The Journey to Establishing an Intentional & Thoughtful Breeding Program

Why I Started Breeding: the Opportunity to Do Better

My decision to breed Goldendoodles stemmed largely from my curiosity about the information gaps on various Goldendoodle websites. Many breeders would claim that their focus in dog breeding was dog health and temperament and yet there was no information to substantiate such claims. Where was that information? Where was the proof? At best it seemed lazy, at worst it was deceitful. 

I realized that if I was going to make a dog breeding business out of a passion I would have to substantiate all of my claims. I would have to show potential future puppy owners that I was working towards a breed standard that was indeed everything I said it would be. My website tries to do all of that and more. It describes my philosophy about dog breeding, tells people who I am, where I live, how many breeding dogs I have, how they are cared for, health certifications, pricing, upcoming litters, and much more. It is routinely updated with new photos, health certifications, details of socialization protocols, descriptions of things that are happening, etc. I love it and I live it!

Read more about my breeding program at Ganaraska Doodles.

How Breeders Influence Pup Health

As stated on most Goldendoodle websites, I too believe in comprehensive health testing. Unlike many Goldendoodle breeders, I feel it is necessary to substantiate my claims in order to prove to my future potential puppy owners that I am committed to standards of excellence in the breeding of Goldendoodles. In 2024, I proudly joined the Goldendoodle Association of North America (GANA). Membership in GANA requires rigorous health testing on all breeding dogs and submission of documentation approved by specific organizations such as OFA, Embark, Paw Prints Genetics, etc. GANA also requires that all members adhere to a code of ethics and post the details of a 2-year health Guarantee. This process takes time and effort. Is it worth it? Yes. Does it help to set a standard that benefits dogs and owners of dogs? Yes. I have spoken with other Goldendoodle breeders who have chosen not to become members because it is “too much work”.

Thoughtful breeding programs require a lot of work and are also a source of pride. As a gold - level member of GANA, all of my breeding dogs have OFA certified hips, heart, patellas, elbows and eyes. I ensure that no more than one parent dog carries copies of breed-specific genetic diseases. All certifications and health testing documentation is kept up to date on my website. I want all of my future clients to know what is involved in the creation of these extraordinary dogs. Everyone wants a healthy dog and standardized testing and oversight reduces a wide variety of health risks that could impact the health of all dogs. 

Early Socialization

Another important factor to consider when one is looking for a breeder to buy a puppy from is whether or not the breeder works to socialize their puppies. Perhaps the largest commitment a breeder has to their future clientele is to ensure that all puppies are well socialized. It is important for dogs to feel safe in the human world so that they can coexist in a way that is enjoyed by them and their humans. Socialization - “the process of creating positive exposures to the world during a certain period of a puppy’s development is key to letting that happen.”

When selecting a breeder, future puppy owners should ask the breeder what steps they are taking to socialize their litters. Are the pups left alone in the yard to be raised by their moms? Have they had Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS)? Are they being routinely handled? Meeting different people? Exposed to different unusual sights and sounds? 

All of these things are of critical importance during the 8 weeks that the puppies are in the care of their breeder. An enriched environment and introduction to a few common manners will go a long way in setting them up for their new lives. Missing enrichment in this critical phase of development can create future challenges for owners and dogs. The work to prepare my Goldendoodles for their new homes intensifies once all of the puppies’ eyes are open at about 3 weeks of age. At this point, I work hard to stimulate my litter by introducing them to as many sights, sounds and activities as possible. I do all this to prepare the puppies for the many challenges and transitions that lay ahead. My goal is to deliver all future puppy owners a physically and mentally healthy puppy.

Dog breeding is not necessarily overly complicated - it is a commitment motivated by care and passion that a dog breeder has for their litter.  Many Goldendoodle breeders know the buzzwords and phrases that attract people to buy their pups. I use them myself:

• breed specific health tested, 

• genetic testing, 

• OFA Certifications 

• home-raised, 

• great temperaments, 

• puppy culture, 

• great with kids, 

• pedigree/lineage, 

• Health Guarantee, 

• producer of service/therapy dogs

• healthy parents make healthy puppies. 

How to Spot A Thoughtful Breeding Program

The tricky part for new pup parents is uncovering the evidence of a breeders’ commitment to the work involved in producing these results. When looking for a puppy, look at a breeders website carefully and ask lots of questions. A thoughtful breeder should want to talk to you as much as you want to talk to them. A good breeder is looking for the right home for their puppy and should interview you as much as you interview them. Information on the website should be easily verifiable and comprehensive. Getting a puppy is a serious commitment that requires a lot of considerations regarding both the puppy and the client.

Given the emotional investment dog owners make when welcoming a new dog into their lives, and the ever increasing cost of veterinary care, you would be wise to take your time, explore and enjoy the process!