Episodes

Dec 10

Andrea Hesser, DVM DACT gives a step-by-step walkthrough of a frozen semen appointment to help you understand what to expect. In addition, learn what can be done to save sperm postmortem or in crisis situations. Watch the video version of this presentation here .

Nov 26

Dr. Smith, Dr. Barstow, and Dr. Cecere joined us for a Roundtable Q&A where they answered your questions about breeding. Learn about everything from progesterone to artificial insemination in this session. Watch the video version of this presentation here .

Nov 12

Discover the differences between neonates and adult dogs and why the first few weeks of life are critical. Learn about optimal husbandry, emergent conditions, support of the neonate and when to involve your veterinarian. Watch the video version of this presentation here .

Oct 29

Assessing a dog’s health and genetic background prior to breeding are key to minimizing the risk of passing on inherited diseases to offspring. Dr. Carla Barstow explains what’s involved in making informed breeding decisions. Watch the video version of this presentation here .

Oct 15

Fran Smith, DVM PhD DACT discusses how to avoid common problems with breeding. The number one cause of reproductive failure is improper timing. Learn about normal cycling behavior, cycle intervals and progesterone testing to help you determine the ideal time to breed your female. Learn about breeding options from natural service to side-by-side AI to chilled and frozen semen. Watch the video version of the presentation here.

Oct 1

RuthAnn Lobos DVM, CCRT, CVAT addresses the common claims made around supplements, explaining the quality, safety, and efficacy of Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Supplements. Watch the video version of this presentation here .

Sep 17

Victor Stora DVM, DACT, reviews the the art and science of keeping your stud dog fertile. Dr. Stora covers libido fluctuations, semen collection tips, nutritional support, infection prevention and aging strategies. Watch the video version of this presentation here .

Sep 3

Andrea Hesser, DVM DACT joins us from Purina to discuss what to do in the case of an unplanned breeding, including the medical options for terminating an 'oops' pregnancy. Watch the video version of the presentation here .

Aug 13

Understanding normal oral anatomy will help you detect common abnormalities to look for when evaluating the oral health of puppies. Christopher Smithson DVM, DAVCD, & Emily Duca, DVM join us to discuss malocclusions, missing teeth and periodontal teeth along with some recommendations for new puppy owners on when to seek veterinary care and treatment. Watch the video version of this presentation here .

Jul 30

Fran Smith, DVM PhD DACT, joins us from Purina to discuss current DNA technology, including single versus panel tests. Learn how to understand risk assessment from a single gene disease test and how to know if a test result is meaningful. Watch the video version of this presentation here .

Jul 16

Martha G Cline, DVM DACVIM (Nutrition), joins us from Purina to discuss how to read pet food labels effectively, and how you can make informed dietary choices for your dogs. Watch the video version of this presentation here .

Jun 25

Dr. Andrea Hesser, DVM, DACT, joins us from Purina to teach us about the most common ailments in canine breeding programs that affect conception and carriage of pregnancy, including diagnosis and treatment options. Watch the video version of this presentation here .

Jun 11

Breeders hold the blueprint of their dogs’ future in their hands. Understanding the hereditary links and the role of selective breeding is vital to reducing cancer prevalence. Being proactive, rather than reactive, is important. Every decision a breeder makes shapes the next generation of dogs. Hear from Victor Stora DVM, DACT to learn what you can do to improve your breeding outcomes. Watch the video version of this presentation here .

May 28

RuthAnn Lobos DVM, CCRT, CVAT joins us from Purina to host an in depth discussion about proper life stage nutrition. Watch the video recording of this presentation here .

May 14

We're joined this week by Dr. Micah Halpern, the founder and principal scientist at GenSol Diagnostics, to discuss how genetic health testing works and how it can lead to better breeding decisions. Learn about the basics of genetic health testing, the pros and cons for different testing options, and how to make breeding decisions based on genetic test results.

Apr 30

Dr. Julie Cecere, DVM MS DACT, joins us from Purina to discuss common prescription drugs and whether they are suitable for breeding dogs and neonates. Watch the video version of this presentation here .

Apr 16

Fran Smith, DVM PhD DACT joins us from Purina to explain how a dog’s anatomy can cause patellar luxation, or a “slipped stifle.” Learn about the prevalence of this painful genetic condition and how it is diagnosed and treated. Watch the video version of this presentation here .

Mar 26

Martha G Cline, DVM DACVIM (Nutrition) joins us from Purina to discuss the impact of probiotics on a dog's health at all life stages. Watch the video version of this presentation here .

Mar 12

Dr. Carla Barstow explains the clinical signs and best practices for dealing with common emergency conditions in females including pyometra, dystocia and post-partum complications. Dr. Barstow also addresses common emergencies in males. Watch the video version of this presentation here .

Feb 26

Dr. Laurie J. Larson, DVM, a veterinary immunology expert, explains how canine core viral vaccines work and what nomograph analysis can do to help improve our puppies’ chances of reaching full immunity. Watch the video version of this presentation here .

Feb 12

Dr. Fran Smith, DVM, President of the OFA, teaches our community how canine health testing can benefit your breeding program. She also shares insights into the history of OFA, its mission, and process for selecting health tests. Watch the video version of this presentation here.

Jan 29

Drs. Kate Aicher and Lea Poellmann discuss the emerging parasite (heterobilharzia americana) that causes canine liver flukes, also known as canine schistosomiasis. This presentation covers the life cycle of the parasite, how dogs become infected, as well as symptoms of, testing for, and treatment of infection. Watch the video version of this presentation here.

Dec 11, 2024

Dr. Andrea Hesser, a veterinarian specialized in theriogenology, provides a comprehensive overview of what you need in your whelping toolkit. The presentation covers essential and emerging approaches to pregnancy management, whelping equipment and support, and early puppy care. This review is not only for people with free-whelping breeds, but also for those who are planning elective C-sections. Watch the video version of the presentation here . We'll be back in January for more educational podcast episodes!

Nov 27, 2024

Dr. Cheryl Lopate continues our discussion about providing optimal care of a brood female throughout pregnancy and lactation. We review whelping box considerations to help you set up a dam, so she can provide excellent care for her neonates. Watch the video recording of the presentation here .

Nov 13, 2024

Dr. Cheryl Lopate discusses the best age to breed a female, why health clearances are important, and how genetic testing can help evaluate potential mates. Watch the video version of this presentation here .

Oct 30, 2024

Dr. Carla Barstow joins us for part two of her discussion about the tips & tricks you need to know for the best possible breeding outcomes. We close this year's symposium with an invaluable discussion on the myths and facts surrounding breeding. Watch the video recording of this presentation here . You can also catch part 1 here .

Oct 16, 2024

Dr. Carla Barstow joins us to share tips and tricks to have the best possible breeding outcomes. She'll also review what diagnostic tests and supplements are needed and what can be skipped. This is the first session of Good Dog's 4th Annual Health Symposium. Watch the video recording here .

Oct 2, 2024

Dr. Cheryl Lopate, MS, DVM, DACT continues the conversation on raising a stellar stud dog. This part focuses on how to effectively manage the breeding of an aging stud dog, including mitigating fertility issues, using reproductive supplements, and more. Starting at middle age around 5 years old, stud dogs may begin to have health concerns that can impact their breeding soundness. Physical health also can affect a stud dog’s libido. This episode focuses on how to effectively manage the breeding of an aging stud dog. A review of changes in semen quality, its impact on fertility and how frequently semen should be evaluated will be discussed. Ways to mitigate fertility issues and the use of reproductive supplements also will be reviewed. Watch the video version of this presentation here.

Sep 18, 2024

Hear from certified theriogenologist, Dr. Cheryl Lopate, MS, DVM, DACT, in this reproductive health podcast episode! Optimal performance in a stud dog requires proper nutrition, exercise, parasite control and vaccinations. A stud dog should pass the breed’s health clearances and genetic testing as well as a breeding soundness examination. Effectively managing a stud dog requires understanding his semen evaluation and methods to maximize and best preserve his future genetic potential. Part I of this series focuses on weaning through age 4. Watch the video version of this episode here .

Sep 4, 2024

Dr. Julie Cecere reviews some common causes of infertility in brood females and discusses the importance of checking both the male and female prior to breeding, in addition to guidance on nutrition and fitness. Watch the video version of this webinar here .

Aug 21, 2024

Growth is a challenging life stage. Understanding how key nutrients can support healthy growth and lifelong health helps to ensure puppies get off to a good start in life. It is essential to provide puppies with specific nutrients for healthy immunity, brain development and gastrointestinal health during development. Listen to Dr. Catherine Lenox, DVM, DACVIM (Nutrition) explain everything you need to know. The website that Dr. Lenox references is: www.purinainstitute.com/centresquare Watch the video version of this presentation here .

Aug 7, 2024

Expecting a litter of puppies? Now what? When does pregnancy care start? Should you have lab testing, radiographs and ultrasounds to help monitor the pregnancy? Learn from Dr. Fran Smith, DVM what you need to know about guiding your female through a safe pregnancy and delivery of healthy puppies. This review of the basics of pregnancy care will help put your mind at ease. Watch the video recording of this presentation here .

Jul 24, 2024

When it comes to raising an outstanding pet dog, one of the most important tools in a breeder’s arsenal is socialization. Dr. Annie Valuska discusses what socialization means and why it’s important and provides step-by-step instructions for how to establish a strong behavioral foundation for your dogs. Watch the video version of this webinar here.

Jul 10, 2024

This is an audio version of a recent Facebook Live we hosted where Nicole, Lauren, Cat, and Josh discuss the recent decision to bring back the application on Good Dog. To watch the video version of this presentation, click here .

Jun 26, 2024

Dr. Andrea Hesser, DVM, DACT discusses how nutrition for the pregnant & postpartum dam can impact the growth and development of her puppies. Learn about all aspects of a litter's first year of life, from birth to adolescence, and the required nutrition to ensure a litter's rapid growth is supported through every stage. This episode is an audio version of a recent webinar we did with Purina. To watch the video version, click here .

Jun 12, 2024

Dr. Julie T. Cecere, DVM, MS, DACT, teaches us about the latest research and innovations in canine reproduction techniques to maximize successful breedings. This is an audio version of a webinar we recently held with Purina. To see the video version, click here .

May 29, 2024

Dr. Kristina Belton gives an overview of the whelping process with an emphasis on ways responsible breeders can provide support, as well as techniques to identify when intervention is needed. This episode is an audio version of a webinar. To watch the video version, click here .

May 15, 2024

Dr. Jason Gagné, a board-certified veterinary nutritionist at Purina, speaks about the mechanisms and impact of pre and probiotics on gut health, the immune system, and the microbiome. Watch the webinar version of this podcast here .

May 1, 2024

Tony Johnson, DVM, from the Veterinary Information Network hosts a great discussion about first aid basics for dogs, including first aid kit essentials, basic triage, when to see the vet, and more. This episode is taken from a webinar - to see the accompanying video, click here .

Apr 17, 2024

Dr. Fran Smith dives into the everyday medications that can be potentially harmful to a canine pregnancy, and help breeders learn how to provide the best treatment for a pregnant dam that has the lowest risk for her fetuses. This episode is an audio version of a webinar. Click here to view the video presentation .

Apr 3, 2024

Learn about why dog breeders should consider insuring their programs and how business insurance can protect you and your breeding program. This episode is an audio version of a webinar Good Dog hosted about business insurance. To see the video recording, click here .

Mar 20, 2024

Dr. Julia Zuercher, a veterinarian with a focus on reproductive medicine, joins us to discuss some of the most frequently asked questions she receives from her clients. Tune in and learn about progesterone, neonatal care, vaccines, and more! Are you a dog breeder? Get access to committed applicants, sample contracts, exclusive discounts, and more when you join Good Dog. Join now: gooddog.com/join

Mar 6, 2024

For this week’s episode we dive into part 2 of legal basics for dog breeders. Learn about co-ownerships, showing rights, stud dogs, registration rights, and health guarantees!

Feb 21, 2024

At Good Dog, we want to make sure that your breeding programs are always protected, which is why today’s episode is all about legal basics for dog breeders. This will be a 2-part episode, and today we’ll be focusing on contract basics, lemon laws, breeding rights, and estate planning.

Feb 7, 2024

We're joined by Dr. Steve Shaw, a veterinarian and advisor for Oncotect, a company that provides non-invasive cancer screening for dogs. Learn about Dr. Shaw's background in canine oncology, how prevalent cancer is in dogs, why cancer prevalence is increasing, and what makes a dog more likely to develop cancer.

Jan 24, 2024

Nicole chats with Jeremias, a Certified Public Accountant from Withum, to talk all about tax best practices, how to approach common tax situations, and more. This episode is the audio version of a webinar. View the video version here .

Jan 10, 2024

We're joined by Dr. Rebecca Foran, who currently leads research & development at Wisdom Panel. Learn about how canine health research is conducted, and how breeders play a crucial part in this process. Dr. Foran also discusses the details of some genetic disorders including CDDY and IVDD in addition to the results of recent genetic research.

Dec 13, 2023

Nicole takes us through all the updates and milestones Good Dog accomplished through 2023. From better health testing recognition, to insurance, to a buyer mobile app, 2023 was an eventful year! We can't wait to show you what we have planned for 2024. Have a question you'd like us to answer on the air? Submit a question through this form !

Nov 29, 2023

We interview Rachel Goldammer from the International Working Dog Association (IWDA) to learn more about their mission. Tune in to discover what the IWDA does to support the breeding, rearing, and training of working dogs in addition to how they work with breed clubs through education, collaboration, and discovery. Is maintaining your breeding program’s website becoming costly and difficult to manage? Good Dog has the solution. Good Dog provides members of our Good Breeder community with free, professionally designed Profiles powered by design support from our professional graphic designers and 24/7 technical support from our team of cybersecurity experts and software engineers. Make your program’s costly and difficult to maintain website a thing of the past by applying to join our Good Breeder community at gooddog.com/join

Nov 10, 2023

Today's special episode brings you behind the scenes of Mission K9 Rescue, an award-winning Working Dog Rescue which has saved more than 1200 dogs that have served humanity in some capacity, such as Military Working Dogs (MWD) and Contract Working Dogs (CWD). Bob Bryant, the co-founder of Mission K9 Rescue, talks about Mission K9’s Five-Point Mission to Rescue, Reunite, Re-home, Rehabilitate, and Repair these brave dogs who have done so much for humans. Enjoy the best of Good Dog from the palm of your hand with the Good Breeder Mobile App! Good Breeders can use the mobile app to seamlessly and easily manage their programs on the go, whether you’re shuttling puppies to vet appointments, or coordinating airport pickups, you never have to worry about missing a second of managing your program. Download for iOS or Android .

Nov 1, 2023

We're joined by George Sofronidis, the Co- Founder & Managing Director of Orivet. Drawing from his years of experience in the world of genetics, George discusses some trends he's seen as well as how people can go about getting the right genetic tests for their dogs. Education is at the core of our mission here at Good Dog. We offer members of our community free and exclusive access to Good Dog Courses, a series of online educational courses that include in-depth videos, checklists, breeding tools, and more. If you aren’t yet a member of our community and would like free access to all of this educational content and more, we invite you to apply to join at gooddog.com/join

Oct 18, 2023

This week we are joined by Good Breeder Mary Ann of Mary Ann Whipple's Rat Terriers to discuss her journey of placing her puppies through Good Dog. Plus, hear about some of the latest updates we've added to Good Dog to improve your experience even more. As always, we are listening to your feedback and trying to make Good Dog as good as it can be! Enjoy the best of Good Dog from the palm of your hand with the Good Breeder Mobile App! Good Breeders can use the mobile app to seamlessly and easily manage their programs on the go, whether you’re shuttling puppies to vet appointments, or coordinating airport pickups, you never have to worry about missing a second of managing your program. Download for iOS or Android .

Oct 4, 2023

We're joined by Dr. Jenna Dockweiler, a veterinary geneticist with Embark Veterinary, to discuss what goes into selecting the right breeding stock for your program. Learn about health testing, genetic diversity, temperament, & more! Have a question you'd like us to answer on the air? Submit a question through this form !

Sep 20, 2023

In this episode we talk about an important part of what Good Dog offers, that many breeders may not be familiar with: our buyer support team AKA Good Dog’s Care Team! Melissa, the manager of Good Dog’s incredible Care Team, shares more about the ways that our Care Team helps support buyers on your behalf, and shares some insider tips on what buyers coming to Good Dog are looking for as they begin their puppy journey. Have a question you'd like us to answer on the air? Submit a question through this form !

Sep 6, 2023

Dr. Nate Ritter interviews Dr. Lauren Stump, a veterinarian with Nestle Purina PetCare, about epilepsy. Epilepsy is a common, chronic neurological disease and a risk to health and welfare in dogs. Canine Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome is a common, age-related disease caused by gradual and degenerative changes in the brain. Dr. Stump discusses these conditions and possibilities for nutritional management. Education is at the core of our mission here at Good Dog, and we’re always finding new ways to provide the latest and greatest in canine health and research to our community of Good Breeders. We’re excited to offer members of our community free and exclusive access to Good Dog Courses , a series of online educational courses that include in-depth videos, checklists, breeding tools, and more.

Aug 23, 2023

Nicole is joined by Kaelin, Good Dog's Social Lead and social media guru to discuss how Facebook’s latest crackdown on animal sales will impact responsible dog breeders. Learn what you need to know about the changing landscape of using social media to sell dogs, and why Good Dog is here to help you. Is maintaining your breeding program’s website becoming costly and difficult to manage? Good Dog has the solution. Good Dog provides members of our Good Breeder community with free, professionally designed Profiles powered by design support from our professional graphic designers and 24/7 technical support from our team of cybersecurity experts and software engineers. Make your program’s costly and difficult to maintain website a thing of the past by applying to join our Good Breeder community at gooddog.com/join

Aug 9, 2023

Heartworm disease is something that impacts not only dog breeders, but all dog owners. Dr. Nate Ritter, Good Dog’s veterinarian, joins us to discuss everything you need to know about keeping your dog protected from this condition. Good Dog provides E-Contracts completely for free to members of our community. If you aren’t yet a member of our Good Breeder community, you can sign up to join today to access E-contracts on Good Dog. Have a question you'd like us to answer on the air? Submit a question through this form !

Jul 26, 2023

Nicole & Adam talk all things deposits! Setting expectations and communicating clearly with your buyers are instrumental in ensuring a smooth transaction. Learn how to talk to your buyers about deposits, make sure they have a full understanding of what they are and why they’re so important, and what “non-refundable” really means.

Jul 12, 2023

This is an audio version of a webinar we hosted on our Facebook page . To see the accompanying slides, view the recording here . Food allergies can be frustrating for pet owners and veterinarians alike. They often share clinical signs with environmental allergies and can be difficult to differentiate. This podcast discusses the prevalence and diagnostic approach to food allergy, focusing primarily on the elimination diet and the supporting evidence to integrate and maximize the benefit of diet into a successful treatment plan.

