PODCAST · education
The Honest Dog Breeder Podcast
by Julie Swan
Welcome to the Honest Dog Breeder Podcast, with me, your host, Julie Swan, where each week we dive in to discuss all things dog breeding, so you can build a breeding business you love, producing dogs that fulfill their owner's dreams. I believe you can have an honest dog breeding program, that also pays the bills. So throw those pods in your ears while you're cleaning kennels—I'd love to join you.
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#139 - Where Adopt-Don't-Shop Has it Wrong
I recently sparked some heated social media "discussions" by pointing out a hard, inconvenient truth: if honest breeders stop breeding, the demand for puppies doesn't magically disappear. It just gets funneled directly to puppy mills and irresponsible backyard breeders. In this episode I explain the biggest misunderstanding the adopt-don't-shop movement projects and share the data on where these dogs are actually coming from. We dive deep into why ethical breeding is a professional, skilled service—and why we have to stop shaming the most responsible breeders into undercharging, overgiving, and burning themselves into the ground. If you're tired of being villainized online for doing things the right way, this honest, unfiltered episode is the exact reality check the dog world needs right now. Check out Elevated Breeder: https://honestdogbreeder.com/elevatedbreeder
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#138 - Emily Breslin on Why Good Dogs Still Get Ruined
We've all seen it: that picture-perfect puppy on Instagram that looks like it was born to lounge on a designer couch. But what happens when that cute aesthetic turns into a living, breathing behavioral nightmare? In this episode, Julie is sitting down with Emily Breslin—a certified professional canine nutritionist, trainer, and former vet tech—to tear down the modern myth of the "lifestyle accessory" pet. Emily gets incredibly raw about her own journey, sharing how a "free" accidental puppy completely flipped her life upside down, forcing her to become the trainer she desperately needed but couldn't find. They dive deep into the messy reality of post-COVID dog ownership, where our culture of instant gratification is violently clashing with actual canine psychology. Emily explains exactly why stripping a working breed of its biological purpose is a fast track to severe anxiety, and she pulls back the curtain on a devastating, unspoken shelter truth regarding what really happens to highly adoptable, owner-surrendered dogs when a facility hits crisis mode. For the breeders listening, this conversation is a masterclass in how to disarm your buyers. Emily breaks down the precise questions you need to be asking to vet homes effectively and ensure your puppies aren't walking into a toxic, mismatched environment. This incredibly honest and eye-opening episode will completely change the way you look at the other end of the leash. Check out Emily Breslin and The Dog Who Asked for More: https://thedogwhoaskedformore.com/
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#137 - The Facility Factor #3 - Laurie Fenly on Rock & Gravel
Think rock is just rock? Think again! In this episode of our Facility Factor series, Julie sits down with rock and gravel extraordinaire Laurie Fenly, who spent 17 years managing a massive commercial rock yard. Laurie shares the hilarious (and costly) mistakes she's seen people make—including a customer who dumped a quarter-ton of gravel into a Mercedes convertible, and another who ignored expert advice and accidentally turned his driveway into a tire-spinning, rutted nightmare. Whether you are looking to replace high-maintenance grass, eliminate parasite-harboring mud, or map out your next walking path, this interview will completely change how you look at your property. Tune in to learn why more isn't always better, why the wrong rock color can literally blind you in the sun, and how to pick the right materials the first time around. Plus, we've put together a Rock & Gravel Cheat Sheet packed with visual guides and the exact mathematical formulas you need to calculate your materials without overpaying! Head over to honestdogbreeder.com/ff3 or log into the Honest Dog Breeder Society to listen now and grab your free cheat sheet!
