lucky to have Matt Beisner on today, from The Zen Dog & the show Dog: Impossible. We discuss a lot of topics where trainers and breeders collide, discussing the market, what people want and where the dog fits in. We discuss genetic coercion–are we breeding with the right intents? what does it mean for breed standard? I think you'll love this deep dive discussion on topics from an alternative perspective.

Tori Mistik of Wear Wag Repeat is a business coach for Petpreneurs. She works with business owners of all pet industries and even has a community for those wanting to grow their businesses. Tori has seen it all, in today's episode she discusses where lots of new petpreneurs struggle with their business. While the focus was on new businesses, there is a lot that is applicable to seasoned businesses as well. Dive in to learn more and get the cheat sheet that goes with the episode!

Hello Honest Dog Breeders! Today we are so lucky to have Michele Taylor of Taylormade Miniature Golden Retrievers. Michele and her husband have 8 beautiful children and an amazing dog breeding program.  Through a unique housing restriction Michele had to get creative with her program, she has successfully used guardian homes to not only increase the size of her program and maintain the genetic diversity she is looking for, but to also give her breeding dogs a high quality of life that’s less taxing on her family.  Michele talks us through how she runs her guardian program, what she pays people, how she gets paid, and how she manages these guardian dogs.  I know you’ll love what she has to say and even if you primarily have all your breeding dogs at your home like I do, you might find that exploring guardian homes may increase your options. 

Is dog breeding burning you out? The stress of breeding ebbs and flows and we can certainly make it easier on ourselves, but are you just tired or are you at a point of burn out? In this episode we discuss burnout in dog breeding, how to recognize it, if it's a signal of depression, and some techniques to quelch the psysiological response.

It happens to all of us. The puppies are ready to go...but they don't all have homes. This episode discusses ways to find homes for your prescious pups. 

In this episode I review my current kennel and what I love about it and what I would change about it. I hope it gives you some ideas and saves you some of the mistakes I've made.  

How do you become an Honest Dog Breeder? Or you one already? Being an honest breeder is all about building a breeding program that creates and takes care of wonderful dogs, places them in amazing homes, taking care of those buyers, and then taking care of yourself and your family. This episode discusses the ins and outs of what it really means to be an honest dog breeder.

It feels foolish to ignore the changing puppy market and the looming recession, but what does it really mean for dog breeding? is it over? will it survive? Will your program survive? What changes should we make to ensure the long-term success of our program...and what if we are just starting out (you'll be surprised on this one 😉) Learn more and join the Dog Breeder Society!

Hello Honest Dog Breeders! Today we are so lucky to have Michelle Klump of Outwest Bassets, in Arizona. Michelle has a brilliant business mind and a loving heart. She always wanted a Basset, but found she wasn’t able to easily find what she was looking for. It sparked her business brain and she built a beautiful breeding program around her ideal puppy buyer and a lifestyle that worked for her and her family. A cattle rancher and a mom of four, Michelle brings her cattle ranching know-how and love of family together with her breeding program. If you’re just starting out breeding, you’ll love the path she took to design her program.  If you’re a seasoned breeder, you’ll be drooling at the beautiful facility Michelle and her husband designed and built last year, it’s well-designed, efficient, and looks amazing. We’ll talk about how she designed the facility and don’t forget to check the blog to see pictures of her beautiful place!

You ever meet those breeders and they tell you they "just know" which puppy a family should have? Super helpful, right? It's frustrating, I hear you. Today's episode discusses some ways to get your brain to start seeing the differences in temperaments and how to use that knowledge to make things better for your buyers. Want to learn about the Dog Breeder Society and our MasterClasses and a wonderful community of honest dog breeders? Check it out!

In this episode, I have Dr. Jody Moffett, my favorite veterinarian of all time, she’s simply the best and has put up with me for over 8 years, helping me solve problems with giardia, being patient with all my questions, and entertaining all my wild breeding musings.  I wish there were more veterinarians like her, the ones who are able to keep their heart in the game as much as their mind. She’s a gem of this world and I’m so lucky to know her and my dogs are lucky to have her on my breeding journey.  In today’s episode we discuss things she wished new puppy owners knew, things we can help prepare them for. She discusses some gripes with breeders and where she wishes things were better. We even talk about how the relationship the owner has with their dog often dictates the veterinarian care the dog will receive. I hope you enjoy this thought-felt conversation with Dr. Moffett and I hope you are so lucky to find a wonderful veterinarian like her on your journey.  Without further ado, let’s dive in! Interested in the Dog Breeder Society?

Everything in life teaches us lessons, but, for our 50th episode (thank you for sticking with me!) I wanted to reflect on three unexpected lessons that dog breeding has taught me. Thank you for taking me on your journey!! Learn more about the Dog Breeder Society

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 more of your time back while getting more done. Interested in the Dog Breeder Society? Learn more and join!