Jun 28, 2023

This is an audio version of a webinar we hosted on our Facebook page . To see the accompanying slides, view the recording here . Food allergies can be frustrating for pet owners and veterinarians alike. They often share clinical signs with environmental allergies and can be difficult to differentiate. This podcast discusses the prevalence and diagnostic approach to food allergy, focusing primarily on the elimination diet and the supporting evidence to integrate and maximize the benefit of diet into a successful treatment plan.

Jun 14, 2023

We're excited to be joined today by Roger Allen, a member of our Good Breeder Community, to talk about emergency evacuation for dog owners, as well as summer safety tips to keep your dogs protected all summer long. Learn about putting together a grab and go bag for emergencies, as well as some common summer hazards you should be aware of! Have a question you'd like us to answer on the air? Submit a question through this form ! Good Dog guarantees your payment against chargebacks, cancellations, and fraud, all while providing a seamless and easy payment experience from start to finish, with protected payments, easy invoicing, payment verification and centralized records. Get started today by applying to join our Good Breeder community at gooddog.com/join

May 31, 2023

Dr. Greg Burns, DVM joins us to discuss multiple-sired litters, from what causes it to why breeders might want to use it to their advantage! Dr. Greg Burns is a board-certified theriogenologist (reproductive specialist) and is currently an assistant professor at Colorado State University. Have a question you'd like us to answer on the air? Submit a question through this form ! Enjoy the best of Good Dog from the palm of your hand with the Good Breeder Mobile App! Good Breeders can use the mobile app to seamlessly and easily manage their programs on the go, whether you’re shuttling puppies to vet appointments, or coordinating airport pickups, you never have to worry about missing a second of managing your program. Not a member of Good Dog yet? Join today.

May 17, 2023

Nicole highlights Good Dog’s new Preferred Breeder Program, and is joined by Good Breeder Meli who shares her thoughts on being a Preferred Breeder. You can learn more about the Preferred Breeder Program here . Have a question you'd like us to answer on the air? Submit a question through this form ! We’re excited to offer members of our community free and exclusive access to Good Dog Courses, a series of online educational courses that include in-depth videos, checklists, breeding tools, and more. If you aren’t yet a member of our community and would like free access to all of this educational content and more, we invite you to apply to join at gooddog.com/join

May 3, 2023

Good Dog's Veterinary Health Lead Dr. Nate Ritter joins us this episode to discuss Giardia. Learn about what this intestinal parasite is, how dogs get infected, what their symptoms look like, and what you can do to prevent it. Make your program’s costly and difficult to maintain website a thing of the past by applying to join our Good Breeder community at gooddog.com/join Have a question you'd like us to answer on the air? Submit a question through this form !

Apr 19, 2023

Jackson, the Head of Operations at Good Dog, describes what goes on behind the scenes to ensure breeders' payments are secure. Learn about the Payment Ops Team, what we do to prevent scammers, and what you can do to protect yourself. Good Dog provides E-Contracts completely for free to members of our community. If you aren’t yet a member of our Good Breeder community, you can sign up to join today to access E-contracts on Good Dog. Have a question you'd like us to answer on the air? Submit a question through this form !

Apr 5, 2023

Dr. Fanni Lehoczki joins us all the way from Budapest, Hungary to discuss her research that explores dogs' sensitivities to vocalizations from other dogs, as well as other animals, including wolves and humans. She also has looked into the breed differences when it comes to howling behavior in dogs. Learn about what howls are, why they are used in nature, and why dogs do it. Have a question you'd like us to answer on the air? Submit a question through this form ! Good Dog guarantees your payment against chargebacks, cancellations, and fraud, all while providing a seamless and easy payment experience from start to finish, with protected payments, easy invoicing, payment verification and centralized records. Get started today by applying to join our Good Breeder community at gooddog.com/join

Mar 22, 2023

This episode was adapted from a recent webinar we hosted on Facebook about SEO for Good Breeders. To see the video recording of this presentation, visit this link . Learn how Good Dog works to bring you quality applicants, and what steps you can take to make your Good Breeder profile stand out to potential applicants. Have a question you want us to answer on the air? Fill out our Good Dog Pod Mailbag. Enjoy the best of Good Dog from the palm of your hand with the Good Breeder Mobile App! Good Breeders can use the mobile app to seamlessly and easily manage their programs on the go, whether you’re shuttling puppies to vet appointments, or coordinating airport pickups, you never have to worry about missing a second of managing your program. Download for iOS or Android .

Mar 8, 2023

Dr. Angie Johnston joins us today to talk about how dogs learn (and how that compares to human learning). Dr. Johnston is an Assistant Professor of Psychology at Boston College where she is the director of the Canine Cognition Center and Social Learning Laboratory. Learn about the similarities & differences between human and canine cognition, what dingoes can teach us about the domestication of dogs, and more! Education is at the core of our mission here at Good Dog, and we’re always finding new ways to provide the latest and greatest in canine health and research to our community of Good Breeders. We’re excited to offer members of our community free and exclusive access to Good Dog Courses, a series of online educational courses that include in-depth videos, checklists, breeding tools, and more. This is completely free for members of our community, and you can access them by visiting here . If you aren’t yet a member of our community and would like free access to all of this educational content and more, we invite you to apply to join at gooddog.com/join

Feb 22, 2023

Dr. Cristina Gobello, a reproductive veterinarian and researcher of pseudocyesis joins us today to talk about pseudopregnancy. Learn more about this perplexing condition that leads dogs to behave as if they are pregnant! Read more about Dr. Gobello's research here . Is maintaining your breeding program’s website becoming costly and difficult to manage? Good Dog has the solution. Good Dog provides members of our Good Breeder community with free, professionally designed Profiles powered by design support from our professional graphic designers and 24/7 technical support from our team of cybersecurity experts and software engineers. Make your program’s costly and difficult to maintain website a thing of the past by applying to join our Good Breeder community at gooddog.com/join

Feb 8, 2023

Nicole discusses the current prevalence of online pet scams, how to identify them, and what you can do to protect yourself. Also, learn what Good Dog is actively doing to change the system to fight against scammers. E-Contracts on Good Dog are a convenient, free, and secure way to collect legally binding electronic signatures or “eSignatures” from buyers. Good Dog provides E-Contracts completely for free to members of our community. If you aren’t yet a member of our Good Breeder community, you can sign up to join today to access E-contracts on Good Dog.

Jan 25, 2023

Abbey Johnson joins us today to speak about some effective training techniques and the importance of training dogs while they're young. Abbey is a certified dog trainer (CPDTKA) and is Good Dog's official puppy coach. Check out Good Dog's Puppy Training Program . Payment on Good Dog is the secure payment platform that breeders and buyers deserve. Good Dog guarantees your payment against chargebacks, cancellations, and fraud, all while providing a seamless and easy payment experience from start to finish, with protected payments, easy invoicing, payment verification and centralized records. Get started today by applying to join our Good Breeder community at gooddog.com/join

Jan 11, 2023

We are joined by Dr. Matt Kaeberlin, a Co-Director of the Dog Aging Project . The Dog Aging Project is a large-scale canine health study that follows tens of thousands of companion dogs throughout their lives in order to identify the factors that lead to a long life. Learn about the biology of aging, how the Dog Aging Project is innovating in this scientific field, and what factors can affect a dog's rate of aging. Your Litter A to Z is the leading, science-based course for dog breeders. It includes expertly designed 18 modules, checklists, and reports that cover before breeding, getting your bitch pregnant, whelping your litter and raising your pups. If you're already a member of Good Dog, you can access the course here ! And if you're not a member, you can join our community here .

Jan 4, 2023

Dr. Mikel Delgado from Good Dog's Health, Standards, & Research team interviews theriogenologist Dr. Bruce Christensen, DVM, MS, DACT. Dr. Christensen runs Kokopelli Assisted Reproductive Services in Sacramento, CA. Dr. Christensen graduated from Cornell University's College of Veterinary Medicine in 2002 and has authored many book chapters, peer-reviewed scientific publications, and lay articles on reproduction in many species, and has edited a text on canine reproduction. Listen to this episode to get Dr. Christensen's insight on semen quality: what the best practices are around shipping semen, what you need to know with chilled versus frozen semen, and more!

Dec 28, 2022

This is a replay of an episode that originally aired on November 11th, 2020. About Dr. Hutchison: Dr. Hutchison, DVM is a Reproduction and Genetics consultant for the Veterinary Information Network (VIN), and is co-director of the Animal Clinic Northview in North Ridgeville, Ohio. He is also the president of the International Canine Semen Bank of Ohio, and advisor for College of Veterinary Medicine students interested in small animal theriogenology from OSU, Virginia Tech, Purdue, Tufts, and Michigan State. Dr. Hutchison is the author of many articles on canine reproduction in leading breed journals and magazines. We’re so excited to share the recording of the first part of the webinar series with everyone! If you aren't yet a Good Breeder, we encourage you to complete our short 30-second registration form to view parts two and three . If you have signed up already, you can check out the remaining parts here !

Dec 21, 2022

Nicole & Dr. Mikel Delgado interview buyers who recently found their new best friend on Good Dog. Learn about their experience working with a Good Dog breeder and hear them talk about the joys (and silly moments) that come with raising a new puppy. Happy Holidays and we will be back on January 11th!

Dec 14, 2022

Cat and Monica go over their favorite things that happened this year: from launching the Good Breeder app, to Good Dog courses, to scam protection, and more! Let's take a look back at the highlights from 2022 as well as some sneak peaks into our plans for 2023! We're offering a special 20% off discount code to the Good Dog merch store. Use code HOLIDAY20 at checkout to get 20% off for the month of December! You can find the store at shop.gooddog.com .

Dec 7, 2022

Fred Helfers joins us again to discuss the sport and fun of nosework. Fred is a retired police detective who got his start with detection dog training over 40 years ago. He is a certified canine nosework instructor and offers training resources on scent detection, which you can find out more about on his website, fredhelfers.com . Fred talks about the ins and outs of canine nosework: from talking about his time working with detection dogs in US Customs to explaining how a dog's sense of smell helps them understand the world. Most importantly, learn how you can get involved in the wonderful world of nosework! Your Litter A to Z is the leading, science-based course for dog breeders. It includes expertly designed 18 modules, checklists, and reports that cover before breeding, getting your bitch pregnant, whelping your litter and raising your pups. If you're already a member of Good Dog, you can access the course here ! And if you're not a member, you can join our community here .

Nov 30, 2022

We are joined by Clara Wilson, a final year PhD researcher at Queen's University Belfast who studies odor cues associated with human physiological states and health conditions using applied canine olfaction. Learn about how dogs can use their sense of smell to detect stress (among other things) in humans! Clara talks about how to measure a dog's ability to detect stress, and the importance of training dogs to accomplish this task. Listeners of The Good Dog Pod get 15% off the Good Dog merch store with the code GDP15. Go to shop.gooddog.com to redeem this exclusive discount!

Nov 23, 2022

In this episode, we pull some clips from a recent webinar we did with Dr. Robert Hutchision, where he answered some of your frequently asked questions! Learn about line breeding, size discrepancies, radiographs, and more! To view the full webinar, where Dr. Hutch also talks about artificial insemination, low progesterone, and more, follow this link . Good Dog’s Breeding Foundations course provides expert advice on pedigrees, genetics, contracts, and everything else you need to set your breeding program up for success. This course usually costs $245, but you can access it for free when you join Good Dog today ! If you're already a member, you can access the course here .

Nov 16, 2022

Caroline Spangenberg joins us from the University College Dublin School of Veterinary Medicine to discuss her research in canine cryptorchidism, answering all the questions you may have about the topic, but were too afraid to ask. To start, Caroline explains what cryptorchidism is, how it differs from normal testicular development in dogs, and how you can know whether your puppy may be cryptorchid. She also dives into whether the condition is heritable, and what problems cryptorchidism can lead to. Good Dog provides breeders in our community with free and exclusive access to puppy contract templates and legal resources created by our team of lawyers, specifically for dog breeders. If you're already a member of Good Dog, you can access these resources here . And if you're not a member, but would like to join, you can sign up here !

Nov 9, 2022

We’re joined by Doylene Roberts, member and Health Chair of the Saint Bernard Club of America, to talk about the incredible work the SBCA is doing to further the health of the breed, and the recent success of their National Health Day, which was proudly supported by Good Dog. Breeders on Good Dog get $100 every year to spend on health testing and access to exclusive discounts from our partners, including Embark, Paw Print Genetics, and AKC Reunite. If you're already a member of our community, you can check out the discounts here . And if you're not a member, but would like to know more, you can join here !

Nov 2, 2022

We are joined by Maria Marano, a Registered Veterinary Technician, to discuss her work in helping puppies have positive experiences at the vet. Learn about Maria's experience as a technician, what a fear free vet entails for puppies, and what "happy vet visits" are. There are also ways owners can prepare for vet visits to make the experience as low-stress for their puppy (and themselves) as possible. Listen to learn more! Your Litter A to Z is the leading, science-based course for dog breeders. It includes expertly designed 18 modules, checklists, and reports that cover before breeding, getting your bitch pregnant, whelping your litter and raising your pups. If you're already a member of Good Dog, you can access the course here ! And if you're not a member, you can join our community here .

Oct 26, 2022

We're joined by Dr. Freya Mowat, an assistant professor at both the School of Veterinary Medicine and the School of Medicine and Public Health at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She is also a board-certified specialist in veterinary ophthalmology, meaning she knows all about canine vision and retinal diseases! Learn about what dogs like to watch on TV, whether we can give dogs an eye test, and what sudden acquired retinal degeneration syndrome (SARDS) is. The University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine’s is looking for dog owners to participate in a fun and simple study with their furry friends – watching TV! In this study, participants are asked to answer a questionnaire regarding how their dog responds to various types of media, and optionally, watch a series of videos with their dogs and rate how interesting it was for them. Participation is this study could help researchers learn more about dog behavior and how dog and human vision compares. Full participation should take 20 minutes. Take the survey now ! Listeners of The Good Dog Pod get 15% off the Good Dog merch store with the code GDP15. Go to shop.gooddog.com to redeem this exclusive discount!

Oct 19, 2022

We speak with Drs. Andrea Sommese & Shany Dror about the Genius Dog Challenge at the Ethology Department at the Eötvös Loránd University in Budapest, Hungary. Learn about the research Drs. Sommese & Dror are conducting, from what being a "gifted" dog means to how they test this giftedness in a scientific setting. Does your dog know the names of more than 10 objects or toys? Are you interested in participating in the Genius Dog Challenge? Fill out this application form! Good Dog’s Breeding Foundations course provides expert advice on pedigrees, genetics, contracts, and everything else you need to set your breeding program up for success. This course usually costs $245, but you can access it for free when you join Good Dog today ! If you're already a member, you can access the course here .

Oct 12, 2022

Nicole is joined by Jaimi Sun, an amazing member of our Good Breeder community (Sunnydoodle Utah), and her recent puppy buyers, Eric and Gina. They share their recent experience working together, and tell us all that goes into applying and eventually bringing a puppy home from a breeder. Get to know everything that goes into the breeder-buyer puppy connection, from both sides of the relationship: from the application to the waitlist to the matching process to the go-home process and beyond. Good Dog provides breeders in our community with free and exclusive access to puppy contract templates and legal resources created by our team of lawyers, specifically for dog breeders. If you're already a member of Good Dog, you can access these resources here . And if you're not a member, but would like to join, you can sign up here !

Oct 5, 2022

We're joined by Dr. Christine Aurich, DVM, PhD, a veterinarian and the Head of the Centre for Artificial Insemination at the University of Veterinary Medicine in Vienna, Austria. Dr. Mikel Delgado interviews Dr. Aurich about her recent research in cryopreservation of dog semen samples, which are used in the artificial insemination (AI) process. Learn about what cryopreservation is, how it works, and why a breeder may want to consider it! Good Dog hosts monthly webinars with canine health experts, including Dr. Robert Hutchison, Dr. Marty Greer, and many more. Access all of our past webinars - and stay up to date on upcoming webinars - by visiting the Good Breeder Center .

Sep 28, 2022

Good Dog's Health, Standards, & Research Team discuss canine virus outbreaks, and how we as dog breeders and owners can keep our dogs safe. Learn about parvovirus, including how it spreads, what symptoms typically look like, what you should do if you suspect your puppy has parvo, and how to prevent virus outbreaks. Balancing socialization while keeping your not yet fully vaccinated puppy safe can be tough - the team talks about some ideas you can use to stay safe while socializing. Breeders on Good Dog get $100 every year to spend on health testing and access to exclusive discounts from our partners, including Embark, Paw Print Genetics, and AKC Reunite. If you're already a member of our community, you can check out the discounts here . And if you're not a member, but would like to know more, you can join here !

Sep 21, 2022

Natalie Thurman, a wonderful member of our very own Good Breeder Community, joins us to talk about working dogs: their history, purpose, and unique characteristics! Natalie, who breeds Anatolian Shepherds, shares her own journey with breeding in addition to the history and characteristics of the Anatolian Shepherd breed. Your Litter A to Z is the leading, science-based course for dog breeders. It includes expertly designed 18 modules, checklists, and reports that cover before breeding, getting your bitch pregnant, whelping your litter and raising your pups. If you're already a member of Good Dog, you can access the course here ! And if you're not a member, you can join our community here .

Sep 14, 2022

We're joined by Rachel Caddiell, who is currently pursuing her PhD at North Carolina State University. Dr. Mikel Delgado interviews Rachel about her current research, all about whether there are any breed differences in sensitivity to pain, as well as the perception and education related to pain reception in veterinary medicine. Research has shown that both the general public and veterinarians have perceptions of pain sensitivity that are based on breed. Rachel's research is focusing in on determining whether there really are breed differences in pain sensitivity in addition to exploring when and how veterinary students adopt these perceptions of pain sensitivity. For more information on NC State's research (and participation opportunities) visit this website . Listeners of The Good Dog Pod get 15% off the Good Dog merch store with the code GDP15. Go to shop.gooddog.com to redeem this exclusive discount!

Sep 7, 2022

We're joined by Flori Bliss, a licensed veterinary technician and certified canine rehabilitation practitioner. Flori currently works at the veterinarian teaching school at Virginia Tech. Flori discusses why dogs end up coming to her clinic for physical therapy, what that therapy entails, and how to tell if your dog might need this rehab. Good Dog provides breeders in our community with free and exclusive access to puppy contract templates and legal resources created by our team of lawyers, specifically for dog breeders. If you're already a member of Good Dog, you can access these resources here . And if you're not a member, but would like to join, you can sign up here !

Aug 31, 2022

Dr. Mikel Delgado interviews Dr. Mary Beth Spitznagel, who has done research on the difficulties that dog owners face when their dog has skin disease. Learn about what caregiver burden is, how it can affect pet owners, and what you can do to reduce this burden. Good Dog’s Breeding Foundations course provides expert advice on pedigrees, genetics, contracts, and everything else you need to set your breeding program up for success. This course usually costs $245, but you can access it for free when you join Good Dog today ! If you're already a member, you can access the course here .