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#136 - The Facility Factor #2 - Bill Collins on All Things Flooring
Did you know that 90% of the smell from a kennel is the flooring? When you get the right flooring, not only does it not harbor smells, but it's easier to clean, saving you precious time and labor. It's also much safer and more sanitary for your puppies and breeding dogs, making dog health even easier to maintain. Learn about the different flooring, what to do for temporary flooring, as well as more permanent facilities, even rooms in your house in this expert interview with Bill Collins - both a breeder and a seasoned flooring professional. Check out the full series at honestdogbreeder.com/facilities
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#135 - The Facility Factor #1 - Bill on Contractors & Building Facilities
If you are tired of having dogs take over your living room or puppies whelping in your bathtub, this episode is a mandatory listen! Julie sits down with her husband Bill—a veteran general contractor—to break down the raw truth about working with builders and planning your breeding facility. Bill holds nothing back as he shares how to spot red flags in a contractor's bid, why that "unbelievably cheap" quote will cost you double in the long run, and how to design a space that actually gives you your life back. From modular DIY hacks for a $5,000 budget to the the importance of thinking through what you need before you start building, this interview will save you thousands of dollars and endless headaches. In this episode, you'll learn: The 12-Hour Rule: The important things to think about when you design your facility to make sure it actually meets your needs once it's finished. The Contractor Vetting Process: The exact questions to ask to make sure a builder has your best interests in mind. Smart Materials: What you need to consider when picking materials that will work for your dogs and in your environment. Stop stressing and start building a space that works for you. Head over to honestdogbreeder.com/facilities or log into the Honest Dog Breeder Society to listen to the full Facility Factor series now!
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#134 - The Facility Factor: Design Your Breeding Setup Piece-by-Piece
If managing your dogs feels exhausting, the problem isn't your dogs—it's your facilities. A great setup should make your daily life easy, saving you from the exhausting "management cycles" of juggling dog rotations and endless cleaning. Whether you raise one litter a year in your home or manage a standalone kennel, there is always a way to optimize your space and buy back your time. In this quick five-minute episode, I'm introducing our brand-new series on facility design, materials, and layout strategies for breeders of every scale. Stop wrestling with temporary fixes! Head over to honestdogbreeder.com/facilities or log into the Honest Dog Breeder Society to listen now and set up your program to work for you.
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#133 - Dogs Who Are Taken Care Of, But Not Loved
One of the most heartbreaking scenarios in breeding: the dog who is "taken care of, but not loved." Tucker, a returned dog, had perfect vet records and auto-shipped food, but lived a life of isolation because he didn't fit his owners' expectations. We dive deep into why these "mismatches" happen and why they are almost always an Ideal Puppy Buyer problem rather than just a "bad home." If you've ever struggled with a puppy return or felt the sting of a placement gone wrong, this episode offers a roadmap to move past blame and into professional responsibility. Learn how this experience can help you spot early red flags, and refine your process to ensure your puppies don't just find a house, but a home where they are truly wanted.
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#132 - Purposeful Chaos in Your Breeding Program
I recently saw a license plate that read "ShipWrk" next to a sticker saying, "I run a tight shipwreck," and it really hit a nerve about how often we breeders wear our chaos as a badge of honor. In this episode, I'm diving into why chaos should be a temporary season for growth, not a permanent identity that keeps you stuck. I share my own recent "chaotic" month of travel and litters, and explain why I believe the best breeders aren't the ones who avoid the mess, but the ones who know how to turn it back into order. If you're currently feeling underwater, join me to learn how to stop just "surviving the wreck" and start building a program that actually supports your life.
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#131 - Why Dog Breeding Feels So Overwhelming - and what to do about it
Whether you are moving through a season of growth or looking to simplify, it's time to stop treading water and start making decisions based on clarity instead of pressure. If you're ready to trade the overwhelm in your life and breeding program for a sustainable framework, this is a can't miss episode of the Honest Dog Breeder Podcast. You can learn more about the Honest Dog Breeder Society and join at https://honestdogbreeder.com/dogbreedersociety
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#130 - The Breeder You Need to Stop Being
In this episode, I'm digging into a pattern I see constantly: breeders who feel stuck in the chaos, they know they're doing too much but they don't know how to stop. We're exploring how your identity—the version of yourself you think you have to be—might be the very thing keeping you trapped in unsustainable habits, like 24/7 buyer messaging and elaborate processes that no longer serve you. I'm sharing why becoming a better breeder often requires becoming a different breeder, giving you full permission to evolve your program as your life changes. Whether you are moving through a season of growth or looking to simplify, it's time to stop treading water and start making decisions based on clarity instead of pressure. If you're ready to trade the overwhelm for a sustainable framework, register at: https://honestdogbreeder.com/webinar for my live training: Why Breeding Feels Overwhelming—and What to Do Instead—being held on January 29th at 3 PM EST / 12 PM PST.