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 the kind of person who gets called in.  I hope you learn a lot in this interview, I’d love to hear your thoughts, join me on instagram @thehonestdogbreeder. 

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 business. Learn more and have the opportunity to join at honestdogbreeder.com/yes

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 exploration, you want your brand to make them feel adventure and excitement. If they want your dogs to bring them calm, then you want them to feel calm, peace, and simple with your brand. Additionally, you want your brand to have continuity among your platforms so, not only are you easily recognized, but people trust you because you are the same wherever they experience your business. People trust that which is predictable.  Without further ado, here’s Drew and I’s discussion about branding, I hope you enjoy!

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 checklist that'll help break the process down in the show notes. 

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 structure for evaluating and improving for the next time.

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 episode we talk about the tension that often exists between breeders and veterinarians, and then things to look for when finding a veterinarian.

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 program: you have to have integrity. How important is integrity to you? #honestdogbreeder #honestdogbreederpodcast #dogbreederpodcast #ethicalbreeder #reputablebreeder #julieswan #breedingdogs #dogbreeder #dogbreeding

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 this year?

Are your puppy applications working against you? So many breeders try and vet their buyers with the puppy application alone, but it's just not a great solution. In today's podcast we discuss puppy applications, their real purpose, a new perspective, as well as some tips for getting your puppy applications to do what you actually want them to do. How are you feeling about your puppy application?

What do you say when you're asked why you breed? Can we summarize it in a sentence? Do we need a few hours? People always want to know why you breed. In today's episode I do a deep dive into the three reasons I've found that most breeders breed. It's a combination, though, for most of us, it's a little bit of all three. Want the roadmap to a success dog breeding business?

Are your dogs purple, or do you only have blue and red dogs? In the latest podcast we discuss the ins and outs of aggressive and sustainment breeding programs. We'll talk about what makes the most sense for your program and when and when you need to switch.

Want to know a secret? I'm a total bloodline weirdo. I'll be sitting there watching a movie, completely distracted because I recognize the bone structure of one of the actors. Like Hailey Steinfeld...I saw her music video and I just knew I knew her from something...then I finally put together that she was the girl from True Grit. A bloodline is important, but do you know why? This week's episode discusses bloodlines, what they are, why they are important, and how to build one. The Dog Breeder Society lifetime discount closes October 15  

I got off the phone with the breed club and was frustrated, I was no further in my understanding than before I called. She told me to "breed to improve the breed" and it was clear as mud. I have yet to meet someone who wanted to breed to ruin the breed, so how helpful is this advice and what do they mean? In this week's episode I talk about how we can interpret this phrase and how to do it. I even discuss where Doodles (and other crosses) fit in to the mix. Then I dip into an ethical dilemma I've been working on for quite some time, how much does breed standard matter? The Secret Pre-Launch for the Dog Breeder Society is open...are you going to be a founding member?!

Two days changed my life forever...the day my co-worker pulled me aside in the parking lot before work and the day my bathroom flooded. In today's podcast I share my origins story, how I became a dog breeder, my abundant mistakes, and why I do what I do today. It's a little more personal, but if you've been with me this long, you deserve to know my story. Have you snagged your invite to the Dog Breeder Society? A monthly membership community of supportive breeders. Each month you'll receive a masterclass deep-dive into a topic in dog breeding that aims to help you move your program forward so you can create an integrity-based, profitable dog breeding program you love, producing dogs that fulfill their owners' dreams.

Dear Haven't-Had-Your-First-Litter Julie, It’s me, Crusty-Breeder Julie-of-the-Future, writing to tell you some things I want you to know.  You’ll learn about dog GI tracts the hard way, but it will make you a better breeder. You’ll test out a lot of ways to advertise your kennel, many won't work, but then you'll get it. You'll spend countless hours researching, reflecting, and studying your dogs, and it will build a better breeding business. You won't plan your facilities like you should, but you'll get there eventually. You’ll make the mistake of not nailing down your ideal customer until later in the game, but you'll share this mistake with your fellow breeders, and it will save them so much time and frustration. Basically, I just want to tell you that I'm so glad you started breeding. If you hadn't, I don't know what we would've done during the divorce. I don't know how we would've fed the kids, how we'd be able to stay home with them, to help them get through the emotional stress of it all. With all my ❤️ Julie P.S. For anyone else reading this letter, how has breeding changed your life? P.P.S. Get the Roadmap to save you time, frustration, and heartache!

It’s time to crack the code. Have you ever wondered how to choose breeding stock? Well, wonder no more! In this latest podcast episode I'm breaking down the 6 criteria for selecting breeding stock. You won't believe number 6, which I pulled from when I bred dairy goats. Leave a fire emoji if you’d like to see more content like this in the future! Looking for your invite to the Dog Breeder Society? Follow us on Instagram @TheHonestDogBreeder