12 Days of Breeders 2025 - #2 - McKenze Ocampo of Twilight Doodles
The Honest Dog Breeder Podcast
Release Date: 12/02/2025
#129 - What Actually Makes a Good Dog Breeder
The Honest Dog Breeder Podcast
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...
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#128 - Q&A - All About Puppy Deposits
The Honest Dog Breeder Podcast
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.
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#127 - Setting Up Your Year for Success
The Honest Dog Breeder Podcast
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...
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#126 - Is Your Breeding Program the Bringing of Good Things?
The Honest Dog Breeder Podcast
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...
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#125 - The Secret to Higher Priced Puppies
The Honest Dog Breeder Podcast
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.
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12 Days of Breeders 2025 - #12 - Dana Filatova of Kismet Labradoodles
The Honest Dog Breeder Podcast
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...
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12 Days of Breeders 2025 - #11 - Andrea Gardner of Desert Sky Poodles
The Honest Dog Breeder Podcast
Today we welcome Andrea Gardner of Desert Sky Poodles in Utah, who brings a truly unique perspective to the world of dog breeding, shaped by her background in agricultural education. Andrea explains how the principles of genetic selection and program management she learned in Ag Ed apply directly to her Poodle program, leading to a thoughtful, data-driven approach. She views her role as not just a breeder, but as a teacher, emphasizing the crucial importance of thoroughly educating buyers so that every Desert Sky puppy can achieve its full potential. Join us to learn how embracing an...
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12 Days of Breeders 2025 - #10 - Megan Smith of Acadia Goldendoodles
The Honest Dog Breeder Podcast
We sit down with Megan Smith of Acadia Goldendoodles in Maine, who proves that responsible breeding can—and should—be a joy. After 17 years in the game, Megan has cracked the code on sustainability and enjoyment. She takes us on a tour of her spectacular facility, which we’ve affectionately dubbed a “summer camp for dogs,” designed for maximum enrichment, wellbeing, and ease in managing around 20 breeding dogs at a time. Megan also explains her decision to focus exclusively on F1 and F1b generations of Goldendoodles, detailing the specific reasons and goals behind that choice....
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12 Days of Breeders 2025 - #9 - Leilani Nichols of Northwest Cairn Terriers
The Honest Dog Breeder Podcast
Leilani Nichols of Northwest Cairn Terriers in Oregon joins us to share her unique approach to breeding and placement. In a world where every puppy looks cute, Leilani uses her marketing to target buyers who are truly ready for the specific challenges of a clever, feisty Cairn Terrier, ensuring a perfect long-term match. She also offers fascinating, hard-won insights into the difference between dogs bred solely for show ring success versus those bred specifically for temperament and personality. Leilani’s commitment to matching the right personality to the right home proves that...
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12 Days of Breeders 2025 - #8 - Sarah Whitman of Bonnie Brae Collies
The Honest Dog Breeder Podcast
Meet Sarah Whitman of Bonnie Brae Collies, who just sold her first litter of puppies. Sarah’s experience working in accredited zoos with rhinos and elephants fundamentally shaped her approach to breeding. She shares how her deep dive into population genetics led her to Collies and a registry with an open book that allows for intentional diversity planning, moving beyond closed gene pools. This episode is a must-listen for anyone feeling constrained by legal restrictions on dog breeding, as Sarah is creatively working with state and local laws to shape and structure her program. She...
info_outlineIn this 12 Days of Breeders interview, we welcome McKenze Ocampo of Twilight Doodles in Dallas, Texas to share the experience and expertise she’s used to build a thriving breeding business. McKenze discusses the daily discipline, continuous education, and fierce personal drive that has helped her build Twilight Doodles. You'll learn how she created a unique and authentic brand identity that sets her program apart, establishing immediate professionalism from day one. Crucially, McKenze reveals the power of her detailed record-keeping system, which provides non-stop, transparent support to her buyers. Plus, hear her powerful challenge: "If you are unteachable, maybe that’s the time to stop doing something." If you're ready to master the business side of breeding without sacrificing passion, this episode is a blueprint for scaling success.