Aug 24, 2022

The audio for this podcast episode was taken from a recent Good Breeder Webinar. Follow us on Facebook to catch these events live! Nicole and the Good Dog Health, Standards, & Research Team discuss all things health testing related on Good Dog! Learn about Good Dog's health testing requirements, and how you can use Good Dog to highlight the work you put into your program, including our recently-added health testing badges, which allow breeders to showcase the testing they do on each of their breeding dogs. Payments on Good Dog is our secure payment platform that guarantees payments for you and your puppy buyers. Learn more about payments on Good Dog here , whether you’re already a member of Good Dog or are interested in joining!

Aug 17, 2022

This week, we continue our conversation with Dr. Tyler Jordan, Board-Certified Veterinary Dermatologist & Ph.D. Candidate in Comparative Biomedical Sciences, in support of Itchy Pet Awareness Month! Learn what preventative measures you can take to keep your dog's skin healthy, how skin health can affect behavioral issues, how breeders can reduce dermatological issues in their puppies, and more! Breeders on Good Dog get $100 every year to spend on health testing and access to exclusive discounts from our partners, including Embark, Paw Print Genetics, and AKC Reunite. If you're already a member of our community, you can check out the discounts here . And if you're not a member, but would like to know more, you can join here !

Aug 10, 2022

This week, we're joined by Dr. Tyler Jordan, Board-Certified Veterinary Dermatologist & Ph.D. Candidate in Comparative Biomedical Sciences, in support of Itchy Pet Awareness Month! Join us as we discuss canine atopic dermatitis, itchy dogs, food allergies and more! Good Dog provides breeders in our community with free and exclusive access to puppy contract templates and legal resources created by our team of lawyers, specifically for dog breeders. If you're already a member of Good Dog, you can access these resources here . And if you're not a member, but would like to join, you can sign up here !

Aug 3, 2022

We're joined by Dr. Joe Menicucci and Dr. Rory Lubold, two veterinarians who have come together to bring us Affordable Pet Labs. Affordable Pet Labs is an experienced team of veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and pet lovers dedicated to making lab testing stress-free, convenient and more affordable by offering lab work for your pets in your home. Learn more about why Drs. Menicucci and Lubold founded Affordable Pet Labs, how it works, and where they're going in the future. Your Litter A to Z is the leading, science-based course for dog breeders. It includes expertly designed 18 modules, checklists, and reports that cover before breeding, getting your bitch pregnant, whelping your litter and raising your pups. If you're already a member of Good Dog, you can access the course here ! And if you're not a member, you can join our community here .

Jul 27, 2022

Nicole chats with Emily Schramm, a wonderful member of our very own Good Breeder Community, about the ins and outs of Good Dog, what it means to be a Good Breeder, and most importantly, how to use Good Dog to successfully run your breeding program. As a long-time breeder, Emily shares how Good Dog has impacted her program, what features she uses the most, as well as advice for breeders wanting to level up their own breeding programs. Good Dog provides breeders in our community with free and exclusive access to puppy contract templates and legal resources created by our team of lawyers, specifically for dog breeders. If you're already a member of Good Dog, you can access these resources here . And if you're not a member, but would like to join, you can sign up here !

Jul 20, 2022

We're joined by Dr. Shadi Ireifej, DVM DACVS, the Chief Medical Officer of VetTriage . VetTriage provides veterinary telehealth services across the US, giving pet owners immediate access to triage advice from licensed veterinarians 24-hours a day, 365-days a year. Veterinary clinics have become more and more busy, making it difficult for pet owners to get the care they need on short notice. VetTriage's goal is to close that gap, giving pet owners the information they need - before committing to the time and cost of going to an emergency vet hospital. Breeders on Good Dog get $100 every year to spend on health testing and access to exclusive discounts from our partners, including Embark, Paw Print Genetics, and AKC Reunite. If you're already a member of our community, you can check out the discounts here . And if you're not a member, but would like to know more, you can join here !

Jul 13, 2022

Beth Gammie from RedRover joins us to talk about disaster preparedness. RedRover is a nonprofit whose mission is to help animals in crisis and to protect and strengthen the bond between people and animals through emergency sheltering, disaster relief services, financial assistance, and education. Beth leads the RedRover Responders program by monitoring disasters and other emergencies for deployment, managing requests for assistance and serving as RedRover's Team Leader in the field when animals are in crisis. Learn about the amazing work Beth and RedRover do for both people and animals in crisis, from natural disaster relief to domestic violence support. Beth also gives some tips on how you and your pets can be prepared for disasters. Breeders on Good Dog get $100 every year to spend on health testing and access to exclusive discounts from our partners, including Embark, Paw Print Genetics, and AKC Reunite. If you're already a member of our community, you can check out the discounts here . And if you're not a member, but would like to know more, you can join here !

Jun 29, 2022

We're joined by Meegan Pierotti-Tietje, a renowned dog handler, breeder, President of the Ibizan Hound Club of the United States. And, she is doing incredible work over at Showsight Magazine . In this episode, we discuss the wonderful world of dog shows! Learn more about Meegan's extensive experience in the show ring, the value of mentors, and how you can get started in the show world! Good Dog’s Breeding Foundations course provides expert advice on pedigrees, genetics, contracts, and everything else you need to set your breeding program up for success. This course usually costs $245, but you can access it for free when you join Good Dog today ! If you're already a member, you can access the course here .

Jun 22, 2022

We're joined by Dr. Adam Boyko, an associate professor in Biomedical Sciences at the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine and the co-founder of Embark. In this episode, we discuss one of Dr. Boyko's recent studies with Embark where he looks at a genetic mutation relating to hearing loss in Rhodesian Ridgebacks. Previous research had established a link between Rhodesian Ridgebacks and early onset adult deafness. Dr. Boyko and his team at Embark dug into the genetics and discovered a genetic mutation (specifically a deletion) that may be responsible for this condition in the breed. Listen to the episode to learn why Corgis, German Shepherds, and Labrador Retrievers where included in this Rhodesian Ridgeback-focused study! Listeners of The Good Dog Pod get 15% off the Good Dog merch store with the code GDP15. Go to shop.gooddog.com to redeem this exclusive discount!

Jun 15, 2022

Today we are joined by Mallory DeChant, PhD, a postdoctoral research associate at Texas Tech University! Dr. DeChant goes over her research looking at the complex world of the canine olfactory system, AKA how dogs smell! Her research focuses on exploring methods to enhance search vigilance in detection dogs. Listen to the episode to learn how scientists use banana flavored runts to help study a dog's olfaction! Good Dog provides breeders in our community with free and exclusive access to puppy contract templates and legal resources created by our team of lawyers, specifically for dog breeders. If you're already a member of Good Dog, you can access these resources here . And if you're not a member, but would like to join, you can sign up here !

Jun 8, 2022

In this special episode, Good Dog Pod hosts Nicole and Dr. Mikel Delgado take a look back at our past 100 episodes as we remember some of our favorite moments. So join us as we take a trip down memory lane in celebration of two years of podcasting!

Jun 1, 2022

Nicole is joined by Good Breeder Shonnie Layland, who breeds Leonbergers under the program name Sinnsro Leonbergers. This episode is all about the critical process of carefully selecting foundation stock when beginning your breeding program. It takes a lot to start a breeding program the right way - from finding and choosing the right foundation dogs, to doing the right health testing, to learning everything you can about your breed. Shonnie describes her journey with Leonbergers as she has built her breeding program - plus she teaches us a bit about the breed's history! Listeners of The Good Dog Pod get 15% off the Good Dog merch store with the code GDP15. Go to shop.gooddog.com to redeem this exclusive discount!

May 25, 2022

We are joined again by America's Vet, Dr. Marty Becker! Dr. Becker founded the Fear Free Movement and made it his mission to prevent and alleviate fear, anxiety & stress in pets by inspiring and educating the people who care for them. Today we discuss Dr. Becker's recent trip to the Ukrainian border, where he helped in the ongoing efforts to take care of the pets that have been displaced by the war in Ukraine. Hear from Dr. Becker as he recounts some of his incredible experiences in assisting with the logistics and on-the-ground support in Romania and Moldova on the Ukrainian border.

May 18, 2022

We are joined by Fred Helfers, a retired police detective who got his start with detection dog training over 40 years ago. Fred is a certified canine nosework instructor and offers training resources on scent detection, which you can find out more about on his website, fredhelfers.com . In this episode, Fred talks about getting his start with hunting dogs, and how he transitioned to using detection dogs in the police. Learn the ins and outs of how detection dogs do their jobs, how to train them, and how important the human-dog dynamic is! Breeders on Good Dog get $100 every year to spend on health testing and access to exclusive discounts from our partners, including Embark, Paw Print Genetics, and AKC Reunite. If you're already a member of our community, you can check out the discounts here . And if you're not a member, but would like to know more, you can join here !

May 11, 2022

This week we are joined by Dr. Karen DeMatteo, a research scientist from Washington University in St. Louis, who is focused on studying the interactions that occur at the species and community level. Among the many techniques she uses in her research, Dr. DeMatteo uses detection dogs in conservation work across South America & the United States. We discuss Dr. DeMatteo's research in tracking and studying the elusive bush dog using detection dogs. Learn why detection dogs can be a useful research tool for scientists, how to train them to track these rare animals, and what happens when the scent they're tracking gets mixed with another animal's scent! Good Dog’s Breeding Foundations course provides expert advice on pedigrees, genetics, contracts, and everything else you need to set your breeding program up for success. This course usually costs $245, but you can access it for free when you join Good Dog today ! If you're already a member, you can access the course here .

May 4, 2022

Today we are joined by Megan Foster, owner of Synergy Dog Sports , long-time judge for the United States Dog Agility Association, and expert agility coach! We are also joined by two of Good Dog's own, Regan Abromitis & Rachel Jefferds, who regularly compete in agility with their Aussies. Megan describes what agility is, what's so engaging about it, and what you need to get started. She also discusses the human-dog relationship, and how that factors into competing in agility. We finish the episode with a conversation between Mikel, Regan, and Rachel to learn about Regan & Rachel's personal experiences with agility. Learn about their dogs, how they got into agility, and what they love about it! Your Litter A to Z is the leading, science-based course for dog breeders. It includes expertly designed 18 modules, checklists, and reports that cover before breeding, getting your bitch pregnant, whelping your litter and raising your pups. If you're already a member of Good Dog, you can access the course here ! And if you're not a member, you can join our community here .

Apr 27, 2022

Today we are joined by Dr. Jasmine Fusi from the University of Milan. Dr. Fusi studies everything relating to canine (and feline) reproduction, including intensive care for neonates, artificial insemination, neonatal health, and much more. In this episode, we dive into her research looking at stress hormones & newborn puppies. Dr. Fusi uses a non-invasive method to measure hormone levels in puppies, which involves taking samples of their nails at regular intervals. We know that the conditions a human experiences in utero can have an effect on their entire life; Dr. Fusi is researching what different hormone levels (for example, cortisol) can do for a puppy's neonatal health as well as for their entire life experience. Contrary to what you might think, it's actually important for puppies to have a certain amount of cortisol to get them to take their first breaths (though too much cortisol is detrimental, so you need a balance!). Listen to the episode to get to know more about Dr. Fusi's research. Good Dog hosts monthly webinars with canine health experts, including Dr. Robert Hutchison, Dr. Marty Greer, and many more. Access all of our past webinars - and stay up to date on upcoming webinars - by visiting the Good Breeder Center .

Apr 20, 2022

Today we are joined by Dr. Kristina, who is a veterinarian and blogger at wellbredvet.com . She serves on the board of directors for the Society of Theriogenology and is an owner and practitioner at Elon Oaks Veterinary Hospital in North Carolina. Drawing on Dr. Kristina's expertise in reproductive medicine, today's episode is all about clinical disorders in neonatal puppies. Listen to the episode to learn about common congenital and inherited defects that might occur in neonatal puppies, the importance of colostrum, how to know what's going wrong with a neonatal puppy, and more! Your Litter A to Z is the leading, science-based course for dog breeders. It includes expertly designed 18 modules, checklists, and reports that cover before breeding, getting your bitch pregnant, whelping your litter and raising your pups. If you're already a member of Good Dog, you can access the course here ! And if you're not a member, you can join our community here .

Apr 13, 2022

Nicole, Good Dog's Breeder Community Lead, begins the episode by discussing her personal experience with pet loss and how we as a society have shifted our views on grieving over pets. The second part of the episode features Good Breeder Julie Walker of Knucklehead Cane Corso, who Nicole interviews about her experience with pet loss and how she navigates the loss of puppies as a breeder. We hope you were able to find some comfort and solace in this episode, and know that you are not alone in how you’re feeling, and that there are resources out there, as simple as calling a fellow pet loving friend to tell them how you’re feeling, or seeking professional help if you need. Good Dog provides breeders in our community with free and exclusive access to puppy contract templates and legal resources created by our team of lawyers, specifically for dog breeders. If you're already a member of Good Dog, you can access these resources here . And if you're not a member, but would like to join, you can sign up here !

Apr 6, 2022

Dr. Mikel Delgado speaks to grief specialist Brenda Brown about coping with the loss of a pet. Brenda started GAP (Grief About Pets) which offers support services to pet parents and their families before and after the loss of a pet. Many of us have experienced the painful loss of a pet. Let's talk about what we can do to help ourselves, as well as others, through the process of grief. Good Dog’s Breeding Foundations course provides expert advice on pedigrees, genetics, contracts, and everything else you need to set your breeding program up for success. This course usually costs $245, but you can access it for free when you join Good Dog today ! Or if you're already a member, you can access the course here .

Mar 30, 2022

In this episode, Jennifer Shyrock discusses how we can increase safety and reduce stress in homes with young children and family dogs. Jennifer Shyrock is the owner and founder of Family Paws , which supports new and expecting families in balancing dog and baby/toddler dynamics. She is also a certified dog behavior consultant, and worked as a special education teacher - so she knows a thing or two about dogs and kids! Adding a dog to a young family (or adding a baby to a family with a dog) can be overwhelming and stressful. Jennifer teaches us what mistakes new families often make, and what we can do to ensure that the transition into a new family life is a smooth one. Your Litter A to Z is the leading, science-based course for dog breeders. It includes expertly designed 18 modules, checklists, and reports that cover before breeding, getting your bitch pregnant, whelping your litter and raising your pups. If you're already a member of Good Dog, you can access the course here ! And if you're not a member, you can join our community here .

Mar 23, 2022

Nicole chats with Good Breeder Eve Tetzlaff from Dyberry Creek Farm & Dr. Judi Stella from Good Dog's Health, Standards & Research Team about the importance of health testing in a breeding program. They also highlight Good Dog’s new Health Toggle feature, which lets you share your dogs’ health test files and links directly on your profile. Listen to how Eve incorporates health testing into her Entlebucher breeding program, how she got to where she is now, and what advice she has for up and coming breeders. Dr. Stella discusses Good Dog’s approach to health testing and transparency, and what breeders can expect as members of Good Dog. Breeders on Good Dog get $100 every year to spend on health testing and access to exclusive discounts from our partners, including Embark, Paw Print Genetics, and AKC Reunite. If you're already a member of our community, you can check out the discounts here . And if you're not a member, but would like to know more, you can join here !

Mar 16, 2022

This is part two of our interview with Linda Case: trainer, author and owner of The Science Dog . Linda's latest book, "Feeding Smart with The Science Dog," explores common myths and misconceptions surrounding canine nutrition and feeding practices. In this episode, Linda explains what AAFCO feeding trials are, what the "complete and balanced" claim on dog food means, and how important processing is in creating pet food (from kibble to wet food to raw diets). Listeners of The Good Dog Pod get 15% off the Good Dog merch store with the code GDP15. Go to shop.gooddog.com to redeem this exclusive discount! If you are interested in entering the giveaway to win Linda's most recent book, "Feeding Smart with The Science Dog," fill out this form: goodbreedercenter.typeform.com/feedingsmart . This giveaway ends on Sunday, March 20th, 2022.

Mar 9, 2022

Dr. Mikel Delgado chats with Linda Case, trainer, author and owner of The Science Dog . Linda's latest book, "Feeding Smart with The Science Dog," explores common myths and misconceptions surrounding canine nutrition and feeding practices. In this episode, Linda talks about what you can do to feed your dog right: understanding key concepts such as digestibility, how important it is to have a feeding routine, what a food being biologically appropriate means, and more. Listeners of The Good Dog Pod get 15% off the Good Dog merch store with the code GDP15. Go to shop.gooddog.com to redeem this exclusive discount! If you are interested in entering the giveaway to win Linda's most recent book, "Feeding Smart with The Science Dog," fill out this form: goodbreedercenter.typeform.com/feedingsmart . This giveaway ends on Sunday, March 20th, 2022.

Mar 2, 2022

This is a replay of episode 9 of the Good Dog Pod. About Dr. Marty Greer: Dr. Greer is a renowned author, speaker, veterinarian, and canine reproduction specialist. In addition to being the Director of Veterinary Services at Revival Animal Health, she is on the board of the National Animal Interest Alliance (NAIA), the Society for Veterinary Medical Ethics, American Veterinary Medical Law Association, and the Society for Theriogenology. About Sheryl Bradbury: Sheryl Bradbury is the Owned Brands Manager at Revival Animal Health, where she oversees the Breeder’s Edge, Doc Roy’s, and Vet Basics brands. Sheryl grew up falling asleep in the whelping box and has bred champions from several breeds. Today she raises Grand Basset Griffon Vendeens and Lancashire Heelers. She is the president of the United States Lancashire Heeler Club and also holds board positions in various dog clubs and animal health foundations. In addition to her breeding experience, Sheryl brings 30 years of product management experience in the veterinary industry to her role at Revival. Reproduction is a luxury for a dog’s body, and can only happen if the body is already able to take care of its vital organs. We can’t overlook the nutrients that are often missed by the main pet food companies that are important to making a dog as healthy as possible for breeding. Thus, supplements are critical for keeping breeding dogs healthy for reproduction. Dr. Greer gives some specific examples of the nutrients required for healthy breeding dogs and what they do for the reproductive system, as well as what they do for the puppies’ health. Dr. Greer also talks about the importance of getting the right nutrients to stud dogs for breeding, in addition to the more commonly-talked about health of the bitch. Sheryl talks about some of the products Revival Animal Health offers, and how they support dogs’ reproductive health. She goes over the extensive research and development Revival Animal Health goes through to develop their products - making sure that they are created based on current reproductive and nutritional science and are reviewed by experts. Dr. Greer talks about the recent research surrounding folic acid and its benefits. Check out some current research about folic acid and cleft palate in brachycephalic dogs here .

Feb 23, 2022

Dr. Mikel Delgado interviews Dr. Jan Bellows, a Board Certified Veterinary Dentist, about periodontal disease! Listen to get Dr. Bellows's insight on what signs to look for in your dogs for periodontal disease, what it entails, and how to prevent it. Pets depend on us to take care of their teeth (if only they could brush their own teeth!); so, not only do we need to be aware of the warning signs of periodontal disease, but we also have to take the initiative to brush our dogs' teeth regularly, get their teeth cleaned professionally, and stay vigilant in looking for any signs of bad breath or dental pain in our pets. Did you know some dogs need braces? Just like humans, braces help push teeth into their correct places to prevent future teeth impacts and other maladies.