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#129 - What Actually Makes a Good Dog Breeder
Why does "doing it right" feel so exhausting? If you've ever felt judged for your feeding choices, overwhelmed by puppy curriculums, or drained by 24/7 buyer messages, this episode is for you. I'm breaking down the "Proxy Problem"—the trap of using checklists and health-testing markers as an ethical standard instead of a pathway—and why being a truly good dog breeder is about intentional decision-making, not mindless dogma. We're shifting the focus from constant effort to sustainable results. If you're ready to trade burnout for a clear, sustainable path forward, visit https://honestdogbreeder.com/129 to register for my upcoming workshop: Why Breeding Feels Overwhelming—and What to Do Instead.
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#128 - Q&A - All About Puppy Deposits
This episode is all about the "money" side of breeding that many people feel uncomfortable talking about: puppy deposits. From the classic debate over non-refundable fees to the massive legal shifts happening in California, I'm breaking down how to structure your deposits to protect your business and your reputation. We'll look at the specific math of cash flow, how to handle contracts without making things complicated, and why your deposit strategy is actually a key part of your buyer's journey. Join me as we clear up the confusion so you can focus on what matters—raising great dogs.
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#127 - Setting Up Your Year for Success
The New Year often comes with a lot of noise and pressure, but I believe real progress starts with slowing down to see where you actually stand. In this episode, I'm walking you through a simple reflection process to help you identify what worked last year, what was "clunky," and where you should focus your energy next. I share my own recent wins and "hair-pulling" moments—like realizing my branding didn't match my ideal buyers—to show you how to turn those friction points into a clear 90-day action plan. We'll also discuss the importance of investing in your long-term future, whether that's through financial planning, making space for creativity, or finally learning that one skill you've been avoiding. Join me as we cut through the resolutions and set your breeding program up for a sustainable, successful year ahead.
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#126 - Is Your Breeding Program the Bringing of Good Things?
Christmas is the one time of year I finally slow down enough to reflect on whether my life and my breeding program are actually in alignment with the dreams I have for my family. In this episode, I'm digging into the idea that breeding should be a "bringer of good things"—whether that's financial freedom, family vacations, or simply the ability to be a more present parent. I truly believe that struggle is not proof of integrity, and it's time to stop being a martyr for your program if it's currently causing more resentment than joy. Join me for a year-end "gut check" as we evaluate what breeding cost you this year versus what it gave you, helping you decide if the scale is truly in balance. Every program requires a custom approach to success, and I want to help you design yours so that your breeding business finally supports the life you've always envisioned.
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#125 - The Secret to Higher Priced Puppies
In this episode, I'm breaking down why even the best puppies won't sell if your messaging is out of sync, and how a few strategic pivots can help you finally reach your ideal buyer. By getting into alignment, you can stop chasing leads and start naming your price for the dogs you love to raise. Join me to learn how to make your breeding program more profitable and a whole lot easier to manage.
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12 Days of Breeders 2025 - #12 - Dana Filatova of Kismet Labradoodles
In our final episode of the series, we hear from Dana Filatova of Kismet Labradoodles in Ashville, NC, as she recounts the essential, sometimes challenging, lessons learned from her very first litter. Dana's debut litter was unexpectedly large—a "bonus-sized" group of eleven puppies! She takes us behind the scenes, sharing the unexpected obstacles and triumphs that came with managing such a big group. Most importantly, Dana reveals how the experience of raising those first eleven puppies forced her to redefine her ideal puppy buyer, shifting her focus and strategy to ensure the perfect fit for every single puppy. This interview is a powerful reminder that sometimes the biggest lessons come not from research, but from the actual process of breeding.
