Responsible Dog Ownership Series
Expert Feature: Puppy Shopping & Committing to Dog Ownership
September is Responsible Dog Ownership Month! At Paction, one of our missions is to empower puppy shoppers with the knowledge and confidence to make the best possible decisions when choosing what kind of dog to get and where to get it from. Informed choices lead to happier dogs, stronger bonds, and fewer dogs ending up in shelters. To help guide you, we’ve teamed up with three experienced Canadian breeders who share their top tips and candid advice for anyone considering bringing a dog into their life. Whether you’re just starting your research or narrowing down your options, don’t miss this chance to hear directly from Paction's experts!
Canadian Breeders
Brenda of Bren's Doodles
Goldendoodle Association of North America
Bren’s Doodles is a small, ethical, home-based Goldendoodle breeding program in British Columbia, dedicated to raising healthy, well-tempered companions through responsible practices. As a Gold-Level member and board representative of the Goldendoodle Association of North America (GANA), Brenda follows the highest standards of health and genetic testing for all parent dogs. Puppies are raised with proven early development protocols such as Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS), Early Scent Introduction (ESI), and socialization techniques from Puppy Culture and AviDog. At seven weeks, each puppy completes formal temperament testing to help ensure the best possible match with families based on lifestyle and personality. The program includes a two-year health guarantee, lifetime breeder support, GANA registration, and a range of thoughtful take-home items. Brenda values quality over quantity, thoughtfully raising just 2-3 small, carefully planned litters each year. Brenda also volunteers at Cariboo Memorial Hospital with her registered therapy dog visiting patients.
View Brenda's Paction Profile
Maureen of Clanagroe Kennel
American Cocker Spaniel Club of Canada
With over 40 years of dedicated breeding experience, Maureen, founder of Clanagroe Kennel, has built a reputation for excellence in raising American Cocker Spaniels with exceptional temperament, health, and show dogs. A long-standing member of the Canadian Kennel Club (CKC) and current Vice President of the American Cocker Spaniel Breed Club of Canada, Maureen brings both passion and deep breed knowledge to everything she does. Her background as a former CBC journalist and radio host adds a unique perspective to her thoughtful, communicative approach with prospective puppy families.
Kelley of Bridgeland Poodles
Canadian Kennel Club
Bridgeland's Standard Poodle breeding program was born from a lifelong dream to raise exceptional dogs that are intelligent, intuitive, and loyal family companions. After an extensive search, we found the perfect match in Akiva — an elegant, affectionate, and highly intelligent Poodle. Together, they embody everything we value: sound genetics, excellent temperament, and versatility in both work and sport. Since 2023, our program has focused on producing healthy, well-rounded puppies from proven, titled lines, always with the goal of bettering the breed and bringing joy to families across Canada. Kelley’s breeding pairs are genetically and temperament tested, raised with care through a Puppy Graduation Program, and bred for excellence in service, sport, and family life. She is a proud CKC Gold Member serving Alberta and British Columbia.
Cindy of Heartland Papillons
Heartland Papillons
Cindy has been breeding sport and performance dogs for 20 years. She is passionate about the difference a great breeder. (vs an average breeder) can make for their puppies. Papillons are awesome family pets, they love people and are very happy dogs. Cindy sees how they are the perfect dog for any family. Her expertise lies in setting up a puppy to quickly learn and to impress their new owners. Cindy is not a volume breeder, but a breeder for people that want a smart well balanced puppy that has basic training so the new owner doesn't need to spend copious time trying to potty train or crate train or get their new puppy to listen to them. Cindy is passionate about the time and connection with Papillon pups required so the puppy and the new home is a smooth transition, the new addition to the family is seamless and easy!
Canine Science Researcher
Laura Gillet, PhD Candidate
Laura is a canine scientist and psychologist. Laura Gillet is PhD candidate studying ethology at the Eötvös Loránd University in Budapest, Hungary. Her research topics include the effects of dog ownership on mental health and the evolving role of dogs in Western societies. In this video, Laura talks about her recent publication in Nature Scientific Reports on the perceived costs and benefits of companionship dogs in order to help prospective dog owners to assess if the commitment is right for them.
Participate in a Canine Research Study
Read more about Laura's work
Laura Gillet's original results featured in Nature Scientific Reports. The study surveys Hungarian dog owners to map what they view as the biggest positives (love, companionship, physical activity) and negatives (short lifespan, financial & practical burdens) of having a dog.
This article explores both the rewards and challenges of dog ownership, covering emotional, financial, and time commitments to help you decide whether welcoming a dog into your life is a responsible choice.