Feb 16, 2022

Dr. Mikel Delgado interviews Dr. Natalie Marks about the Fear Free Movement, specifically within preventative dental care. Dr. Natalie Marks is a practicing veterinarian and previous practice owner of the first Fear Free Certified Hospital in Illinois. She received her degree at the University of Illinois School of Veterinary Medicine. She is the owner of MarksDVMConsulting, where she offers services related to education and project development within the field of veterinary medicine. She is also co-founder of Vet Scoop, a collaboration of veterinarians, with the goals of providing accessible real talk pet health resources and helping pet parents know when it's time to see their vet. Dr. Marks is Fear Free certified elite and was a member of the original Fear Free advisory board.

Feb 9, 2022

Dr. Mikel Delgado interviews Dr. Nate Ritter about the basics of canine dental health. Learn how to get the right habits established with your new puppy, including what types of toys and treats to give them, how often you should brush their teeth, and more. Learn what to look for in your dog that may indicate a dental problem - from bad breath to fractured teeth. It's also important that your dogs get their teeth checked at the vet at their regular visits, so that you can keep them healthy and happy. Listen to the full episode for Dr. Ritter's complete veterinary expertise!

Feb 2, 2022

Nicole invites two special guests for this episode: Nicole Barnett, Good Dog’s Education Associate, and Cindy Stocker, Good Breeder of Swiss Stock Entlebuchers. Nicole Barnett discusses how the course Your Litter A to Z is structured, what the program includes, and what breeders can expect to get out of it. The course is free for Good Breeders and includes detailed reports, checklists, calculators, educational videos, and much, much more! Cindy then discusses her experience with Your Litter A to Z, and how it helped her through her first litter. She reiterates how education is so important for breeders - no matter their level of experience. Check out Your Litter A to Z now !

Jan 26, 2022

Dr. Mikel Delgado interviews Dr. Greg Burns, who is currently an Assistant Professor at Colorado State University. Dr. Burns is a theriogenologist, meaning he is a is a board-certified specialist in reproduction. He specializes in advanced reproductive technologies, especially transcervical AI. Dr. Burns gives his expert insight on artificial insemination, what advances have been made in the field, and what options breeders have in alternative methods of breeding their dogs.

Jan 19, 2022

Dr. Mikel Delgado from Good Dog's Health, Standards, & Research team interviews theriogenologist Dr. Bruce Christensen, DVM, MS, DACT. Dr. Christensen runs Kokopelli Assisted Reproductive Services in Sacramento, CA. Dr. Christensen graduated from Cornell University's College of Veterinary Medicine in 2002 and has authored many book chapters, peer-reviewed scientific publications, and lay articles on reproduction in many species, and has edited a text on canine reproduction. Listen to this episode to get Dr. Christensen's insight on semen quality: what the best practices are around shipping semen, what you need to know with chilled versus frozen semen, and more!

Jan 12, 2022

Nicole is joined by Good Breeder Karen Yapp, as well as one of Karen's recent puppy buyers, Susan. Karen and Susan share their experience working together and discuss all that goes into applying and eventually bringing your puppy home from a breeder. Karen runs Autumn Harvest Dood Ranch in Oregon and Susan lives in New York City with her husband. With the transition to working from home, Susan realized she finally had the time needed to raise a puppy - and so, Susan connected with Karen to get an Australian Labradoodle puppy. Listen to the process Susan went through to get her puppy from Karen, and what Karen, as a breeder, expects from the process. The breeder-buyer puppy connection is a huge part of a breeder's life: listen to the episode to get some deep insight on this relationship!

Dec 15, 2021

Cat and Monica go over their favorite things that happened this year: from launching the Good Dog Store, to the Club Grant Program, to this podcast, and more! Let's take a look back at the highlights from 2021 as well as some sneak peaks into our plans for 2022! The Good Dog Pod will resume on January 12th. Happy Holidays!

Dec 8, 2021

Nicole interviews Melissa Farmer of Farmer Doodles to get her tips and tricks to keep your dogs safe and comfortable during the holiday season: whether you're taking them with you on a trip, staying at home, or having someone watch them while you're away. The second half of this episode features Dr. Nate Ritter and Dr. Mikel Delgado, who discuss common holiday hazards for your pups. The holidays can be a bit hectic, so it's good to know what's hazardous for your dogs beforehand so you're able to prepare your home and educate your friends and family on basic safety measures to keep everyone safe. Listen to the episode to learn more about the dangers of decorations, holiday plants, human food, and more.

Dec 1, 2021

America’s Vet, Dr. Marty Becker, DVM, joined us on this episode of The Good Dog Pod to talk about the Fear Free Movement. Developed by hundreds of experts in behavior, medicine, and handling, Fear Free has become one of the most transformative initiatives in the history of companion animal practice. Over the last four decades, Dr. Becker has owned or co-owned seven veterinary hospitals, lectured across six continents, became an adjunct professor at three colleges of veterinary medicine, and wrote 25 books, his most recent being From Fearful to Fear Free: A Positive Program to Free Your Dog from Anxiety, Fears, and Phobias.

Nov 24, 2021

Good Dog’s Health, Standards & Research Team answer some frequently asked questions about hips: what hip dysplasia is, what causes it, what the process for testing for hip dysplasia looks like, whether you can do genetic tests to determine hip dysplasia, and more!

Nov 17, 2021

This episode is an adaptation of a webinar we had with Dr. Chris Zink. Dr. Zink introduces a new survey looking at how reproductive status affects health outcomes in dogs. We’re interested in learning more about alternatives to spay/neuter surgery, but we need ALL dog owners to participate. You can fill out the survey HERE ! Dr. Zink wears many hats. She is a veterinarian who specializes in canine sports medicine. She is the owner of Canine Sports Productions and competes in several dog sports including Agility, Obedience, Conformation, and Rally. Dr. Zink is an accomplished researcher and author of dozens of scientific papers. She is the Director of Molecular and Comparative Pathobiology and a Professor at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. And we are very grateful to say that she also takes time out of her very busy life to serve on Good Dog’s Advisory Board!

Nov 10, 2021

Nicole is joined by Sarah Hartwig, the person behind the Puppy Training Program! The Puppy Training Program is a free benefit for buyers (and breeders) who use Good Dog's payment system. Raising a puppy is the equivalent of homeschooling a child, except in this case, you are the teacher and your puppy is your student — one who doesn’t speak your language. Luckily, Good Dog's Puppy Training Program was created to help you translate — from 8 weeks, to 15 months. Sarah walks through some of the main features of the Puppy Training Program, including the courses that are included, as well as the community support that comes with it. The Training Program goes over important skills for both the humans and pups, from socialization to house training to health & wellness. The Puppy Training Program also includes useful training guides, including checklists, worksheets, and a sample planner. If you're a breeder and have a Good Dog account, you can access the Puppy Training Program for free here !

Nov 3, 2021

This is part 2 of a webinar we did with Dr. James Serpell, world-renowned leading canine behaviorist and co-creator of C-BARQ, and veterinary specialist, Vet of the Year, Dr. Chris Zink, DVM. Listen to the experts discuss how breeders can use C-BARQ to breed for behavior as well as recent research on the effects of early spay/neuter. About Dr. James Serpell's, BSc, PhD: Director at PennVet’s Center for the Interaction of Animals and Society, co-creator of C-BARQ (vetapps.vet.upenn.edu/cbarq/), author of The Domestic Dog, founder of the International Society for Anthrozoology, committed to the scientific study of human-animal interactions, Professor of Animal Ethics & Welfare at UPenn, and has published many studies and articles on canine behavior, health, and welfare. About Dr. Chris Zink, DVM, PhD, DACVP DACVSMR CCRT CVSMT CVA: Vet of the Year, award-winning author, has put over 125 titles, Co-Founder of Avidog-Zink Ventures, and expert in canine sports medicine and rehab (instrumental in establishing this as the newest specialty in veterinary medicine).

Oct 27, 2021

In this special episode, we adapted a webinar we did with Dr. James Serpell, world-renowned leading canine behaviorist and co-creator of C-BARQ, and veterinary specialist, Vet of the Year, Dr. Chris Zink, DVM. Listen to the experts discuss how breeders can use C-BARQ to breed for behavior as well as recent research on the effects of early spay/neuter. About Dr. James Serpell's, BSc, PhD: Director at PennVet’s Center for the Interaction of Animals and Society, co-creator of C-BARQ (vetapps.vet.upenn.edu/cbarq/), author of The Domestic Dog, founder of the International Society for Anthrozoology, committed to the scientific study of human-animal interactions, Professor of Animal Ethics & Welfare at UPenn, and has published many studies and articles on canine behavior, health, and welfare. About Dr. Chris Zink, DVM, PhD, DACVP DACVSMR CCRT CVSMT CVA: Vet of the Year, award-winning author, has put over 125 titles, Co-Founder of Avidog-Zink Ventures, and expert in canine sports medicine and rehab (instrumental in establishing this as the newest specialty in veterinary medicine).

Oct 20, 2021

This is a rebroadcasting of an episode that originally aired July 22nd, 2020. The two most common problems with fertility are timing (with respect to the female) and having good quality semen that’s delivered into the uterus. Another problem that’s becoming increasingly important is the nutrition of the bitch and stud dog. About Dr. Greer: Dr. Greer is a renowned author, speaker, veterinarian, and canine reproduction specialist. In addition to being the Director of Veterinary Services at Revival Animal Health, she is on the board of the National Animal Interest Alliance (NAIA), the Society for Veterinary Medical Ethics, American Veterinary Medical Law Association, and the Society for Theriogenology. Laura and Marty start by discussing the importance of nutrition - what people feed their dogs, how they feed, and what consequences those factors can have on the success of a breeding. There is likely a nutritional component to the quality of a stud dog’s semen in addition to fertility and the female - this is something that hasn’t been very explored, but is becoming more evident. They then talk about the importance of progesterone timing and how using frozen vs fresh semen interacts with that. There’s a narrow window of time during which the puppies need to come out - they also discuss the downsides of reverse progesterone testing (done at the end of pregnancy). Last, they discuss the importance of having your bitch in good physical condition - fit but not too lean. You also want your bitch to have good dental health. Overall, you want your dog to be in top notch shape for breeding.

Oct 13, 2021

In this installment of the Breeder to Breeder series, Laura, Susan, and Gayle talk about what breeders can do to resuscitate puppies that seem to be fading. The first thing you need to know is how to identify when a recently-born puppy may be in trouble. Healthy, naturally-born puppies should be rigid (not soft), and should weigh more than they look. Puppies that aren’t moving or making any sounds should be concerning - while there are variations between breeds, most newborns will be making noises and moving to find their mother. If you’re concerned about a puppy, it’s important to act immediately - in fact, it’s always best to take action rather than to wait when it comes to newborn puppies. When whelping, breeders are with their puppies 24/7. Susan and Gayle list some of the essential items they have with them during the entire process - from white towels to blow dryers. They also list some accessible alternatives that are great options for breeders without a lot of existing equipment. If you’re dealing with a puppy that is still a bit limp, or a puppy that hasn’t fully cleared its lungs yet, you can gently compress and uncompress the puppy’s body with your hands (almost like puppy yoga) while angling the puppy downward. This can get the remaining fluid out of the lungs. When assessing your puppies, checking their heartbeat is key. Puppies that don’t have a heartbeat after 15 minutes often will not make it, so it’s important to constantly monitor puppies that you’re concerned about. Listen to the episode for more tips on resuscitating puppies.

Oct 6, 2021

Laura Reeves, Susan Patterson, and Gayle Watkins begin the Breeder to Breeder series with one of the toughest topics in breeding: stillborn puppies. Gayle begins the discussion by reviewing a study that was published in 2019, analyzing data from 2,500 whelpings. The biggest takeaway from the study is that stillborn puppies are common in dogs, and breeders should be prepared for this. Among the dogs studied (in this case, larger breed dogs), litters with 5-8 puppies had the lowest rate of stillborn puppies. Litters with fewer than 5 actually had the highest rate, with large litters also having high instances of stillborn puppies. The three birthing methods that have statistically the same stillborn rates are: natural whelpings with no dystocia, planned c-sections, and natural whelpings that might have uterine problems but that are resolved with calcium alone. Birthing methods that are problematic with regards to stillborn rates are: emergency c-sections (especially when oxytocin is used) as well as using mechanical manipulation to get the puppies out. Susan gives a rundown of how to give your dogs oral calcium supplements, which can help alleviate some whelping-related issues and decrease the chance of stillborn puppies. She then follows up with situations in which using oxytocin can be useful during the whelping process. Gayle continues her summary of the study, describing how the time in between puppies being born is correlated with the rate of stillborn puppies - the conventional wisdom of 2 hours between puppies may be too long! If you find yourself at 45 minutes between puppies, it may be in your interest to give your dog calcium. Susan also recommends regularly feeding your bitch (Susan does this through a syringe) while they are in active labor to help them maintain their energy. Continue listening for tips on tools and techniques you can use to help ease your bitch through the process of labor!

Sep 29, 2021

Laura is joined by a couple of canine fitness coaches, Kristin Sandstede and Dixie Rae Sick, to discuss some fitness games and exercises that are great to do indoors. Kristin is a professional dog trainer and owns Big Moose Dog Training . When people think of dog exercises, their minds often go to cardio-focused activities such as running, playing fetch, agility, and so on. While high-cardio exercise is important for dogs, it’s important to spend time on mental exercises. Whether it’s obedience or learning new tricks, mental exercises can tire out your dog just as well (if not better) than physical exercises. A great way to exercise your dog’s brain is to use food puzzles during meal time. This will keep the dog occupied while you can multitask on other things, while also stimulating your dog’s brain. There are lots of other interactive toys that are great at exercising your dogs; try some out and see what your dog likes! Kristin goes on to talk about different ways you can condition your dog to keep them physically fit. By regularly having your dog perform certain stretches and exercises, you can decrease the risk of injury. Next, Laura chats with Dixie to get some ideas on effective exercises we can do with our dogs. The first idea that comes to mind for most people is walking. Walking your dog on a gentle incline is great at working certain groups of muscles - going both uphill and downhill. Another idea is to train your dog in going from a stand to a down, and from a down to a stand. This works the dog’s core which helps with balance and can prevent future injuries. Listen to the full episode to get some more exercise ideas from Dixie!

Sep 22, 2021

This week, Laura is joined by Dr. Marty Greer, DVM, JD to discuss the prevalence of obesity in dogs. In the US, having overweight dogs has become more and more common, thus shifting the public perception of what a dog should look like. Many owners overfeed their dogs because of their love for them - their dog is hungry, so why not continue to feed them? In reality, over-feeding and under-exercising dogs can lead to many health problems, and a shorter lifespan. Laura and Dr. Greer discuss some ways to continue feeding your dog more, while decreasing their calorie intake: replacing their typical food and treats with fruits and veggies, or giving them ice cubes to munch on are all great low-calorie substitutions. Dr. Greer goes on to explain how you can assess your dog's weight just with your eyes and hands, making sure to check that your dog's body conforms to the relevant breed standard.

Sep 15, 2021

This episode features two familiar guests: Dr. Gayle Watkins and Susan Patterson! As breeders of Golden Retrievers and Labrador Retrievers respectively, today’s episode is all about retrieving games you can play with your dogs. How do you get a dog started with retrieving? The first step to getting a puppy trained in retrieving is finding something the puppy likes to retrieve and start retrieving in a quiet, confined place. The goal in getting your puppy used to retrieving is to make the process of bringing their favorite toy back fun (they usually don’t need any help taking the toy from you!). When starting out, also make sure to limit the number of retrievals to just 1-3, otherwise the puppy will become bored or disinterested. Another important point is to avoid touching the toy once the puppy brings it back to you. Puppies will bring the toy back to you because they want to see you - not because they want you to take their favorite toy from them. Instead of taking the toy right away, be sure to praise them and play with them before gently taking the toy. What are some events you can do with retrieving dogs? Retrieving dogs can participate in dock diving, hunt tests, field trials, and other events that center around the act of retrieving. Before taking your dog to one of these events though, you and your dog must have a strong understanding of the rules and manners associated with participating in these events. The most important skill to have going into these events is the sit and stay. Once your dog is comfortable on and off leash and is able to stay obedient around distractions, that’s when you’re able to have all the fun that comes with retrieving at an event. Another huge skill to have is the ability to have your dog deliver the object straight to your hand, rather than dropping it in front of you. This is important to train young, as it’s more difficult for a dog to break the habit of dropping things in front of you. For sports that don’t require your dog to deliver items directly into your hand, flyball, dock diving, and disc throwing are all great options to stay active with your pups. Listen to the rest of the episode to learn more about the details of hunt tests and field trials, including what both the dog and the handler are responsible for.

Sep 8, 2021

Laura is joined by Kristin Rosenbach, a dog trainer and truffle hunting expert. Kristin has been truffle hunting for 10 years with her own dogs, as well as offering training on how you can teach your dog to hunt for truffles. In the Pacific Northwest, where Kristin is based, truffle hunting season starts in the fall and goes through the spring. Truffles are fruiting bodies of underground fungal networks and are often found near tree roots, but occasionally appear in other places as well. Many breeds are suited to truffle hunting around the world, as long as the dogs are properly trained and physically sound. Dogs are trained to recognize and locate the scent of truffles buried underground, and in Kristin's case, they're trained to dig out the truffles as well (since they can more accurately pinpoint where truffles are than we can!). Listen to the episode learn a bit more about Kristin's course on training your dog to hunt for truffles, or check it out here !

Sep 1, 2021

In this episode, Laura Reeves talks about things you can do to keep your dogs active and engaged. She starts off by talking to the founder of the Barn Hunt Association, Robin Nuttall. Barn Hunt is a quickly-growing sport that both AKC and non-AKC dogs can participate in. The sport focuses on testing the working instinct of vermin-hunting dogs, but all dogs are welcome to join in. Robin describes the rules of the game and how it has become a gateway sport for many dog owners - due to this, it's hugely important for Robin to make Barn Hunt a positive experience for both beginners and experts, and to encourage broader participation in the sporting world. The best part of the Barn Hunt is watching how excited the owners/handlers get while watching their dogs have fun in this sport. If you'd like to learn more or want to know how you can participate, visit the Barn Hunt Association . The next guest Laura talks to is Chelsea Murray, an expert in dryland mushing. Dryland mushing involves having a dog (or team of dogs) pull a human across a surface (other than snow or ice). This sport is great because you can participate in it year round, and it's great exercise for both humans and dogs. The barrier to entry is quite low, as there are many different ways you can participate: whether you're on foot running behind the dog, or being pulled on a bike. Chelsea discusses the required skills and training to participate in dryland mushing. The final guest Laura speaks to is Jon Sarabia. Jon is a retired military dog trainer based in Missouri, who is now active in the scent work as a competitor and judge. Scent work is an event in which dogs are tasked with locating the sources of certain scents (in practice, these are usually different kinds of essential oils). This is a fast-growing sport in the dog world that allows dogs of all breeds to participate. Listen to learn more about how you can get involved!