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12 Days of Breeders 2025 - #11 - Andrea Gardner of Desert Sky Poodles
Today we welcome Andrea Gardner of Desert Sky Poodles in Utah, who brings a truly unique perspective to the world of dog breeding, shaped by her background in agricultural education. Andrea explains how the principles of genetic selection and program management she learned in Ag Ed apply directly to her Poodle program, leading to a thoughtful, data-driven approach. She views her role as not just a breeder, but as a teacher, emphasizing the crucial importance of thoroughly educating buyers so that every Desert Sky puppy can achieve its full potential. Join us to learn how embracing an educational philosophy can revolutionize your breeding selection, buyer relationships, and overall view of your program.
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12 Days of Breeders 2025 - #10 - Megan Smith of Acadia Goldendoodles
We sit down with Megan Smith of Acadia Goldendoodles in Maine, who proves that responsible breeding can—and should—be a joy. After 17 years in the game, Megan has cracked the code on sustainability and enjoyment. She takes us on a tour of her spectacular facility, which we've affectionately dubbed a "summer camp for dogs," designed for maximum enrichment, wellbeing, and ease in managing around 20 breeding dogs at a time. Megan also explains her decision to focus exclusively on F1 and F1b generations of Goldendoodles, detailing the specific reasons and goals behind that choice. Through it all, she emphasizes the critical role of continuous education and improvement in maintaining an ethical program over nearly two decades. Whether you're a new breeder or a veteran, you'll gain creative insights into how Megan maintains her passion and makes breeding a rewarding, long-term career.
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12 Days of Breeders 2025 - #9 - Leilani Nichols of Northwest Cairn Terriers
Leilani Nichols of Northwest Cairn Terriers in Oregon joins us to share her unique approach to breeding and placement. In a world where every puppy looks cute, Leilani uses her marketing to target buyers who are truly ready for the specific challenges of a clever, feisty Cairn Terrier, ensuring a perfect long-term match. She also offers fascinating, hard-won insights into the difference between dogs bred solely for show ring success versus those bred specifically for temperament and personality. Leilani's commitment to matching the right personality to the right home proves that honesty and strategic communication are the keys to building a sustainable and ethical breeding program.
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12 Days of Breeders 2025 - #8 - Sarah Whitman of Bonnie Brae Collies
Meet Sarah Whitman of Bonnie Brae Collies, who just sold her first litter of puppies. Sarah's experience working in accredited zoos with rhinos and elephants fundamentally shaped her approach to breeding. She shares how her deep dive into population genetics led her to Collies and a registry with an open book that allows for intentional diversity planning, moving beyond closed gene pools. This episode is a must-listen for anyone feeling constrained by legal restrictions on dog breeding, as Sarah is creatively working with state and local laws to shape and structure her program. She discusses the practical constraints and opportunities presented by her Colorado location, discussing how she's building a responsible, sustainable program that is still completely compliant with local laws.
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12 Days of Breeders 2025 - #7 - Andrea Jones of Maple Hill Doodles
In this 12 Days of Breeders interview, we welcome Andrea Jones of Maple Hill Doodles in Ohio. A 25-year veteran breeder of Goldendoodles, Cavapoos, and Cavadoodles, Andrea has built her program on advanced, and sometimes unconventional, health protocols. Andrea shares her techniques for holistic management, detailing the logistics of maintaining a non-vaccination protocol for her entire program, underpinned by a raw, species-appropriate diet. Critically, Andrea reveals how she's raised the bar for buyers to solidify her own credibility, demanding a higher standard of commitment from her clientele. This episode is essential listening for any breeder looking to bring more holistic rearing into their program, covering not only her dog management techniques, but also her non-negotiable business rules: maintaining a mandatory financial escrow for emergencies, ensuring all contracts are attorney-reviewed and ironclad, and utilizing rigorous structural health clearances (OFA Hips/Elbows) that go beyond standard genetic testing.
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12 Days of Breeders 2025 - #6 - Bill Wyatt of DubDub Danes
In this 12 Days of Breeders interview, we welcome Bill Wyatt of DubDub Danes in Bentonville, Arkansas. After a career in high-level sales, Bill applies his deep customer service acumen to breeding, expertly guiding buyers so they feel supported, not sold to. Bill shares his lifelong love for Great Danes and gives an honest look at the immense logistics of managing a breeding business for giant dogs, covering everything from the astronomical feed (and poop) to a size-appropriate socialization protocol. You'll learn how he uses professional business standards to structure the entire customer journey and why his experience with Great Danes has made him passionate about temperament in breeding selection. This episode is a great listen for any breeder navigating a niche market or looking to transform their customer relationships.
