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
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.
View Brenda's Paction Profile
Kelley of Bridgeland Poodles
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.
Maureen of Clanagroe Kennel
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.
Canine Science Researcher
Laura Gillet, PhD Candidate
Laura is a canine scientist, psychologist and ethologist. Laura Gillet is PhD candidate studying canine science at the Eötvös Loránd University in Budapest, Hungary. Her research topics include the costs and benefits of dog keeping 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