Aug 25, 2021

Susan Patterson joins Laura today to talk about her revamped column on Good Dog, Straight from the Whelping Box! As many of you know, Susan is a renowned Labrador Retriever breeder with years of experience in showing, breeding, and whelping. Susan has spent the past year answering questions on her Good Dog column, Straight from the Whelping Box , sharing her expert advice for Good Dog Breeders. Good Dog Breeders can see all of the past questions that Susan has answered in this new and improved hub , where content is organized by topic. In addition to having access to past answers, Good Dog Breeders can directly message Susan (and Laura Reeves & Gayle Watkins) with their breeding questions. Join Good Dog now to get access to these Email Office Hours!

Aug 18, 2021

In this episode of the Good Dog Pod, Good Dog has an exciting announcement! Good Dog Breeders now get free access to Avidog’s “Your Litter A to Z” course. Host Laura Reeves is joined by Good Dog’s Head of Education and Avidog founder Dr. Gayle Watkins to discuss everything this course has to offer, for both new and experienced breeders. What is “Your Litter A to Z”? This is Avidog’s flagship course on dog breeding, developed by Gayle over the last 25 years. With an original value of $497, Good Breeders can now access it completely free! It includes 18 modules on everything from laying the stage for a breeding, to whelping, and finally to sending the puppies to their new homes. Each module comes with instructional videos, checklists, and written chapters. What else is included in this course? In addition to the course itself, Gayle hosts live coaching calls twice a month for Q&A and discussions for all course users. There is also a private Facebook group for all Good Dog Breeders, where you can ask questions and receive answers from breeder community members and Good Dog’s Breeder Advisors. Don’t forget to check out Straight from the Whelping Box and Straight from the Center of the Ring for more content on breeding and showing dogs! How should I best utilize this course? Go through the course from the beginning or jump to the module you need. This course is intended for both new and seasoned breeders, and Gayle herself uses the checklists for every litter. The checklists and breeding diary worksheets are easy to use, with clear instructions and tips. The course is updated regularly with the newest dog breeding science and recommendations, to help you produce the healthiest puppies possible. Good Dog hopes all Good Breeders will take advantage of this amazing course and read more about it here . If you are not yet a Good Dog Breeder, sign up at gooddog.com/join to get free access to “Your Litter A to Z” and more!

Aug 11, 2021

This episode of the Good Dog Pod explores canine orthopedic disorders. Host Laura Reeves is joined by renowned veterinarian Dr. Marty Greer to discuss some common orthopedic issues, as well as their symptoms, causes, and treatments. What should I do if my puppy is exhibiting orthopedic problems? Immediately contact your veterinarian, as many orthopedic issues are time sensitive and need to be treated as soon as possible. In addition to this, Dr. Greer outlines several questions you can ask yourself to better evaluate what disorder your puppy is experiencing. The breed and age of the dog is very important, as some orthopedic problems are found mostly in large breeds and others are found mostly in small breeds. Then, recall if there is any history of trauma/physical injury in the infected area. Determine if the hurt area is in one limb, multiple limbs, or constantly changing. Finally, take your puppy’s temperature as a fever can be an indication of a certain set of orthopedic conditions. What are some common orthopedic disorders? First, take note that some orthopedic disorders are genetic, while others are caused by infections. Dr. Greer lays out a list of common issues, as well as a comprehensive description of each. Panosteitis is a bone inflammation commonly found in large, rapidly growing breeds marked by shifting leg lameness. OCD is an abnormal development of bone cartilage seen in shoulders, and is often difficult to pinpoint in x-rays. HOD is a very painful flare at the growth plates. Legg-Calve-Perthes affects hip joints, mainly in small breeds. Hip dysplasia is one of the most commonly known issues, and mainly affects large breeds. Some infections that can cause lameness include lyme disease, cellulitis, and strep canis. Dr. Greer recommends keeping large breed puppies on a diet specifically created for them, which has been proven to reduce such orthopedic problems.

Aug 4, 2021

This week on the Good Dog Pod, host Laura Reeves is joined by Debra Hamilton, Esq. to talk about the power of mediation in resolving issues surrounding dogs. Debra is the owner of Hamilton Law and Mediation and has extensive experience helping breeders, owners, and vets foster peaceful solutions. What are the different ways to approach a legal dispute? There are three main ways to settle a legal issue. One, the two parties can choose to negotiate an agreement outside of court, which is done without a third party. Two, a party can choose to pursue litigation, in which both parties have lawyers representing them in a court trial. Finally, the two parties can choose mediation, in which both parties agree to settle the issue with the help of a neutral third party. Why is mediation oftentimes the best answer? Mediation allows for both parties to truly listen to each other and understand the other’s intentions. The neutral mediator facilitates the ability to listen, and helps both parties be more open and less defensive. Oftentimes, problems arise because someone was overwhelmed and said something they didn’t really intend to say. Mediation can help in these sorts of situations, including owner-veterinarian disputes, breeder-buyer disputes, owner-handler disputes, and more. If encountering a problem, do not jump to litigation or write a bad review online; that would immediately ruin mendable relationships. Debra has a book on mediation in conflict over animals called Nipped in the Bud, Not in the Butt . Always remember that no matter what the issue is, the most important thing is to keep the animal’s best interest in mind. If you have any questions for Debra, reach out to her here or send an email to info@hamiltonlawandmediation.com.

Jul 28, 2021

This week on the Good Dog Pod, host Laura Reeves is joined by an attorney and a dog trainer to talk about common concerns with contracts between breeders and puppy buyers. Both of our guests are also involved in the dog world as breeders and exhibitors. What is a “dog contract”? Oftentimes, a breeder will require prospective buyers to sign a basic contract before selling a puppy to them. The contract serves as the foundation of the relationship between the two parties; it lays out the details of the puppy, the price of the puppy, and in most cases, a clause that states the breeder will take back the puppy in the event that the buyer is no longer able to care for it. Good Breeders can access exclusive sample contracts here . What are some common concerns regarding contracts? One common issue is when the contract contains a clause that is unenforceable. For the breeder, including a clause that is overly specific and unenforceable, even if it is in the puppy’s best interest, can cause the buyer to stop communication with the breeder. In some instances, one unenforceable clause can also invalidate other clauses in the contract. An example of an unenforceable clause is one that states the buyer must feed the puppy a specific brand of food. There is no way for the breeder to monitor whether or not the owner is following this clause. Another common concern is that an owner is hesitant to go to the breeder with their questions in fear that they accidentally violated a part of the contract. The two parties should keep regular communication so that everything they do is in the dog’s best interest. How can I build a good breeder-owner relationship ? There are several things both the breeder and owner can do to build a strong relationship. The contract is only a tool to start a connection; both people should be open and empathetic in their conversations about the puppy. The breeder has years of experience with the breed, so they will be the best judge of whether or not the buyer’s lifestyle is a good fit. If there is anything in the contract that the buyer is uncomfortable with, they should start a conversation with the breeder about it. Because the breeder-buyer relationship is for the dog’s entire life, the breeder should choose the buyer carefully, just like the buyer should choose the breeder carefully. If you are not yet a member of the Good Dog community, you can apply to join at gooddog.com/join .

Jul 21, 2021

In this week’s episode of the Good Dog Pod, host Laura Reeves is joined by Jaci Bowman to talk about the Poodle as a hunting dog. Jaci has been an owner, trainer, and handler of hunting Poodles for over two decades. How is the Poodle becoming more widely recognized as a hunting dog? The Poodle is well loved in the show ring, and in recent years, its popularity in the field has grown as well. The breed was originally bred to hunt in marshes for waterfowl, but they are new to field trials and certifications. In the 1990s many Poodle lovers pushed to get the breed involved in retriever and spaniel hunting tests, in which they now excel. The dog is very intelligent and is not hard wired to carry out any one hunting method, so they leverage their variety of skills to become master hunters. Can a dog excel in both the show ring and field trials? Jaci talks about having dogs go from the show ring to the field. The Poodle’s specialized haircuts make it relatively easy to have a dog compete in the field one day, and the show ring the next. Despite the notion that the Poodle’s cut is very ‘showy,’ it is actually very practical for hunting dogs to swim and retrieve waterfowl. There are many dogs that are exceptional at both tasks. Listen to this week’s episode to hear more about the Poodle’s history as a hunting dog, the differences between the Poodle sizes, and how the Poodle Club of America is advocating for the legacy of the breed to better reflect the latter’s origin.

Jul 14, 2021

This episode of the Good Dog Pod is all about the companionable Cavalier King Charles Spaniel! Host Laura Reeves is joined by two long time breeders, owners, and showers of the breed to discuss breed history, grooming, health, and more. What is it like to live with the Cavalier? The Cavalier is a toy breed with all the athletic ability and drive of a larger spaniel. They are very trainable and not too vocal, making them highly adaptable and fit for apartment dwelling. These dogs form strong, intuitive bonds with their owners, and thrive off of human interaction. Because of this, they are not fit owners who work long hours and would leave them alone at home all day. What are some grooming best practices for this breed? The Cavalier should be groomed several times a week and bathed once every two weeks to maintain a healthy, silky coat. Owners should pay extra attention to their ears and paws. Our guests offer other grooming tips, such as what conditioning spray to use for the best results. What are some health related topics all Cavalier owners should be aware of? A healthy Cavalier can expect to live 12+ years. However, there are some health issues that are commonly found in this breed, including those related to the heart, patella, hips, elbows, and eyes. Owners should be aware of the signs of these diseases and bring their dog to the veterinarian for regular check-ups. To keep your Cavalier healthy, practice preventative care such as keeping them at a healthy weight and regularly brushing their teeth.

Jul 7, 2021

This week, Good Dog Pod’s host Laura Reeves is joined by three guests to discuss the extraordinary Clumber Spaniel. The guests have decades of Clumber experience between them in breeding, veterinary practice, and judging. What is it like to live with a Clumber Spaniel? The Clumber is a very affectionate, humorous, and loving family dog. They get along with children and other dogs, as well as cats if introduced early. However, any prospective owner should also be comfortable with a lot of shedding, slobbering, and snoring. How is the Clumber Spaniel as a hunting dog? While the Clumber is often misperceived as slow because of its stocky build, this is actually not true. When necessary, the Clumber can be surprisingly fast on the field. They are part of the flushing Spaniels group and are methodical and insistent, making them exceptional bird hunters. What are some health issues every Clumber Spaniel owner should be aware of? Neck and back problems are the most prominent health issues, and there are other common concerns such as hip dysplasia, spleen tumors, entropion, and PDP1. The Clumber can be naughty and rambunctious, so the most common reason that this breed needs veterinary attention is if the dog accidentally ingests something inedible. Clumbers need to be supervised until they can be completely trusted. Pet insurance is highly recommended for this breed. What are some misconceptions about the Clumber Spaniel in the show ring? The Clumber Spaniel is long, low, and substantial. Because there are only 3000 Clumbers in the USA, there are misconceptions among judges around the eye shape, tail, and trot speed. Our guests are advocating for more public knowledge around this wonderful breed!

Jun 30, 2021

In this episode of the Good Dog Pod, host Laura Reeves is joined by Malena DeMartini to talk about separation anxiety in dogs. Malena is a certified dog trainer and behavior consultant who specializes in this topic, with over two decades of experience. How should I retrain my dog who has had previous experience with being left home alone? If you have had your dog since before the pandemic, it is likely that they know what it is like being left at home. Start by setting up a camera through which you can watch how your dog reacts to your absence. Give your dog a toy or treat so they associate you leaving with something positive. If your dog settles down after a little while, gradually build up the time you spent away from your dog. Randomize the time you leave your dog at home so they do not start noticing the pattern; leave for a short period of time on some days, and a long period of time on others. How should I train my newly acquired dog? Again, start with observing your dog’s reaction to being home alone through a camera. If you notice your dog becoming increasingly agitated - ie. howling, excessive panting and pacing, non stop pawing at the door or windows - go back inside your house. Next, determine how long the dog can handle being home alone with the help of the camera. With each time that you leave them at home, stay under their panic point; return home before they can become too anxious. If your dog needs to be confined when home alone, perform all training with them in the crate or gated room. How can I tell if my dog is simply upset at being left at home or actually experiencing separation anxiety? It is normal for dogs to be upset at being left at home alone; most dogs will whine or bark for the first few minutes. Separation anxiety is much more extreme, and over time can have psychological and even physiological effects. If you observe your dog through your camera acting extremely differently from how they usually do, to the point of being very destructive, learn how to best cope with separation anxiety and ensure the welfare of your dog. Malena offers a self-paced, online course called “ Mission: Possible ” on dealing with separation anxiety. She is offering listeners of this podcast a discount on the course using the code GOODDOG.

Jun 23, 2021

This month the Good Dog Pod will focus on how to prepare our dogs as we transition to post-pandemic life. In this episode, host Laura Reeves and certified professional dog trainer Kristin Sandstede talk about latchkey puppies. Kristin has been teaching dog obedience for over two decades and is the founder of Big Moose Dog Training. What is a latchkey puppy? A ‘latchkey puppy,’ a term derived from the more commonly known ‘latchkey child,’ is a dog who stays home for most of the day while his owner is at work. As more and more people return to working in the office, our dogs are being left at home for extended periods of time. It is crucial to train newly acquired puppies as well as existing dogs that have grown accustomed to our continuous presence to stay home comfortably and safely on their own. How should I start training my latchkey puppy? To Kristin, the best method is to utilize crate training and crate games. Measure out your dog’s kibble for a meal and sit down by your dog’s crate, throwing a few kibbles inside at a time. Gradually, your dog will poke his head in, then step his front paws in, and finally step all four paws in the crate. For most dogs, this first step only takes a few minutes! After your dog is comfortable stepping into the crate, practice closing the door, starting with a few seconds and moving up to an hour. The key to successful crate training is patience; don’t try to rush your dog to stay in the crate for an hour the first time. A great guiding principle is the five for five rule, in which if your dog performs perfectly five times in a row, you can raise the bar for training. Kristin has dog training videos on her social media channels, some of which can be found on her website here . How can I provide enrichment for my dog? After your dog is comfortable staying in the crate, provide enrichment to keep him entertained in the form of toys such as Kongs. Kristin emphasizes that mental exercise will keep your dog occupied and tired out for longer than physical exercise. This is also a great time to teach your dog new tricks! By crate training your dog and providing mental stimulation, you can help your dog transition to staying home safely on their own.

Jun 16, 2021

This week on the Good Dog Pod, host Laura Reeves is joined by Dr. Gayle Watkins to discuss how to prepare your dog as our cities reopen, whether you need to retrain your dog or train a new puppy. Gayle is Good Dog’s Head of Education and the founder of Avidog. How should you start getting your dog accustomed to staying at home alone? Start training your dog a few weeks before you intend to leave them at home so you can start with a few minutes and work up to several hours. Every time you go outside, go through the motions of grabbing your keys, putting on your shoes, etc. so your dog understands that they will be home alone. Randomize your schedule as much as you can so your dog doesn’t start predicting the exact time you will be back, which can make them more anxious as they anticipate your return. Refrain from long and emotional goodbyes and hellos, which makes your dog think that it is a big deal every time you leave the house. As always, make sure to leave them with food, water, toys, and background noise. What are some supplies to retrain your dog? Gayle recommends getting lots of toys such as Kongs and marrow bones to keep your dog occupied while you are gone. Dogs feel comforted hearing human voices, so leave the TV or radio on if you can. Another great investment is a play pen if you do not want to give your dog run of the house; these work especially well for puppies or small dogs. Gayle notes the importance of a pet camera, which will allow you to see how your dog acts during the day. Gayle and Laura agree that the key to retraining your dog and minimizing their separation anxiety is to randomize their schedule and randomize the cues you give them. As long as you cue your dog that you’re leaving, don’t let them predict how long you will be gone, and make sure that they feel safe when you’re gone, your dog will be happy and well adjusted at home alone.

Jun 9, 2021

The 2021 Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show is happening this weekend, June 12-13, in Tarrytown, NY! On this week’s episode of the Good Dog Pod, host Laura Reeves is joined by Allison Alexander, who has been an All-Breed Professional Handler for over 30 years. She is also the founder of the Leading Edge Dog Show Academy . What has changed about Westminster this year? Westminster is usually held in February in New York City’s Madison Square Garden. Because of COVID-19 restrictions, it is being held in Tarrytown on the historic Lyndhurst Estate. In addition, the number of dog shows that usually happen across the country were reduced from several thousands to a few hundred. The new show date and scarcity of dog shows means that Westminster this year will be extra exciting because of the potential for surprise contenders! What are some reasons that this year’s show has the opportunity to be one of the best yet? The first reason that comes to mind for Allison and Laura is the Best in Show Judge, the renowned Patricia Craig Trotter. Trotter has been breeding, showing, and judging dogs for seven decades. Her presence in the show ring is highly anticipated, and is a sign that this will be an iconic year for Westminster. Another reason is that four new breeds have been introduced to Westminster - the Barbet, Biewer Terrier, Belgian Laekenois, and Dogo Argentino. Find out more information about them here . What breeds and dogs do Allison and Laura have their eyes on? Both believe that there are some exemplary dogs in the Samoyed, Irish Setter, English Springer Spaniel, and Lagotto Romagnolo breeds. They are also paying close attention to the Toy Group, namely the Pekingese and Havanese breeds. However, with so many changes this year, it’s hard even for the two experts to predict which dogs have the best shot at Best in Show. What is the schedule for this weekend? On Saturday, June 12, we will see the Hound, Toy, Non-Sporting, and Herding Groups. On Sunday, June 13, we will see the Sporting, Working, Terrier Groups, and finally Best in Show. This weekend will be broadcasted on the FOX network. Check out the Westminster website for more information on the schedule and broadcasting. Despite all the changes to Westminster this year, Allison and Laura believe that the fact that the show is happening in June instead of the typical February poses a unique timeline for the world of dog shows, with Westminster now being an opportunity to say hello to new dogs instead of only bidding goodbye to retiring ones. *Allison mistakenly stated that the Pekingese is of Japanese origin; we recognize that the breed is actually of Chinese origin. Will you be attending Westminster 2021? Join us for a Breeder Appreciation Party on Friday, June 11th. The event will be outdoors, at Hudson Anchor Rooftop in Tarrytown, NY. There will be free food, drinks, live music and giveaways. And better yet: dogs are welcome! Make sure to pre-register at: https://bit.ly/3f9fwGr and follow our Facebook Event for the latest updates!