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12 Days of Breeders 2025 - #5 - Cynthia Kelly of Regis Regal German Shepherds
Today, we dive into the highly specialized world of German Shepherd service dogs with Cynthia Kelly of Regis Regal German Shepherds. Cynthia shares the unique, rigorous process she has developed for raising, training, and placing her dogs, many of whom work with children with autism. She takes intentional breeding and socialization to the next level, enabling her to provide service dogs who have amazing ways of helping people, from providing a sense of safety and security, to preventing elopement of children, to providing life-saving intervention for people with epilepsy and diabetes. Learn about her foundational standards for long-term genetic clearance (focusing on at least eight to ten generations of clear bloodlines) and her unique philosophy on what it takes to create and train a successful service dog. Cynthia proves that with the right lineage and the highest level of foundational work, the potential for these magnificent dogs to serve humans is truly limitless.
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12 Days of Breeders 2025 - #4 - Kari Roach of Choice Paws
For Day 4 of 12 Days of Breeders, we welcome Kari Roach of Choice Paws in Utah. Kari's journey is highly strategic: a former pre-med student, after starting out as a guardian home, she ended up buying an established breeding business program. This rare and successful move allowed her to immediately apply her health science discipline, bringing a rigorous, systems-based approach to her Cavapoo program. You'll learn how Kari made the journey from guardian home to purchasing a breeding business, how she meticulously documents health testing and structure, implements a deep, structured curriculum including ENS and scent work to optimize puppy confidence, and details of her social media strategy to showcase integrity, justify premium pricing, and attract educated buyers. You'll also hear the heart she brings to her dogs, buyers, and guardian families. If you are ready to stop treating breeding as a hobby and start running a high-caliber program driven by both meticulous standards and genuine passion, this episode is mandatory listening.
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12 Days of Breeders 2025 - #3 - Natalie Thurman of Apex Anatolians
For Day 3 of 12 Days of Breeders, we dive into the world of Livestock Guardian Dogs (LGDs) with Natalie Thurman of Apex Anatolians in Frenchtown, Montana. Natalie's dogs aren't just pets—they are 24/7 protectors tasked with guarding livestock from predators like bears and mountain lions. She is also currently the President of the Anatolian Shepherd Dog Club of America (ASDCA). In this powerful episode, Natalie shares the essential difference between breeding for a companion pet and maintaining the innate, independent working temperament required for a true LGD. She provides an expert's look inside the national breed club, discussing the challenges of preserving the breed's functional standard against the pressures of dog show conformation. This interview offers a unique insight into tough ethical questions breeders encounter when they go viral. You will learn the importance of finding a breeder-mentor who emphasizes the whole dog (temperament, health, and working ability) and why blunt, complete honesty with every potential buyer is the only way to ensure successful placement in such a demanding working breed. If you are committed to upholding the function and integrity of a heritage breed, this episode is mandatory listening.
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12 Days of Breeders 2025 - #2 - McKenze Ocampo of Twilight Doodles
In this 12 Days of Breeders interview, we welcome McKenze Ocampo of Twilight Doodles in Dallas, Texas to share the experience and expertise she's used to build a thriving breeding business. McKenze discusses the daily discipline, continuous education, and fierce personal drive that has helped her build Twilight Doodles. You'll learn how she created a unique and authentic brand identity that sets her program apart, establishing immediate professionalism from day one. Crucially, McKenze reveals the power of her detailed record-keeping system, which provides non-stop, transparent support to her buyers. Plus, hear her powerful challenge: "If you are unteachable, maybe that's the time to stop doing something." If you're ready to master the business side of breeding without sacrificing passion, this episode is a blueprint for scaling success.
