Episode 139: Introducing…Good Dog’s Preferred Breeder Program

Nicole highlights Good Dog’s new Preferred Breeder Program, and is joined by Good Breeder Meli who shares her thoughts on being a Preferred Breeder. You can learn more about the Preferred Breeder Program here.

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Transcript

Nicole Engelman [0:28] Hi, everyone! Welcome back to another episode of the Good Dog Pod, where we discuss all things related to canine health, research, how Good Dog helps breeders run their breeding programs, and so much more. I’m Nicole, the Breeder Community Lead here at Good Dog. Thank you so much for tuning in this week. I am so excited to be joined here today by Mellie Campbell, who is an incredible member of our Good Breeder community. Today we’re going to be talking all about Good Dog’s new Preferred Breeder Program. Before I pass things over to Mellie, who is one of our Preferred Breeders on Good Dog, to talk all about the program, all about her thoughts about it. I thought it’d be helpful if I gave some background on what the Good Dog Preferred Breeder Program actually is and why we’re so excited to have Mellie here today with us to talk about it! 

The Good Dog Preferred Breeder Program recognizes and rewards Good Breeders for their loyalty in choosing to place their pups on Good Dog and their dedication to supporting Good Dog buyers. When you qualify as a Preferred Breeder, you receive special rewards and recognition that help you stand out to potential puppy buyers. Preferred Breeders receive an exclusive badge that will be displayed on your Good Breeder profile and in search results, which indicates your status as a Preferred Breeder to Good Dog applicants. And they also receive higher ranking in search results, so more buyers will see your pups. If you haven’t seen what this badge looks like by now, it’s this very beautiful star badge that is now on a bunch of breeder profiles, which we’re very, very excited about. Those are the benefits associated with being a Preferred Breeder right now—and I say right now because of course this is a new program that we’re really excited to keep growing and adding to, and especially adding to all of the benefits and rewards that are associated with being a preferred breeder. This is just the start, which is so exciting for us. You might be wondering: How do I become a preferred breeder? This sounds great. This sounds like something I’m interested in. 

Everyone can become a Preferred Breeder. Each month, we’ll review your account and notify you automatically if you’re eligible. Here’s how you can qualify: the first piece of criteria to qualify is responding to messages on Good Dog within 48 hours on average. So you need to maintain an average response time of 48 hours to messages and applications from Good Dog buyers. Just some tips here: to fulfill this criteria very easily, we offer our Good Breeder mobile app, which allows you to quickly chat with buyers from the palm of your hand, and that mobile app is available for iOS and Android users, so that’s a really easy way to make sure that you’re responding to buyer messages frequently and quickly. I thought that was a helpful tip to share there. And then the other piece of criteria, beyond maintaining a 48-hour responsiveness to buyer messages, is to accept 1 or more final puppy payments on Good Dog in the past 6 months. You must accept 1 final puppy payment using secure payments on Good Dog in the past 6 months. This allows us to verify that you’re having genuine experiences placing puppies with Good Dog buyers. We’ll review your account each month to see if you’ve accepted that payment on Good Dog within the last 6 months. Those are the two pieces of criteria to qualify as a Preferred Breeder. It’s responding to messages on Good Dog within 48 hours on average and accepting 1 or more final puppy payments on Good Dog in the past 6 months. Once you qualify as a Preferred Breeder, make sure you continue meeting these requirements that I just shared to keep your status as a Preferred Breeder. Like I mentioned, that review period occurs every month. I’m sure there are a bunch of questions about this program. We’ve received a lot already from our community, so I just wanted to address some of those. 

The first question that I’ve been seeing a lot of from our Good Breeder community is: Do I need to apply to be part of the Preferred Breeder Program? The answer is no. There is no need to apply. Every month, we’ll review your account and notify you if you’re eligible. As soon as we notify you, you’ll see your badge automatically added to your profile. 