Jun 2, 2021

This week on the Good Dog Pod, our very own Susan Patterson joins host Laura Reeves to talk about dog-proofing our homes. Susan is a breeder advisor here at Good Dog and runs the weekly advice column Straight from the Whelping Box . She is also a renowned breeder of Labrador Retrievers and Gordon Setters. As many of us return to the office, questions arise about dog-proofing our homes and addressing safety concerns. This is an especially important topic for owners who acquired new puppies during the pandemic. Where should I start in puppy-proofing my house? According to Susan, the first and best place to start is with crate training. When properly utilized, a crate can be a safe place for a dog - a warm and welcoming place with a bed, toys, and food. Susan recommends owners to start crate training their puppies at 8 weeks old, being mindful that puppies need to go outside often, and to stop giving water and food a few hours before bedtime. How else should I dog-proof my house, outside of crate training? Start with supervising the puppy in a small, tiled space in the house. Puppies are inclined to chew anything in their reach, so be especially careful about electronics, house plants, clothing, etc. In addition, be mindful about the human foods that are harmful to dogs; the lists here and here are good starting points. What are some additional tips and reasons for crate training? Sometimes owners are more worried about leaving their dogs at home alone than the dogs themselves are worried! Understand that your dog most likely will appreciate a few hours to themselves to nap. Our host has some of her own tips, including covering the crate with a blanket for a sense of security, and serving meals in the crate for positive reinforcement. Remember, puppy-proofing is a form of pet insurance. It can prevent your puppy from needing blockage surgery after eating something indigestible. While thinking about good puppy-owning practices, make sure to get pet insurance at a young age and check out puppy socialization classes, including Good Dog’s Savvy Socialization Course . Will you be attending Westminster 2021? Join us for a Breeder Appreciation Party on Friday, June 11th. The event will be outdoors, at Hudson Anchor Rooftop in Tarrytown, NY. There will be free food, drinks, live music and giveaways. And better yet: dogs are welcome! Make sure to pre-register at: https://bit.ly/3f9fwGr and follow our Facebook Event for the latest updates!

May 26, 2021

In this episode of the Good Dog Pod, host Laura Reeves is joined by Sally Hoyle, President of Dog Scouts of America. Hoyle tells us about the amazing ways that Dog Scouts can help you keep your dog happy and healthy. What is Dog Scouts of America? Dog Scouts are just like Boy or Girl Scouts, except your dog is the scout! These four-legged scouts learn anything and everything from swimming, to running agility courses, to painting with their paws. There are over a hundred different skills that dogs can be awarded badges for, and the best way for your dog to learn these skills is during Dog Scouts’ summer camps. What happens at Dog Scouts’ summer camps? Dog Scouts has its own campsite in Michigan, which encompasses 80 acres of trails, obstacle courses, lodging, and more. The camp typically lasts for 5 full days of instruction for both dog and owner, with multiple sessions during the season. Dog Scouts welcomes dogs of all ages, sizes, and breeds to participate in the camp. This summer, Dog Scouts will run both virtual and in-person camps. More information can be found on their website here: Dog Scouts Camp Information What if I can’t travel to the Dog Scout campsite? Dog Scouts also has several smaller satellite campsites, as well as troops across the country. For more information on how to join a troop in your area, or start a new troop, please visit their website here: Dog Scouts Troops Dog Scouts of America is proud to be celebrating its 25th Anniversary this year. Will you be attending Westminster 2021? Join us for a Breeder Appreciation Party on Friday, June 11th. The event will be outdoors, at Hudson Anchor Rooftop in Tarrytown, NY. There will be free food, drinks, live music and giveaways. And better yet: dogs are welcome! Make sure to pre-register at: https://bit.ly/3f9fwGr and follow our Facebook Event for the latest updates!

May 19, 2021

This week on the Good Dog Pod, Laura Reeves is accompanied by Dr. Chris Zink, DVM. Dr. Zink is a canine sports medicine and rehabilitation specialist. What is a sports medicine and rehabilitation specialist? A veterinary specialist is someone who has done a three year residency specializing in learning about a very specific field. At the end of that three year period, the specialist has to pass a very complicated examination that requires months of studying. There also are many people who have attended rehabilitation training. Rehabilitation training often requires hundreds of hours of classroom and laboratory time, and oftentimes requires an internship. If we are talking about people who have a certification in rehabilitation, there are four main groups that offer these certifications. Four main groups that offer the certification: Canine Rehabilitation Institute Healing Oasis Integrative Veterinary Medical Institute Northeast Seminars A person who is certified in rehabilitation therapy might be a veterinarian, or they may be a physical therapist, in which case they aren’t trained to do the veterinary component, but rather the rehabilitation component. They may in fact be a veterinary nurse who isn’t trained to make diagnoses either. If you find yourself with a dog who may have an orthopedic injury, first you want to go to your general practitioner veterinarian. They are familiar with your dog and they know you. Should you need a referral, Dr. Zink recommends not to go to a certified rehabilitation professional but rather to an orthopedic surgeon or a sports medicine specialist. Remember: veterinarian first! How would your dog be treated? Some examples include laser therapy, therapeutic ultrasound, shockwave therapy, massage or other kinds of manipulation. For more information on dog rehabilitation, check out this week’s episode! Will you be attending Westminster 2021? Join us for a Breeder Appreciation Party on Friday, June 11th. The event will be outdoors, at Hudson Anchor Rooftop in Tarrytown, NY. There will be free food, drinks, live music and giveaways. And better yet: dogs are welcome! Make sure to pre-register at: https://bit.ly/3f9fwGr and follow our Facebook Event for the latest updates!

May 12, 2021

John Honchariw is the founder and CEO of Companion, an automated dog training device. John introduces us to the inception of the product. He began by working on a robotics team at Google, where he had a realization: sensors can greatly help us understand the animals around us. A transition from robotics to animals? Pretty awesome. John saw an opportunity to use his prior experience in robotics to better understand canine movement. The movement and posture of a dog is very important, and can signal a lot about how dogs are feeling. More importantly, it is essential to see how that movement changes over time, and while it is difficult for us to remember how our dog moved 5 years ago, computers have perfect memories. John’s goal with this venture? To help dog owners maintain the essential human-animal bond throughout the dog’s life. Companion has worked on a limited number of dogs who suffer from separation anxiety, a relevant topic given the amount of pandemic puppies purchased during 2020. Companion steps in and gives dogs some more structure in their life - especially for dogs who now see their owners less because they are returning back to work. This device teaches your companion how to learn and keeps them occupied. What does this device look like and how does it operate? Essentially, it is a device that includes a camera, a computer and a treat launcher. The goal is to train your dog that good things happen around the device through positive reinforcement. Once your dog is comfortable, the device starts looking for types of behaviors: sitting down, lying down or looking at the device. When these behaviors are recognized by the device, they are positively reinforced. When one acquires the device, you also gain access to a Companion coach. The coach is with you very intensively during the first month, to provide a white glove experience and make sure you become accustomed to the device. The app gives you direct access to your coach, where they are available for video chats during the first month. Interested in finding out more about the device? The website joincompanion.com demonstrates exactly how the device works and looks like. Will you be attending Westminster 2021? Join us for a Breeder Appreciation Party on Friday, June 11th. The event will be outdoors, at Hudson Anchor Rooftop in Tarrytown, NY. There will be free food, drinks, live music and giveaways. And better yet: dogs are welcome! Make sure to pre-register at: https://bit.ly/3f9fwGr and follow our Facebook Event for the latest updates!

May 5, 2021

Today on the Good Dog Pod Laura is joined by a very special guest: Dr. Chris Zink, DVM! Dr. Zink is a sports medicine specialist and many times author. Dr. Zink and Laura will talk about how to exercise your young dogs - a relevant topic given that many people have gotten dogs in the past year. Dogs are so incredibly varied in their shapes and sizes: all the way from a 3lb Chihuahua to a 150lb Great Dane. So, as our dogs grow, we have to be cognizant of their growth rate. Ultimately, we need to find the appropriate balance of exercise for our dogs that suits the dog’s size - which is a little bit different from humans, given that humans end up a lot more similar in size compared to canines. There are various exercises that dogs can engage in. The most common exercise that we think of for dogs are walks, but there are other forms of exercise to consider. These include balancing exercises, flexibility exercises, strength and endurance training. And lastly, there are the good for the soul exercises: getting out in nature, paddling through a creek, going through grass, or stepping through rocks. Let’s look at the appropriate exercise for an 8 week old puppy, as well as a 6 month old dog. 8 week old puppy: Baby puppies are running, tumbling, playing with their owners. They are stretching and flexing their muscles. They are working both on their balance and flexibility. If a baby puppy is going on a walk, that walk should be a saunter. They should be on a long line (20 feet), it should be loose, and you should be following around as they smell their surroundings. The puppy should be walking you. 6 month old: At around 6 months of age is the appropriate time to add any kind of strength training to puppies. Dr. Zink made the comparison that puppies, up until the age of 6 months old, are as similar to children up until the age of 10-12 years old. At 6 months of age, that starts to diverge, and larger dogs tend to mature more slowly than smaller dogs. Something that Dr. Zink noted which is important to consider is the difference in puberty between dogs who are neutered/spayed and those who aren’t. Any heavy exercise can be introduced to a dog who isn’t spayed/neutered after the age of 14 months, once the growth plates have closed. Now if the dog is spayed/neutered, that age is now shifted to 20 months, as growth plates now close at 20 months since puberty is delayed. When, why and how you should exercise your dogs? Listen to this week’s episodes for answers!

Apr 28, 2021

This week, Laura Reeves is at the Shetland Sheepdog Club of America National Specialty, in Albany, Oregon. Laura is joined by a group of Shetland Sheepdog lovers who spend the episode talking about the very fun breed. What makes a Shetland Sheepdog a great pet? Shelties are a beautiful breed, they are smart, intelligent, easy to clean and to train, and always willing to please. They are the perfect sized dog, and are fancy for their size. They are greatly adaptable: they can live in an apartment or in a farm - they are completely content with where you choose to put them. Who would not be a really good owner for a Shetland Sheepdog? If someone is interested in an extremely aggressive dog, or a guard dog, Shelties may not be the best fit. Shetland Sheepdogs are a vocal breed. They bark when they have a reason to bark. They aren’t recreational barkers, they bark for what they need to bark over and then they stop. Moving on to the health side of the breed. Shelties, comparatively, are healthy. There are not a ton of health issues, although they do have problems that can arise, just like all dogs. Eyes and heart are the primary health concerns. To find out more about this non-mainstream breed, head over to the episode!

Apr 21, 2021

This week on the Good Dog Pod, Laura is accompanied by a very good friend of hers, Susi Szeremy who is the founder of National Purebred Dog Day. Currently, there are 4 states across the US that have adopted National Purebred Dog Day as May 1st. Sushi Szeremy talks to us about the inception of National Purebred Dog Day: she wanted to create a day that would bring openness to the conversation of responsible dog ownership. Susi created a Facebook page and named it National Purebred Dog Day, but shortly forgot about it due to her deadlines in her writing career. When she returned to the page, it had gained traction within the online community, with over 5000 likes. Predictability is extremely important for many families. Whether you are looking to purchase a dog when starting a family and need an appropriate dog to be around young kids, or are looking to buy an older couple a dog who needs to be accommodative as they become more fragile. Purebred dogs offer the predictability that is often needed when purchasing a dog. Every year, Susi hosts a national photo contest, and this year Good Dog is sponsoring a prize for the contest. The theme? Who’s a Good Dog? There is no fee to enter the competition, the only requirements are that you either hand make or print out a sign that says National Purebred Dog Day or I Love My Purebred Dog to make sure that the photo was entered for this contest. Susi mentions how fun it is to see Purebred Dog lovers gather together and brag about their dogs. Owning a Purebred Dog comes with a sense of community. Once you purchase a Purebred dog, especially if you work with a breeder, you are immediately connected to a community of that breed where you can gather, learn from, and gain support from. Laura and Susi are passionate about Purebred dogs, and they dive deep into a conversation about the importance of Purebred dogs, the rarity of some purebred breeds and how purebred dogs have historically helped shape our perception of dogs. We hope you all consider participating in the 2021 Who’s a Good Dog? Photo Challenge! For more information on past photo challenges head over to nationalpurebreddogday.com/photo-contest/ .

Apr 14, 2021

On this episode of the Good Dog Pod, our host Laura Reeves is in Boise, Idaho at the German Shorthaired Pointer Club of American National Specialty. The scope of the episode is to talk about the German Shorthaired Pointers as pets, companions, showdogs, hunting dogs and more. Char, Bob, and Dave, our guests, all have immense experience with Shorthairs - over 30 years! What’s it like to live with a shorthair? Shorthairs are described as energetic and athletic, they have high drive and are stubborn. They are full muscle, which is a good thing if you have room to burn that energy off. Once that energy is burned off ( every day, not just on the weekends), they make as good of a couch potato as any dog. Dock diving, scent work and agility are popular activities to vent off the energy that Shorthairs have. The breed is designed for ultimate versatility - they are not only hunting dogs - you just have to give it a job. Char notes that they are an extremely people-oriented breed - it is the breed’s temperament and personality that hooked our three guests who are sitting in on this podcast. What is it like to go hunting with a Shorthair? It can be exciting and frustrating. They are a people-oriented dog and they want to please you - and as a hunting dog they will work with you. Being out in the field with a Shorthair is a beautiful thing, comments Char. Health Requirements and Issues in the breed? When you are looking for a puppy, the first thing you should do is look at what the AKC has done with the GSPCA and OFA (CHIC Program), which are the minimal health testing requirements recommended by the Breed Club. One problem in the breed is that Shorthairs have a reputation of being relatively clear of serious health issues. However, we have seen epilepsy pop up in the breed as well as cancers, cardiomyopathy and heart murmurs, among others. Laura concludes the episode by asking our guests what the very, very best thing about a German Shorthaired Pointer is. What is it that makes them incredible? Check out the episode to find out what our guests said!

Apr 7, 2021

This week on The Good Dog Pod, we are joined by our very own Cat Matloub, Esq. who is the Head of Partnerships at Good Dog. Cat is a trained attorney, and works with the rest of the Good Dog Legal Team on educating breeders about canine legislation around the country. Recent government overreach into the breeder’s home is a topic that continues to impact the average dog owner. Cat mentions that the legislation being passed does stem from having good intentions, but the individuals drafting those legislations are not informed on responsible breeding practices. The results are ultimately harmful to breeders who are engaging in responsible breeding practices, to the extent that many good breeders are pushed out of the system. When good breeders are exiting the system, and the bad actors become more prominent, we have less healthy dogs being bred. Laura emphasizes that there are indeed good breeders out there. Laura mentions her powerful conversation with Patti Strand, who is the President of the National Animal Interest Alliance. A specific piece of legislation is taking form in California. In California, if you are selling more than 20 dogs a year, or having more than 3 litters, you are already regulated to a certain degree. Much of what this new bill does is duplicative, but extends it to people who might have only one dog or cat, and choose to breed that dog or cat. The bill is called the Pet Breeder Humane Care Act, but Patti dubbed it as the Humane Breeder Elimination Act or the Breed Extinction Act of 2021. There is already a shortage of dogs, so the need for this bill is non-existent. California receives most of the dogs from out of state or out of country, so the argument that the bill is making is extremely weak. We now shift gears back to Cat, who talks about Good Dog’s position with regards to the animal legislation taking place in California. Good Dog’s position is grounded on our mission to unite dog breeders around the country, and to educate the public about the importance of dog breeders. Good Dog does not support the California Assembly Bill 702 nor any of the other overreaching and anti-breeding legislation. We encourage anyone who is a dog lover, dog owner, dog breeder, past dog owner to reach out to your state representative if you are in California, or Georgia, and talk to them or send them a letter. In our Legal Resource Center, www.gooddog.com/good-breeder-legal-resource-center , we have sample talking points and letters that you can use, as well as other useful documents. We encourage you to spread the word, and speak up!

Mar 31, 2021

This week on the Good Dog Pod, Laura announces that April is officially Healthy Puppy Month! Good Dog has partnered with Revival Animal Health to support the Morris Animal Foundation with their Parvovirus Research Efforts. Starting April 1st, 2021 you can visit HealthyPuppyMonth.com to learn more about Parvovirus, hear stories about Parvo survivors and join us in our mission to promote puppy health by signing the Healthy Puppy Pledge. For every signature, Good Dog and Revival will each donate $1 to the Morris Animal Foundation. Laura introduces us to our two guests, Dr. Kelly Diehl, the Senior Director of Science and Communications at the Morris Animal Foundation and Dr. Judi Stella, the Head of Health, Standards and Research at Good Dog. The Morris Animal Foundation has been around since 1948 when it was founded by Dr. Morris. Kelly introduces us to some of the unique research the Foundation is currently pursuing, including a project on horse behavior as well as donkey pain. Additionally, Kelly discusses the Golden Retriever Lifetime Study, which was conceived of as a cancer risk study. 3,044 Golden Retrievers were enrolled between the age of 2-6 years old. Every year, the veterinarian and owner of the enrolled dog’s fill out a questionnaire (which is over 100 pages!), as well as creating a hair, blood, feces, nails and urine bank every year. The cost of the study, you may ask? $32 million. Shifting gears to Parvovirus. Parvovirus is a horrible disease, which grows in rapidly dividing cells. The disease affects the GI tract, as well as bone marrow. Common symptoms include smelly, bloody diarrhea (Laura emphasized just how smelly it is) and a low white cell count, which is usually used as a diagnosis. Additional tests are then used to confirm. Luckily, vaccines were developed to tackle Parvo, but it has not been entirely eliminated. This virus has mutated over time, which led to further research on Parvo. The Baker Institute at Cornell is looking deeper into the Parvo mutation, and whether the current vaccines can protect dogs against these new variants. At a higher level, this research will also help us understand more about canine immunity. And lastly, they are looking at what configuration of antibodies is the best to ultimately be a treatment, and whether these antibodies could be made in the lab. We encourage you to join our efforts to tackle the Parvovirus by signing our Healthy Puppy Pledge at www.healthypuppymonth.com !

Mar 24, 2021

Laura Reeves is joined by a very special guest, Zach Silver, who is a doctoral student at Yale University. Zach conducts research on how non-humans learn from and about humans. In this episode, we learn about how dogs learn. Zach introduces us to the different types of cognition that have been identified in dogs. When we think about dogs broadly, they have two types of cognition that can be divided into two important categories: social cognition and physical cognition. Social cognition encompasses any time a dog is making inferences about the social world, such as a judgement about a person. Physical cognition is when dogs are operating on their own, without their human. Laura poses the question of the episode: which breed is the smartest dog? For Zach, that is a very complex question and comes down to the fact that all breeds have these differently adapted intelligences. Herding dogs are excellent problem solvers, while retrievers have this cooperative relationship which makes them awesome at following services cues. Zach uses this episode to explain a little bit about dog domestication, how they evolved from wolves and started interacting with humans more and more. Additionally, Zach discusses the impact that early-life socialization has on the agility of dogs in the long term. Head over to the episode to learn more about canine cognition!