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12 Days of Breeders 2025 - #1 - Kim McGuirk of Newbliss Chicago Lagotto
In this first episode in our 2025 12 Day of Breeders, we talk to AKC Breeder of Merit, Kim McGuirk of Newbliss Chicago Lagotto, who built explosive business success by focusing on radical customer service and smart delegation. Kim shares the secret to her longevity: building an incredible community of owners through fun bi-annual social events, and the brilliant management strategy she uses to prevent burnout—including a puppy socialization hack using high school and college students on a shift spreadsheet! You'll learn how Kim's anti-snob approach to treating clients with respect attracted buyers fed up with poor communication elsewhere, and why the Lagotto Romagnolo is the ultimate purebred alternative to a Goldendoodle. If you're ready to pivot from stress to success, this episode is mandatory listening.
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#124 - Getting Out of Survival and Into a Business Growth Mindset
Breeders are some of the toughest people out there—but grit alone won't move you out of burnout. In this episode, I reveal the small hack that shifts you from survival mode into intentional growth mode. You'll learn how to feel real progress, how to stop moving the goalposts on yourself, and how to make better decisions with less emotional load. This one mindset shift has changed how I run my program… and it can change yours too.
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#123 - Reflecting on the Year of Dog Breeding and What I Plan to Change for Next Year
In this episode, I discuss my own personal year of dog breeding, what worked, what didn't go so well, and how I plan to change things going forward, plus how you can use my insights to start evaluating your own program. I also cover new updates for the Honest Dog Breeder Society and give you a sneak peek at all the exciting things I'm working on for 2026.
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#122 - Which Kind of Dog Breeder Are You?
Feeling overwhelmed? Can't seem to catch a break? Your program feels more like herding cats rather than breeding dogs? It happens to us all! In this episode we'll go over the two kinds of breeders, which one you are, how to transition if you're not happy about which one you are, and how immersing yourself in a solid community of intentional breeders can give you the edge you've been looking for. Learn more about the community here: honestdogbreeder.com/community
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#121 - Does Placing a Dog in the Wrong Home Make You A Bad Breeder?
Ever sold a puppy to a buyer and regretted it? Many things can happen when working with the general public and dogs, sometimes we get it wrong. In this episode we'll discuss what can happen to make it go wrong and help you determine which of these situations makes you a bad breeder and what you can do about it. Looking for a community of breeders who will support you through the good and the bad? Join the Dog Breeder Society, the only place where breeders genuinely support each other in all aspects of their business. We have everyone from new breeders to seasoned breeders who have been breeding for decades. Learn more at honestdogbreeder.com/dogbreedersociety
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#120 - Puppy Buyers Are Changing - How Dog Breeders Can Adapt
Puppy buyers are changing, they're asking for more from us, and they have new boxes they want us to check before buying. There's also a dark side of this movement that has buyers publicly coming after breeders. Today I'll talk about what they're doing, what to do if you're a victim, and how you can adapt your program so you're serving this new evolution of puppy buyers.
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#119 - A Better Way to Discounting Puppies
Discounting older puppies is tempting. Discounting is what stores do as the seasons change. They'll have sales for summer clothes as summer comes to an end. Yet, does it work for puppies? The answer? Well, sometimes, but not usually. In this episode I'll discuss the problems with discounting your older puppies, when it makes sense, when it doesn't, and if you do decide to discount a puppy, how to handle offering a discount in a way that is best for you, your buyers, and your dogs.
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#118 - How to Manage Parvo Once You've Had It
Parvo was one of the most stressful challenges I faced as a breeder—until I found NeoPar. In this episode, I share my journey and how NeoPar has worked for me to protect puppies against parvo at a very young age, even before they leave for their new homes. Because it bypasses maternal immunity, it gives puppies protection right when they need it most, and it's one of the few things that lets me sleep better at night knowing they're safe. This isn't a sponsored episode—it's simply my story and the solution that finally gave me peace of mind.
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#117 - Planning For Your Facility Upgrade
Ever wonder how to plan and budget for your facility upgrades? In this episode I'll share my best tips and tricks for facility upgrades, whether its the little stuff while you're just getting started, an intermediate DIY project or room remodel, or a large exterior facility. I'll also give you some guidelines for how to plan the budgeting for it and when to invest in a facility so that you aren't waiting too long, but in a way that doesn't capsize your finances either--no one wants to be "forced" to produce so many dogs.
