The Honest Dog Breeder Podcast

Hosted by Julie Swan

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Episodes

172

Latest episode

May 2026

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About the show

Welcome to the Honest Dog Breeder Podcast, with me, your host, Julie Swan, where each week we dive in to discuss all things dog breeding, so you can build a breeding business you love, producing dogs that fulfill their owner's dreams. I believe you can have an honest dog breeding program, that also pays the bills. So throw those pods in your ears while you're cleaning kennels—I'd love to join you.

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60 recent

May 15, 20269 min

#133 - Dogs Who Are Taken Care Of, But Not Loved

One of the most heartbreaking scenarios in breeding: the dog who is "taken care of, but not loved." Tucker, a returned dog, had perfect vet records and auto-shipped food, but lived a life of isolation because he didn't fit his owners' expectations. We dive deep into why these "mismatches" happen and why they are almost always an Ideal Puppy Buyer problem rather than just a "bad home." If you've ever struggled with a puppy return or felt the sting of a placement gone wrong, this episode offers a roadmap to move past blame and into professional responsibility. Learn how this experience can help you spot early red flags, and refine your process to ensure your puppies don't just find a house, but a home where they are truly wanted.

March 21, 202611 min

#132 - Purposeful Chaos in Your Breeding Program

I recently saw a license plate that read "ShipWrk" next to a sticker saying, "I run a tight shipwreck," and it really hit a nerve about how often we breeders wear our chaos as a badge of honor. In this episode, I'm diving into why chaos should be a temporary season for growth, not a permanent identity that keeps you stuck. I share my own recent "chaotic" month of travel and litters, and explain why I believe the best breeders aren't the ones who avoid the mess, but the ones who know how to turn it back into order. If you're currently feeling underwater, join me to learn how to stop just "surviving the wreck" and start building a program that actually supports your life.

January 30, 202641 min

#131 - Why Dog Breeding Feels So Overwhelming - and what to do about it

Whether you are moving through a season of growth or looking to simplify, it's time to stop treading water and start making decisions based on clarity instead of pressure. If you're ready to trade the overwhelm in your life and breeding program for a sustainable framework, this is a can't miss episode of the Honest Dog Breeder Podcast. You can learn more about the Honest Dog Breeder Society and join at https://honestdogbreeder.com/dogbreedersociety

January 23, 202610 min

#130 - The Breeder You Need to Stop Being

In this episode, I'm digging into a pattern I see constantly: breeders who feel stuck in the chaos, they know they're doing too much but they don't know how to stop. We're exploring how your identity—the version of yourself you think you have to be—might be the very thing keeping you trapped in unsustainable habits, like 24/7 buyer messaging and elaborate processes that no longer serve you. I'm sharing why becoming a better breeder often requires becoming a different breeder, giving you full permission to evolve your program as your life changes. Whether you are moving through a season of growth or looking to simplify, it's time to stop treading water and start making decisions based on clarity instead of pressure. If you're ready to trade the overwhelm for a sustainable framework, register at: https://honestdogbreeder.com/webinar for my live training: Why Breeding Feels Overwhelming—and What to Do Instead—being held on January 29th at 3 PM EST / 12 PM PST.

January 16, 202613 min

#129 - What Actually Makes a Good Dog Breeder

Why does "doing it right" feel so exhausting? If you've ever felt judged for your feeding choices, overwhelmed by puppy curriculums, or drained by 24/7 buyer messages, this episode is for you. I'm breaking down the "Proxy Problem"—the trap of using checklists and health-testing markers as an ethical standard instead of a pathway—and why being a truly good dog breeder is about intentional decision-making, not mindless dogma. We're shifting the focus from constant effort to sustainable results. If you're ready to trade burnout for a clear, sustainable path forward, visit https://honestdogbreeder.com/129 to register for my upcoming workshop: Why Breeding Feels Overwhelming—and What to Do Instead.

January 8, 202613 min

#128 - Q&A - All About Puppy Deposits

This episode is all about the "money" side of breeding that many people feel uncomfortable talking about: puppy deposits. From the classic debate over non-refundable fees to the massive legal shifts happening in California, I'm breaking down how to structure your deposits to protect your business and your reputation. We'll look at the specific math of cash flow, how to handle contracts without making things complicated, and why your deposit strategy is actually a key part of your buyer's journey. Join me as we clear up the confusion so you can focus on what matters—raising great dogs.

January 1, 202613 min

#127 - Setting Up Your Year for Success

The New Year often comes with a lot of noise and pressure, but I believe real progress starts with slowing down to see where you actually stand. In this episode, I'm walking you through a simple reflection process to help you identify what worked last year, what was "clunky," and where you should focus your energy next. I share my own recent wins and "hair-pulling" moments—like realizing my branding didn't match my ideal buyers—to show you how to turn those friction points into a clear 90-day action plan. We'll also discuss the importance of investing in your long-term future, whether that's through financial planning, making space for creativity, or finally learning that one skill you've been avoiding. Join me as we cut through the resolutions and set your breeding program up for a sustainable, successful year ahead.

December 30, 202510 min

#126 - Is Your Breeding Program the Bringing of Good Things?

Christmas is the one time of year I finally slow down enough to reflect on whether my life and my breeding program are actually in alignment with the dreams I have for my family. In this episode, I'm digging into the idea that breeding should be a "bringer of good things"—whether that's financial freedom, family vacations, or simply the ability to be a more present parent. I truly believe that struggle is not proof of integrity, and it's time to stop being a martyr for your program if it's currently causing more resentment than joy. Join me for a year-end "gut check" as we evaluate what breeding cost you this year versus what it gave you, helping you decide if the scale is truly in balance. Every program requires a custom approach to success, and I want to help you design yours so that your breeding business finally supports the life you've always envisioned.

December 18, 20257 min

#125 - The Secret to Higher Priced Puppies

In this episode, I'm breaking down why even the best puppies won't sell if your messaging is out of sync, and how a few strategic pivots can help you finally reach your ideal buyer. By getting into alignment, you can stop chasing leads and start naming your price for the dogs you love to raise. Join me to learn how to make your breeding program more profitable and a whole lot easier to manage.

December 12, 20251 hr 13 min

12 Days of Breeders 2025 - #12 - Dana Filatova of Kismet Labradoodles

In our final episode of the series, we hear from Dana Filatova of Kismet Labradoodles in Ashville, NC, as she recounts the essential, sometimes challenging, lessons learned from her very first litter. Dana's debut litter was unexpectedly large—a "bonus-sized" group of eleven puppies! She takes us behind the scenes, sharing the unexpected obstacles and triumphs that came with managing such a big group. Most importantly, Dana reveals how the experience of raising those first eleven puppies forced her to redefine her ideal puppy buyer, shifting her focus and strategy to ensure the perfect fit for every single puppy. This interview is a powerful reminder that sometimes the biggest lessons come not from research, but from the actual process of breeding.