Mar 17, 2021

In this week’s episode, our host Laura Reeves is joined by two very special guests: Brian and Jenna O'Connor, who talk about one of the least common breeds in the US, the Drent. The Drent is a hunting dog, that has been around for the past 350 years or so, and were brought up through the Spanish occupation. Something that makes the history of the Drent very unique is the fact they come from the Dutch province of Drenthe which is how the name Drent originated. Within Drenthe, the everyday man had the right to hunt and had the ability to afford only one hunting dog that could do everything. Their solution? The Drent. Drents can do anything and everything; there is very little that a Drent can’t do. They are great as an emotional support dog, or as a medical response dog because of the bond they form with their owners. They are smart, they are funny, they are naughty, and they are the kind of dog that would not thrive in a kennel environment: they need their people. To Laura, purebred dogs tell a story. They are living through history and they tell the story of that place and time. To her, it is the poetry of purebred dogs. Give this episode a listen to find out more about one of the rare breeds that Good Dog supports!

Mar 10, 2021

This week on the Good Dog Pod, our host Laura Reeves is joined by Erin Runcan, an Associate Professor of Clinical Theriogenology and Reproductive Medicine at The Ohio State University as well as our very own Judi Stella, Head of Standards and Research at Good Dog. Other than a really long word, what exactly is a Theriogenologist you may ask? The simple translation: a Veterinary Reproductive Specialist. In this episode, Erin touches on high risk pregnancies among dogs. A high risk pregnancy, by definition, is any condition that jeopardizes the health of either the mother or the offspring during a pregnancy - it is a very broad term. Conditions include: a very large littler, a very small litter, the breed of the dog, as well as more serious conditions such as pregnancy toxemia, fungal diseases or bitches with trauma. For the duration of the episode, Erin dives deep into certain High Risk Pregnancy conditions, giving her insights on how breeders can deal with these conditions, and how to make the right breeding decisions to minimize risky pregnancy scenarios. Give the episode a listen to hear Erin’s expert advice!

Mar 3, 2021

This week’s episode of the Good Dog Pod features Meredith Mapes, a successful musher. Judi Stella, Head of Standards and Research at Good Dog, joins Laura in interviewing Meredith. Meredith lives in Alaska, breeds sled dogs and has competed in the Iditarod! How cool is that? Meredith’s journey with sled dogs began at the age of six, during a girl scout meeting. She trained, and won the first race she ever ran - at six years old. In Alaska sledding isn’t majorly common, let alone in the rest of the US. Meredith shares her background in breeding sled dogs, how she keeps them active, and how she keeps all of her dogs mentally stimulated. Here is a brief insight to what is covered in the episode: How many dogs do you run on a team? You can run any number of dogs. You can start recreationally with your poodle or lab! Meredith runs 12-16 dogs in a race. What goes into breeding sled dogs? They are bred for what they do, not for what they look like. Dog mushers have the same general goals when breeding: they are trying to breed smart, fast dogs with tough feet. For distance mushing your dogs need to have a good coat to remain warm. Sprint mushing dogs are bred to have a shorter coat, so they don’t overheat when running fast. And finally: dog’s need to have a strong head and drive. They need to withstand days of racing, so dogs need to be mentally tough. Interested in knowing how much food sled dogs must consume to maintain their high energy? Give the episode a listen to find out!

Feb 24, 2021

This week on the Good Dog Pod, Laura Reeves is accompanied by Dr. Stephen Jones, the Assistant Professor of Small Animal Orthopedic Surgery at The Ohio State University, our very own Dr. Judi Stella as well as Good Dog Advisor Susan Patterson. The episode is specifically focused on ACL tears, which is something a lot of dog owners encounter with their dogs. Dr. Jones gives listeners the run-down of what exactly the ACL is, as well as common ACL-related dog injuries. The catch-all phrase for these injuries is an ACL tear, but there are different presentations of that: it can be partial in nature, complete and functional or it can be complete and non-functional. Complete tears lead to a dog limping and being unbalanced. Unlike in humans, where ACL injuries are due to a hyperextension of the knee, the majority of dog-related ACL injuries are a degenerative process. Over time, the ligament begins to break down. You may wonder how prevalent ACL tears are in dogs. Certain breeds are more prone to ACL injuries, and within those breeds it is seen is around 5-10% of those breeds. Dr. Jones dives deep into the two main categories of treatment: conservative therapy and surgery. Dr. Jones’ top tip to prevent ACL injuries? Keep your dog thin and fit. Head over to the episode to hear why!

Feb 17, 2021

This week on the Good Dog Pod, our host Laura Reeves is joined by Dr. Leanne Lilly, an Assistant Professor of Behavioral Medicine at the Ohio State University, as well as Susan Patterson and our very own Dr. Judi Stella. Veterinary visits are not always a walk in the park (no pun intended). They can be anxiety-inducing and create fear for our dogs. The idea of Fear Free veterinary visits was introduced to explore what data and tools can be used to decrease or even eliminate the stress our dogs experience during veterinary visits. Doing so can result in more accurate test results, faster wound healing and other medical benefits. Unsure how to tell if your dog is anxious? Body language is the best indicator to gage where we are on the pet's scale of fear and anxiety. Here are some body features to look out for: Eye-Contact. Where is your puppy looking at? Averting gaze can imply fear, while intently staring into your own eyes can also convey worry. Tail. Where is the tail? How is it moving? A stress-free tail is moving in a slow flowing motion. Facial Expression. We are looking for the area around your dog’s face and eyes to be soft. If facial tension is present, we have an uncomfortable dog. Fidget Behaviors. Lip-licking or licking their owner can be a fidget behavior which is used to get rid of nervous energy. For more tips on creating smoother veterinary visits, give this week’s episode a listen!

Feb 10, 2021

This week on the Good Dog Pod, Allison Alexander joins Laura Reeves to talk all-things grooming. Allison is an esteemed groomer in the dog community ready to provide the audience with her top tips on how to keep your dog healthy, clean and matte-free at home. The three key skills covered in this episode are how to bathe, brush and trim your dog's toenails correctly. Even though these may seem basic, there is no shame in being new to the grooming world and learning how to do it. Everybody learns. Allison shares her Secret Hacks to grooming: Vinegar Rinse. Having trouble removing the shampoo from your dog? You can put a 10% vinegar rinse, leave it for a minute and it will help rinse out shampoo out of there. Listerine in water (10% dilution): wipes stink off. Gets shiny and removes dandruff. Scratch test - before you use any brush on your dog, brush it against your arm. If it scratches you, you should not be using it on your dog.

Feb 3, 2021

About Dr. Rustin Moore: Dr. Moore is the Dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine at The Ohio State University. Laura has a discussion with Susan Patterson, Dr. Judi Stella, and Dr. Rustin Moore about Dr. Moore about his experience as the Dean in helping guide students to veterinarian careers. They discuss the importance of the relationship between a vet and their (human) clients and what makes a successful vet. The conversation moves to the topic of specialists and vet techs, and the relationships they have with each other (and with breeders).

Jan 27, 2021

About Kristin Sandstede: Kristin is the founder of Big Moose Dog Training and has been teaching obedience since 1998. She has spent many years working in the pet care industry, including 2 years as a Veterinary Assistant. She has a very good understanding of not only dog handling, body language, & behavior but she also has a medical background as well. Since 2002 Kristin has designed and taught such classes as: Puppy Kindergarten, Basic Obedience, JV Puppy, Intermediate Obedience, Rally 4 Fun, Advanced Games, as well as developing and customizing behavior modification protocols for individual trainers ranging in topics from new puppy manners to dog-dog aggression. Tune in to this episode to learn about what reactivity is, how to understand canine body language, where reactivity comes from, and how to train your dog! This episode originally aired on Pure Dog Talk .

Jan 20, 2021

About Dr. Casey Carl DVM: Dr. Carl is the Associate Medical Director at Paw Print Genetics. He is a veterinarian and is a strong proponent of using preventative medicine to limit animal suffering. He has experience working with the AVMA in addition to his 4 years in clinical practice. Dr. Carl joins Good Dog in a live Q&A to talk genetics of coat color and traits. In part 1 about the primary colors in dogs, and what the different loci mean. Dr. Carl gives an overview of how genetics works in influencing what colors dogs are. Become a member of our community to stay tuned for future Q&A sessions! Please visit https://www.gooddog.com/join-as-breeder to learn more, and also check out some of our other articles an webinars at www.gooddog.com/good-breeder-center !

Jan 13, 2021

About Dr. Trisha Rettig: Dr. Rettig’s research focuses on the immune response to vaccination in space (in fact, she’s sent mice to space to study this!). Dr. Rettig is an expert on immunology, which is the study of the immune system. Dr. Rettig gives an overview of what an immune response is, how it relates to vaccinations, and the difference between innate and acquired immunity. Laura and Dr. Rettig also discuss the specifics of titers and what breeders should consider when vaccinating their dogs.

Jan 6, 2021

This week on The Good Dog Pod, Laura covers the importance of bathing and drying to the success of grooming any dog. A half clean, half dry dog is going to get sent back to the tub every time. While your Italian Greyhound isn’t going to take as long as your Newfoundland, they all need the same level of care. Listen today to get tips on everything from nail trimming and bathing to shampoos and conditioners! This episode originally aired on Pure Dog Talk. To learn more about about Good Dog, head to gooddog.com/join .

Dec 30, 2020

About Dr. Casey Carl DVM: Dr. Carl is the Associate Medical Director at Paw Print Genetics. He is a veterinarian and is a strong proponent of using preventative medicine to limit animal suffering. He has experience working with the AVMA in addition to his 4 years in clinical practice. Dr. Carl joins Good Dog in a live Q&A to talk genetics of coat color and traits. In part 1 about the primary colors in dogs, and what the different loci mean. Dr. Carl gives an overview of how genetics works in influencing what colors dogs are. Become a member of our community to stay tuned for future Q&A sessions! Please visit https://www.gooddog.com/join-as-breeder to learn more, and also check out some of our other articles an webinars at www.gooddog.com/good-breeder-center !

Dec 23, 2020

About Dr. Hutchison: Dr. Hutchison, DVM is a Reproduction and Genetics consultant for the Veterinary Information Network (VIN), and is co-director of the Animal Clinic Northview in North Ridgeville, Ohio. He is also the president of the International Canine Semen Bank of Ohio, and advisor for College of Veterinary Medicine students interested in small animal theriogenology from OSU, Virginia Tech, Purdue, Tufts, and Michigan State. Dr. Hutchison is the author of many articles on canine reproduction in leading breed journals and magazines.

Dec 16, 2020

About Dr. Hutchison: Dr. Hutchison, DVM is a Reproduction and Genetics consultant for the Veterinary Information Network (VIN), and is co-director of the Animal Clinic Northview in North Ridgeville, Ohio. He is also the president of the International Canine Semen Bank of Ohio, and advisor for College of Veterinary Medicine students interested in small animal theriogenology from OSU, Virginia Tech, Purdue, Tufts, and Michigan State. Dr. Hutchison is the author of many articles on canine reproduction in leading breed journals and magazines. We’re so excited to share the recording of the second part of the webinar series with everyone! If you aren't yet a Good Breeder, we encourage you to complete our short 30-second registration form to view part three . If you have signed up already, you can check out the remaining part here !

Dec 9, 2020

About Denise Fenzi: Denise is the founder of the Fenzi Dog Sports Academy (FDSA), which is an online school dedicated to providing high-quality instruction for competitive dog sports using current and progressive training methods. Denise has titled dogs in obedience (AKC and UKC), tracking (AKC and schutzhund), schutzhund (USA), mondioring (MRSA), herding (AKC), conformation (AKC), and agility (AKC). She has two AKC obedience champions, perfect scores in both schutzhund and Mondio ringsport obedience, and is well known for her flashy and precise obedience work. Denise talks about the most important thing when it comes to responsible dog ownership: recognizing canine behavior. This includes not only recognizing your own dog’s behavior, but being conscious of other dogs’ behaviors as well. Check out the Fenzi Dog Sports Academy to learn more about recognizing canine behavior, in addition to tons and tons of more information on the cutting-edge training methods. Listen to this episode to learn about the top 5 most important aspects of responsible dog ownership!

Dec 2, 2020

Listen to the first part of a live, interactive Q&A session hosted by Good Dog Advisors, Dr. Gayle Watkins, Laura Reeves, and Susan Patterson! This week's topic was the first week of neonatal care. Become a member of our community to stay tuned for future "Ask our Advisors" Q&A sessions! Please visit https://www.gooddog.com/join-as-breeder to learn more, and also check out some of our other articles an webinars at www.gooddog.com/good-breeder-center !

Nov 25, 2020

Episode originally aired on Pure Dog Talk. Show link can be found below. About Lara Joseph: Lara Joseph is the owner of The Animal Behavior Center , an international, educational center focusing on teaching people how to work with animals using positive reinforcement and approaches in Applied Behavior Analysis. She is a professional animal behavior consultant and trainer. Lara explains how positive reinforcement training works – and why it’s so effective! She uses it extensively with zoo animals and exotics, as well as with companion dogs. She also explains how to shape behaviors, such as crate training, digging, and jumping up. Redirecting the dog’s behavior requires correctly identifying the “reinforcer” – in other words what the dog wants – and then providing that reinforcer for an acceptable behavior. Laura and Lara discuss how to listen to your dog, and how to approach the topic of aggression in canines. Check out Pure Dog Talk !

Nov 18, 2020

Episode originally aired on Pure Dog Talk. Show link can be found below. Grooming is just as important at a conformation show as handling is (and often takes just as much work!). In this episode, Laura discusses what routines you can implement at home to keep your dog both healthy and beautiful. No matter what coat type you’re dealing with, grooming takes a lot of time and care. Laure describes how you should pick a day (or time of day) for grooming and maintenance - from cleaning teeth to brushing to trimming their nails. Laura gives some great tips and tricks you need to be aware of when grooming your dog at home - lots of practical advice for real breeders! Check out Pure Dog Talk !

Nov 11, 2020

About Dr. Hutchison: Dr. Hutchison, DVM is a Reproduction and Genetics consultant for the Veterinary Information Network (VIN), and is co-director of the Animal Clinic Northview in North Ridgeville, Ohio. He is also the president of the International Canine Semen Bank of Ohio, and advisor for College of Veterinary Medicine students interested in small animal theriogenology from OSU, Virginia Tech, Purdue, Tufts, and Michigan State. Dr. Hutchison is the author of many articles on canine reproduction in leading breed journals and magazines. We’re so excited to share the recording of the first part of the webinar series with everyone! If you aren't yet a Good Breeder, we encourage you to complete our short 30-second registration form to view parts two and three . If you have signed up already, you can check out the remaining parts here !

Nov 4, 2020

About Terry Miller: Terry is a renowned breeder of Briards, under the name Deja Vu Briards . She has owned and produced more than 275 Deja Vu Briards champions since 1982! The Briard is a complex working dog that is known for its coat and deep history in herding. Terry gives a rundown of the history of the breed and how the breed standard was developed from its original purpose as a herding dog. Laura and Terry then discuss where the breed is now, and what it represents as the national dog of France. The Briard has transitioned away from being primarily a herding dog - Terry discusses the implications of that when thinking of the Briard as a family dog, and how to set yourself up for success if you’re thinking about getting a Briard. To learn more about about Good Dog, head to gooddog.com/join .

Oct 28, 2020

In this episode, Laura Reeves chats with Good Dog's leadership team (Lauren McDevitt, Chief Experience Officer, Cat Matloub, Head of Partnerships, Community & Legal Affairs, and Monica DeBosscher, Head of Partner Strategy) about Good Dog’s 2020 Campaign to End Online Puppy Scams. Cat gives some examples of the types of scams she has seen in the dog world. With COVID-19, the number of pet-related scams has increased significantly. And in a world full of scammers, Good Dog is on a mission to protect our breeders and puppy buyers, which means using tech expertise to eliminate these scams. The Good Dog team speaks about the challenges when it comes to holding both buyers and breeders responsible for their actions. This frequently happens in the payment stage of the transaction - where one party will back out of an agreed payment, leaving the other party helpless. This is heartbreaking - for the victim and for the puppy. Part of Good Dog’s goal is to bring world-class technology and security to the dog world in the form a breeder-focused payment system. A system that won’t punish breeders when they get scammed, but rather that will completely support the transaction. Good Dog wants to take away having to think about payment when dealing with something as precious as a dog. The more a breeder can focus on making a good match for their puppy, and less time worrying about money, the better the experience will be for everyone. Monica discusses why dealing with scams as a breeder can be so difficult (and sometimes impossible to challenge). That’s why Good Dog stands behind every transaction. She gives a couple examples of how using payments through Good Dog has saved breeders thousands of dollars. Lauren talks about how payments through Good Dog is different from something like PayPal, and how it technically works to protect both breeders and buyers. Learn more about Good Dog's 2020 Campaign to End Online Puppy Scams in the link below! https://www.gooddog.com/good-breeder-center/2020-campaign-to-end-online-puppy-scams

Oct 21, 2020

Be sure to check out the resources below for more information and context for this episode! About Dr. Casey Carl DVM: Dr. Carl is the Associate Medical Director at Paw Print Genetics. He is a veterinarian and is a strong proponent of using preventative medicine to limit animal suffering. He has experience working with the AVMA in addition to his 4 years in clinical practice. Laura and Dr. Carl talk about the primary colors in dogs, and what the different loci mean (you may have heard of things like e-locus or k-locus). Dr. Carl gives an overview of how genetics works in influencing what colors dogs are. They then discuss what affects nose color and foot pad color (it isn’t always the same as what affects coat color!). Get a brief overview of how genetics works, what genetic mutations entail, what loci are, and what we’ve learned from the dog genome over the past decade. Dr. Carl explains what merle is from a genetic standpoint, as well as what harlequin and merlequin are in Great Danes. He also describes the health challenges associated with breeding merle dogs. Resources: Canine Base Coat Color Genetic Flowchart Your Guide to Canine Color and Trait Genetic Testing

Oct 14, 2020

This week Laura speaks about Good Dog’s Club Partnership Program with special guests Wendy Ball of the Bichon Frise Club of America (BFCA) and D'Arcy Downs-Vollbracht and Sandra Hickson of the Dandie Dinmont Terrier Club of America (DDTCA). Good Dog has long been in awe of all the work that the Parent, Speciality, Regional, Local, All-Breed, Performance and other clubs do and their commitment to the preservation and protection of dogs, breeds, education, and canine health. Through the Club Partnership Program, Good Dog provides clubs with financial support (including an annual grant of up to $2,000 and contributions to breed-specific research), recognition, policing, education and free legal and tech support, among other things. Wendy describes how the BFCA will be using their grant from Good Dog to rebuild their club’s website. Bichons are a very popular breed and as people are looking to acquire healthy, well-bred Bichons having a good club website that is easy to navigate, accessible, and can provide vital education to the public is absolutely critical. D’Arcy, who is the Health & Genetics Chair of the DDTCA, describes how the DDTCA will be using the grant from Good Dog to provide vouchers to breeders and owners to get eye exams. She speaks to how making such exams more accessible not only provides significant benefits on the data collection side of things, but also helps leave a legacy of health for the Dandie Dinmont Terrier breed. Our guests also talk about their individual experiences as early members of Good Dog’s Good Breeder community and how they believe the organization is helping educate the public and build a better world for our dogs! Learn more about Good Dog’s Club Partnerships Program at https://www.gooddog.com/good-breeder-center/breed-club-partnership-program

Oct 7, 2020

About Sue Willumsen: Sue works in veterinary medicine and got her first Labrador in 1980. She has been very involved in the dog world ever since, showing and competing with her dogs. She is an AKC-licensed judge in several breeds. About Barbara Gilchrist: Barbara got her first Labrador in 1964. As the dog was rather difficult, Barbara focused on getting involved in obedience with her. She was then the first woman to be hired at a local field trial kennel, for which she dropped out of college to work for. She’s been very involved ever since, breeding many champions along the way. About Susan Patterson: Susan is a renowned Labrador Retriever breeder and breeds under the Fenwyck Labrador Retriever name. She has been breeding since the 80's when she first got involved with various Labrador Retriever clubs. Our guests discuss the history of the Labrador Retriever breed standard (and why we shouldn’t be asking about American versus English Labs). The breed standard was written by the parent club which was very field-oriented at the time, which has misrepresented the current state of the breed to a certain extent. They also talk about the temperament spectrum, and what to think about and what questions to ask before getting a Lab (or a dog in general). Sue talks about the health testing typically done on Labs (and what advances have been made in testing). They finish by discussing the ‘24/7 tech support’ that breeders provide their puppy buyers - how important it is, and how fun it is for them to keep up with the growth of their dogs!