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#116 - Should You Invest in Your Facilities or Retirement?
Over the last few episodes we've discussed ways to build a financial future, whether or not it includes dogs. In this episode we'll discuss whether your should invest in your facilities, so you can grow your breeding business, or whether you should invest in your future. I'll give you all the criteria you should review and answer to make the best decision for your business, your future, and your family!
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#115 - Invest For the Future
She told me, "If I don't sell 20 puppies this month, I'll go under." It was a wake-up call—and not just for her. In this episode, I'm sharing real ways to turn your dog breeding profits into long-term financial stability, so you're never stuck breeding out of survival. Whether you stay in the game or eventually want to take a step back, this one's all about building options. Don't forget to grab the cheat sheet at honestdogbreeder.com/115!
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#114 - Is Your Breeding Program Creating Your Future Or Just Getting You By?
One of the biggest mistakes I see breeders make is that they finally get some momentum—puppies are selling, income is flowing—and instead of using that money to create peace or freedom down the line, they burn it. You might be investing all of that money in your breeding program, but as important as it is to reinvest in your program, it's also incredibly important to invest in your future. In this episode, I'm so excited to share with you how to capitalize on your breeding program when it's in its heyday—when your dogs are popular, you've got lots of buyers, a good price, and your enthusiasm is high.
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#113 - How Many Litters Should You Have?
I asked myself this question recently when I realized I'd back-to-back (and overlapping) litters starting on January 31st of this year had been a little too much for my bandwidth. While there are easy calcuations to determine how many puppies you need to sell, and litters you need to have, to reach a financial target, and I've got a formula to help you calculate that - you can get it at https://honestdogbreeder.com/litters. But money isn't the only factor you need to consider when determining how many litters are right for you. In this episode I dive into the other questions you need to be asking yourself as you determine how many litters you should have!
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#112 - Q&A - Puppy Application Questions, Delayed Pick Up, Turning Buyers Down, 2 Breeds Yes or No, When to Collect Deposits
In this Q&A we have 5 questions I've been asked recently on the website. I'll go into brief detail on what to consider with each question and what do to about it. If you want to submit your own questions for Q&A, send me a message at [email protected]. Thank you!
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#111 - Where Breeders Are Bleeding Money Part 3/3 - Marketing Money Leaks
Ever feel like you're pouring money into marketing but not getting results? In this episode, we dig into the top marketing money leaks breeders face—from the trap of paid advertising to websites that repel more than they attract. I'll walk you through common mistakes that quietly drain your budget and energy, plus how to take the heavy lifting off your plate so your efforts actually move the needle. Whether you're just starting out or tightening things up, this episode will help you stop wasting money and finally get your marketing working for you—not against you. Sign up for the early bird special discount for Breeding Marketing Mastery: honestdogbreeder.com/earlybird
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#110 - Where Breeders Are Bleeding Money Part 2/3 - Hiring People
This is the second part of our three part series about common money leaks that breeders have. This episode covers hiring people. I'll share my own experiences hiring people, what some of the best methods are for being successful with employees, when a good time is, and common errors that end up capsizing profit and making things worse. I have a cheatsheet for you to use that will help you dive into all the things you should think about prior to hiring someone.
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#109 - Where Breeders Bleed Money, Part 1/3
This episode is the first in a 3-part series where we discuss the ins and outs of where I see breeders losing money. This episode approaches the practical side of owning dogs and stud service and where the sweet spot is. Stay tuned for the second part where we discuss the ins and outs of how to pay people in a way that helps you take better care of your dogs and makes you more money, without killing your profit margins. And the third part, where we discuss marketing and how to have it make you money. Want to learn more? We discuss deep dives into the breeding business each month with a masterclass released each month inside the Dog Breeder Society. Watch the on-demand courses, learn from seasoned breeders in the discussion boards, and ask Julie questions on the live calls twice a month! Learn more about the Dog Breeder Society.