Sep 30, 2020

Learn all about America’s favorite breed, the Labrador Retriever! About Sue Willumsen: Sue works in veterinary medicine and got her first Labrador in 1980. She has been very involved in the dog world ever since, showing and competing with her dogs. She is an AKC-licensed judge in several breeds. About Barbara Gilchrist: Barbara got her first Labrador in 1964. As the dog was rather difficult, Barbara focused on getting involved in obedience with her. She was then the first woman to be hired at a local field trial kennel, for which she dropped out of college to work for. She’s been very involved ever since, breeding many champions along the way. About Susan Patterson: Susan is a renowned Labrador Retriever breeder and breeds under the Fenwyck Labrador Retriever name. She has been breeding since the 80's when she first got involved with various Labrador Retriever clubs. The experts discuss how the Labrador hunts in the field, and why its structure as defined by the breed standard is so important. They talk about the differences between specialty dogs and show dogs. The type of hunting that takes place now is very different from the hunting that took place 50 years ago, which results in different types of Labs built for different purposes.

Sep 23, 2020

In this rebroadcast of a Pure Dog Talk episode, Laura discusses the disbanding of her local kennel club and the general state of clubs across the country. Today our club membership is dwindling and the members there are aging. They get together to put their shows together and that’s about it. And yet today with the continuing threat of the animal rights making owning a purebred “unethical”…we need our clubs more than ever! Let’s get back to being kennel clubs for the public! Laura put together 5 tips for joining and succeeding in an all-breed club, plus 5 more tips for club leadership. Tune in to learn more!

Sep 16, 2020

About Dr. Jessica Hekman: Dr. Hekman is a veterinarian who studies the genetics of dog behavior. She founded the Functional Dog Collaborative to give support to those who are responsibly breeding dogs. The Functional Dog Collaborative defines what they mean by responsible breeding (which is informed mostly by what sort of dogs you’re trying to produce). Dr. Hekman describes why they decided to include behavioral health as part of that definition, and why it’s so important to responsible breeding. For her day job, Dr. Hekman looks at canine genetics and how it relates to behavioral health. She wants the Functional Dog Collaborative to be able to support that research, to help both breeders and puppy buyers.

Sep 9, 2020

About Susan Patterson: Susan is a renowned Labrador Retriever breeder and breeds under the Fenwyck Labrador Retriever name. She has been breeding since the 80's when she first got involved with various Labrador Retriever clubs. Susan talks about what to look for in a Lab in order to know what type of dog they will be. While all Labs share the same looks, not all Labs are the same - and that’s important to keep in mind if you’re someone looking for a companion dog versus someone looking for a hunting dog. Susan matches puppies in her litters with their humans to best match up certain characteristics, the most notable one being drive. Some dogs are couch potatoes, and some need to have a job. Regardless of drive, however, every Lab needs to have proper structure and health to ensure longevity and quality of life. It’s important to understand that you don’t have to have a Best in Show dog to have a dog with proper structure - making sure your Lab has good hip and elbow placement is as important for a hunting dog as it is for a performance dog or even a couch potato! Judi speaks about the Dilute Retriever Policy and why it was created. She describes why Good Dog stands with the Labrador Retriever Club in only recognizing Yellow, Black, and Chocolate Labrador Retrievers. Cat then talks about the process of how Good Dog goes about making these decisions, and the importance of these decisions to Good Dog. In short, Good Dog relies on the experts (such as Judi and Susan) to inform and develop these policies.

Sep 2, 2020

About Bret Cody: Bret owns That’ll Do Photography and specializes in getting action shots of dogs. He got his start photographing Border Collies and Kelpies at herding dog events and continues attending events where he photographs all the action. Laura and Bret discuss how Bret got his start in the action dog photography world, and how breeders can apply his techniques to produce high quality photos. Some of Bret’s tips include: Get at eye level Pay attention to the background Utilize interesting noises to grab the dog’s attention Use support to steady the camera Be aware of your light source Try to get the dog when they’re ‘in stress’ Make sure the eyes are in frame Learn the tool you have Take lots of pictures!

Aug 26, 2020

About Leader Dogs for the Blind: Leader Dogs for the Blind is a philanthropically-funded service that provides guide dogs to the blind and visually impaired. Read more about Leader Dog here . Laura talks with Beverly Blanchard, Manager of Canine Development at Leader Dog, about how Leader Dog produces effective guide dogs. Specifically, how are dogs taken from puppy to certified guide dog? It’s a long and difficult process that requires a whole lot of effort from both the trainers AND the dogs! Leader Dog is in a unique position where their guide dogs come from family homes that whelp and raise the puppies specifically for their guide dog program. Bev then discusses the important differences between guide dogs, service dogs, and therapy dogs, since those three categories of dogs are often blurred together.

Aug 19, 2020

About Dr. Marty Greer: Dr. Greer is a renowned author, speaker, veterinarian, and canine reproduction specialist. In addition to being the Director of Veterinary Services at Revival Animal Health, she is on the board of the National Animal Interest Alliance (NAIA), the Society for Veterinary Medical Ethics, American Veterinary Medical Law Association, and the Society for Theriogenology. About Sheryl Bradbury: Sheryl Bradbury is the Owned Brands Manager at Revival Animal Health, where she oversees the Breeder’s Edge, Doc Roy’s, and Vet Basics brands. Sheryl grew up falling asleep in the whelping box and has bred champions from several breeds. Today she raises Grand Basset Griffon Vendeens and Lancashire Heelers. She is the president of the United States Lancashire Heeler Club and also holds board positions in various dog clubs and animal health foundations. In addition to her breeding experience, Sheryl brings 30 years of product management experience in the veterinary industry to her role at Revival. Reproduction is a luxury for a dog’s body, and can only happen if the body is already able to take care of its vital organs. We can’t overlook the nutrients that are often missed by the main pet food companies that are important to making a dog as healthy as possible for breeding. Thus, supplements are critical for keeping breeding dogs healthy for reproduction. Dr. Greer gives some specific examples of the nutrients required for healthy breeding dogs and what they do for the reproductive system, as well as what they do for the puppies’ health. Dr. Greer also talks about the importance of getting the right nutrients to stud dogs for breeding, in addition to the more commonly-talked about health of the bitch. Sheryl talks about some of the products Revival Animal Health offers, and how they support dogs’ reproductive health. She goes over the extensive research and development Revival Animal Health goes through to develop their products - making sure that they are created based on current reproductive and nutritional science and are reviewed by experts. As part of a new partnership, Revival Animal Health is offering Good Breeders $10 off everything in their online store! Dr. Greer talks about the recent research surrounding folic acid and its benefits. Check out some current research about folic acid and cleft palate in brachycephalic dogs here .

Aug 12, 2020

About Dr. Lori Cesario: Dr. Lori Cesario is a Board-Certified Veterinary Oncologist who is dedicated to providing families with high quality information about dog cancer. Dr. Cesario runs the Canine Cancer Academy ( https://www.caninecanceracademy.com/ ) Laura and Dr Cesario discuss the common myths and misconceptions surrounding canine cancer. Dr. Cesario busts some common myths such as: can you tell if a tumor is benign just by looking at it? Can you tell if a cancer has spread without proper tests (x-rays, samples, ultrasounds, etc.) from a vet? Is cancer transmissible? Are certain breeds more or less prone to cancer? Can diet affect the prevalence of cancer? They talk about how important it is to realize that dogs express pain differently than humans might expect. As owners, we want our dogs to be as healthy and happy as possible. We have to understand that dogs are really good at hiding their pain, and should therefore take any subtle signs of discomfort seriously (especially with symptoms such as limps). It’s also important to understand the earlier signs of nausea, including things like decreased appetite, increased drooling, and lip-smacking. Dr. Cesario explains how dogs process chemotherapy different than humans do, which is important to keep in mind as humans decide how to treat their dogs for cancer. Dr. Cesario then talks about the effect of early spay/neuter on different types of cancer.

Aug 5, 2020

About Dr. Lori Cesario: Dr. Lori Cesario is a Board-Certified Veterinary Oncologist who is dedicated to providing families with high quality information about dog cancer. Dr. Cesario runs the Canine Cancer Academy ( https://www.caninecanceracademy.com/ ) Laura and Dr. Cesario talk about what to do if you find a lump on your dog (and how frequently you should evaluate your dog to make sure everything is normal). By establishing a baseline, you’ll be able to more easily notice when something abnormal appears. The best way to make sure you are monitoring and recording your dog’s lumps and bumps is to use a body map of your dog. Dr. Cesario explains what a body map is, and how using one is helpful for both you and your vet. Laura asks about warts (which appear outside the skin as opposed to cancerous masses) - Dr. Cesario explains that the most important thing for your dog is to get a diagnosis for any sort of lump, whether it looks like a skin tag, a bug bite, or a wart. Fortunately, diagnosing a lump on your dog’s skin is often pretty quick. After taking the first step of getting a diagnosis, you can then take the next steps, whether it’s treating the mass or continuing to monitor it. Laura and Dr. Cesario discuss how treating skin tumors can work (and how an incomplete surgery can leave dangerous, cancerous cells behind). When you treat your dog for cancer, it has to be a comprehensive treatment so that the cancer doesn’t re-emerge. That’s why getting the diagnosis right in the first place is so critical to your dog’s health. They talk about treatment options, including Dr. Cesario’s thoughts on holistic treatment. Treatment can vary for each dog’s situation, so treatment options really depend on the dog. Treating cancer often comes down to balancing health with quality of life for the dog. Dr. Cesario gives some general cost estimates for treating canine cancer, listing cost based on the type treatment. She also goes over how much the treatment options can extend your dogs life (and how variable and unpredictable that time estimate can be).

Jul 29, 2020

About Dr. Chris Zink: Previously named Veterinarian of the Year by the AVMA, Dr. Chris Zink is an award-winning author of numerous books and co-editor of the first ever book on Canine Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation, Co-Founder of Avidog-Zink Ventures, and a world-renowned expert in canine sports medicine and rehabilitation, with over 125 titles in Agility, Obedience, Conformation, Tracking, Hunt Tests, Barn Hunt, Nosework, Coursing, and Rally on dogs from the Sporting, Hound, Working, Terrier and Herding groups. Dr. Zink was also instrumental in establishing the American College of Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation as the newest specialty in veterinary medicine. Dr. Zink discusses the Fit for Life program with Laura. The program was developed in response to seeing a lot of dogs with a lot of injuries, combined with the knowledge that being at a certain weight and fitness level can help prevent these injuries. Dr. Zink started to see that most people have no idea that dogs need to be conditioned and fit just like humans do to improve their health spans. There’s a lack of focus on our dogs’ healthy weights - added weight has a lot of negative effects for dogs - it affects everything about our dogs’ lives, including leading to things like increased chance of arthritis, which affects mobility issues. Laura and Dr. Zink discuss the importance of starting your dogs right - chubby puppies are set up for a lifetime of trouble, so it’s important to start conditioning and health monitoring young. Fit for Life outlines many low-impact exercises that you can do at home with little effort; Dr. Zink gives an example of a rear-leg strength exercise that’s featured in the program. Laura and Dr. Zink talk about the importance of repetitions and how you can use reps to get to overload. Fit for Life lets you know how to observe your dog as it exercises, so that you know when they are getting to that ‘overload’ point. Getting to overload is the important thing, not the number of reps or the amount of weight. Dr. Zink then gives the background behind the Fit to be Tied program and how important it is that breeding dogs be fit. The program applies specific criteria to each stage of the breeding process (what you should and shouldn’t do). While you want your breeding dogs to be fit, you don’t want them as thin as you would want a performance dog. In short, why is conditioning important? 1: Dogs that are weak are more likely to be injured, and injuries are expensive. 2: Fitness equates to longevity - who doesn’t want their dogs to live longer?

Jul 22, 2020

The two most common problems with fertility are timing (with respect to the female) and having good quality semen that’s delivered into the uterus. Another problem that’s becoming increasingly important is the nutrition of the bitch and stud dog. About Dr. Greer: Dr. Greer is a renowned author, speaker, veterinarian, and canine reproduction specialist. In addition to being the Director of Veterinary Services at Revival Animal Health, she is on the board of the National Animal Interest Alliance (NAIA), the Society for Veterinary Medical Ethics, American Veterinary Medical Law Association, and the Society for Theriogenology. Laura and Marty start by discussing the importance of nutrition - what people feed their dogs, how they feed, and what consequences those factors can have on the success of a breeding. There is likely a nutritional component to the quality of a stud dog’s semen in addition to fertility and the female - this is something that hasn’t been very explored, but is becoming more evident. They then talk about the importance of progesterone timing and how using frozen vs fresh semen interacts with that. There’s a narrow window of time during which the puppies need to come out - they also discuss the downsides of reverse progesterone testing (done at the end of pregnancy). Last, they discuss the importance of having your bitch in good physical condition - fit but not too lean. You also want your bitch to have good dental health. Overall, you want your dog to be in top notch shape for breeding.

Jul 15, 2020

Join Good Dog’s legal team as we speak with Laura Reeves about how we protect breeders from scams and animal rights extremists, advocate for breeders and against overreaching dog legislation, and provide sample contracts and other legal resources so breeders can get the legal support they deserve! Guests: Cat Matloub, Esq. (University of Chicago Law School), Monica DeBosscher, Esq. (Harvard Law School), and Christine Liu, Esq. (Harvard Law School) Good Dog’s legal team describe key ways in which Good Dog provides legal support and helps protect and empower breeders. Cat describes how Good Dog helps protect breeders’ legal rights, including by providing support if there are issues with animal control, assistance with stolen photos, scams and payment issues, and help if breeders are being harassed. Good Dog also helps support breeders by educating the public! Monica speaks about how anti-breeder advocacy is damaging and how many times the accompanying legislation affects the way the public thinks about the good forces in the dog world. She describes ways in which Good Dog works to stop anti-breeder legislation through letter-writing campaigns and social media and provide ongoing education. It’s important to remember that dog breeders are the subject experts when it comes to breeding - that’s why Good Dog is committed to making breeders’ interests heard so that when the government is facing a question related to dog breeding, they know who to go to. Christine introduces Good Dog’s new Good Breeder Legal Resource Center, which is designed specifically for dog breeders. Good Dog provides free sample contracts that breeders can use and adapt for their programs, in order to ensure that the breeders, buyers (and their dogs!) are happy with the process of placing a dog. Cat and Laura discuss the importance of contracts in communicating exactly what the breeder wants the buyer to know. Also learn about mediation services, and why it can be extremely helpful to have a 3rd party assist with any sort of legal support a breeder may need. Visit the Legal Resource Center on Good Dog.

Jul 8, 2020

Laura and Myra Savant-Harris talk about the importance of natural breeding. Tune in to learn more about the specialized canine reproductive system and what you can do for your breeding program. About Myra Savant-Harris: Renowned author and speaker on canine reproduction and whelping, Myra has been a scientist for much of her life. She quickly became interested in the reproductive system and has bred everything from dogs to hamsters to fish. She got into nursing, where she worked as an RN in the NICU and labor-delivery. She has written several acclaimed books and guides on the breeding and whelping process. We often forget that dogs are much more behavioral-oriented than we think. We've gone to some of the things humans use like TCIs when we should remember that the male dog is anatomically built for natural reproduction as it is. Myra discusses the importance of the tie as well as some important properties of semen and eggs. "Nothing is a substitute for egg sperm and time...it's a wonderful system." Myra gives advice to breeders who want to do a natural breeding but can't - for example for those who need to get sperm shipped to them. Laura and Myra then end by giving stud dog owners advice about what to look for in their dog's sperm, as well as potential myths and misconceptions to be aware of!

Jul 1, 2020

Learn about the importance of socialization, and what the latest research says about the topic. Here at the Good Dog Pod, we are all about supporting dog breeders and responsible dog ownership. Good Dog is on a mission to build a better world for our dogs and the people who love them through education and advocacy. The Good Dog Pod provides dog lovers with the latest updates in canine health and veterinary care, animal legislation and legal advocacy, canine training and behavior science, and dog breeding practices. Subscribe and join our mission to help give our dogs the world they deserve. Dr. Judi Stella: Judi Stella is Head of Standards & Research at Good Dog. Her research has focused on assessing the behavior and welfare of domestic cats and dogs housed in biomedical laboratories, shelters, veterinary hospitals, and commercial breeding facilities. Dr. Gayle Watkins: Gayle is the founder of Avidog and renowned Golden Retriever breeder. She is an AKC Gold Breeder of Merit and a three-time AKC Breeder of the Year. Her educational course "Savvy Socialization" is the topic of this week's episode. Check out Good Dog University's Summer of Socialization here . In this episode, Judi, Gayle, and Laura discuss what socialization means and how to be effective at it. Judi talks about the importance of socialization and the impact behavioral problems have both in the dog world and beyond. Dogs with behavior problems have significantly negatively impacted lives (thus also negatively impacting their owners). Preventing these problems is easier than managing them - that’s where socialization comes in. Historically we’ve focused on socializing our puppies in the first 16 weeks of life - Gayle has developed a socialization course that extends beyond traditional wisdom, drawing on science and her years of experience in the dog world. Resource: Genetics and the Social Behavior of the Dog by John Paul Scott and John L. Fuller Gayle discusses the importance of introductions. Dogs have a hard time generalizing and need a lot of exposure to a lot of different things. "Sit" in the park is a lot different than "sit" in the kitchen! Gayle gives a bit of background on her course "Savvy Socialization." The course teaches how to build trust in your puppies. There are four types of trust: Trust in people, Trust environment Trust in expectations of them Trust in themselves