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I-11 - Getting Better Puppy Photos - Tips & Tricks from Professional Dog Photographer Kerry Howell
In this episode we are joined by Kerry Howell, a professional dog photographer. She shares some tips and tricks on better dog photography as well as when you should consider hiring a professional photographer for your breeding business. You'll love Kerry's simple and easy approach that makes this process a lot less painful and easier to accomplish. This is the first lesson of a masterclass on better photography that dives deeper into Kerry's professional photography tips! Get the whole masterclass included with your membership to the Dog Breeder Society.
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#108 - Secrets to Planning Social Media Content for Dog Breeders
Want to do more social media, but you're not sure where to start? We've got you covered. In today's episode, Julie & Kate discuss Breeder Copy Hub, what it is, how it works, and how you can use it to make a streamlined plan for your social media. Learn more about social media, tips and tricks, and how to incorporate Breeder Copy Hub into your plan.
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#107 - Do More Puppies Mean More Profit?
It seems logical: more puppies means more money, right? In working with many breeders, it's clear that there is much more to the story of increasing your profit in your breeding program. So the answer to the question of "will more puppies make more money?" is it depends. In this episode we discuss the compounding complexity of scale and the options for how to increase profit in your breeding business, the honest and smart way. This is part of a larger masterclass I've released with a Google Sheet that you can adjust and play with to gain insight into where you can increase profit and how puppy numbers will play into this. Checkout the Course!
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126
Time Management Mini Series #3 - NJ Shelsby on Efficiency, Task Management, and AI Tools
NJ Shelsby is a business coach and she is a master of efficiency. She loves to strike the balance between enjoying life and having a successful business. As a business coach she helps people regain their time, while tackling what they need to do. NJ challenged me to think differently about my processes and her advice propelled me into a much more efficient end of 2024. You'll love her tips and tricks and I bet you could implement a few today!
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Time Management Mini Series #2 - Lara Marek - Using Hypnosis to Gain Success Subconsciously
Lara Marek is a coach for life and business, but she noticed something ... when people stopped working with her, they were unable to maintain their momentum. She found that there were underlying stories they held subconsciously that got in the way of success. She found she was able to give her clients long-term success through hypnosis, helping them to discard the underlying stories sabotagin their success. Learn what these stories look like, how to spot them, and see if hypnosis might work for you!
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Time Management Mini Series #1 - Danielle McGeough - Identifying Your Priorities & use the RISE Method to Get More Done
Danielle McGeough is a wealth of knowledge! With her wide array of experience in various industries, she's been helping people get more done for years! In this interview Danielle explains her RISE Ritual. Here's a quick snippet: "One of my favorite ways to teach people to press pause is to create something called a RISE Ritual Method. And RISE stands for reflect, intentional planning, sensory activation, and embodying your new story. And this doesn't have to take incredibly long. "In fact, I think that you can create a ritual that's 15 minutes. So you start out by thinking about, 'What state am I in?' And then, 'What state do I want to transition to?' And you name the transition that you want to create. And then from there, you go, 'Okay, what's a question I could ask myself, a reflection that I could engage in, that would help me move from one state to the next?' "From there, you can intentionally plan. A really quick way would it just to go, 'If there were three things that I could do today, that at the end of the day, I would feel fulfilled, I would know that I had given my best in my business, or at home, or both, right? What would those three things be?' And you name those and you write them down."
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#106 - Dog Breeding is Changing (are you ready?)
The dog breeding industry did a lot of normalizing in 2023, things are getting back to normal, but there have been changes. In this episode I discuss plans for the new year, how the economy is influencing dog breeding, and where I think it's all going so you can be prepared. Plus I've started a YouTube Channel where you can watch these episodes on recorded video check it out here: http://www.youtube.com/@jswan (I'd love it if you subscribed!)
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Welcome to the Honest Dog Breeder Podcast, with me, your host, Julie Swan, where each week we dive in to discuss all things dog breeding, so you can build a breeding business you love, producing dogs that fulfill their owner's dreams. I believe you can have an honest dog breeding program, that also pays the bills. So throw those pods in your ears while you're cleaning kennels—I'd love to join you.
HOSTED BY
Julie Swan
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