Another question: Do I need to be a Good Breeder for 6 months before I’m able to qualify for the Preferred Breeder Program? No. As long as you meet all of the criteria when we review your account each month, you can become a Preferred Breeder without needing to be on Good Dog for 6 months. Does becoming a Preferred Breeder impact my search ranking? Yes. You will rank higher in search results as a Preferred Breeder, meaning more puppy buyers can see your profile. 

How can I check to see what I need to do in order to qualify for the Preferred Breeder Program? This is a fantastic question. You can always reach out to the Good Dog specialist team by emailing breederteam@gooddog.com for help understanding what you need to do to qualify for this program, what piece of criteria you have achieved, which one you haven’t. They will happily help you with that. 

Another really great question: I don’t yet qualify for the Preferred Breeder Program. Will I still be able to successfully place dogs through Good Dog? If the Preferred Breeder Program is not attainable to you right now for whatever reason, do not worry. There are many, many paths to success on Good Dog. Like I said, although Preferred Breeders have an increased chance of being seen by potential puppy buyers, they’re not the only breeders that appear on the breeder results page. All of our breeders with available puppies still appear on those result pages, which leaves room for many breeders to connect with Good Dog applicants. 

Another great question: Does this mean that Good Dog’s on-platform payment policy has changed? No. Good Dog’s on-platform payment policy is still in effect. For anyone unfamiliar, it requires all deposits and dog payments between Good Breeders and Good Dog applicants be made securely on Good Dog. The requirement for this program to accept at least 1 final puppy payment on Good Dog in the past 6 months in order to qualify is actually to account for breeders who breed infrequently or have smaller litters. It doesn’t change the requirements that are related to our on-platform payment policy. 

This is a very commonly asked question, this next one, so I’m very excited to share this answer. The question is: Can I be recognized for the health testing I perform for my program? Why is that not part of the criteria to be a Preferred Breeder? You can actually already receive Breeding Dog badges to differentiate your program and the health testing you perform on your breeding dogs. There are badges that are in the shape of a heart with a little checkmark. You can earn those for each of your individual breeding dogs by sharing your health test files and links directly on your profile. This is a really great tool that we have to educate the public, improve canine health and wellbeing, and really provide transparency to puppy buyers. It’s a great way to have your program really shine for all of the testing that you’re doing—above and beyond. These breeding dog badges are solely awarded based on health testing for breeding dogs. There is no other criteria to earn them, so these really are the best tool possible to earn these and allow them to give your program the spotlight that it deserves for all the health testing that you do. Those are there if you would like to really differentiate your program based on the health testing you do for your breeding dogs.

What happens if I don’t meet the criteria right now to participate in the Preferred Breeder Program? Another really great question. We understand that you can’t always meet the program requirements, which is why the program criteria is evaluated monthly. By evaluating breeders monthly on program criteria, we’re ensuring that you have as many opportunities to earn the Preferred Breeder status as soon as you’re able to. Whenever that time comes that you’re ready to start messaging with buyers and accepting payments on Good Dog, you will be able to qualify for the program. 

And then the last question I wanted to answer before I kick things over to Mellie for our interview with her is: How did we develop this program? The answer is with the help of our community. We connected with many, many Good Breeders who shared their ideas with us as we were working to bring this program to life. They shared their thoughts, their feedback. It helped us develop what the criteria should be, what the benefits should be. This is really reflective, as with all of our Good Dog products and offerings, of our community. We can’t thank those breeders enough that gave us their time, their thoughts, their feedback—because this program that we now have today is really shaped by all of those things. It’s a perfect segue because Mellie was actually one of the breeders that I spoke to on the phone when we were gathering research as we worked to develop this program. It’s very exciting to now reconnect with Mellie after all that, with the program now being brought to life and fully launched to our community. So, I will kick things over to Mellie to introduce herself, talk a little bit about her background with dogs, and her breeding program.

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MD [11:07] You asked, and we will answer. On today’s Good Dog Mailbag, we have brought on our own resident veterinarian, Dr. Nate Ritter, to answer a question about deworming. The question is: I would like to know what you think about deworming puppies. Specifically: how early and what kind of a schedule do they need? Also, should you deworm a pregnant dam?

NR [11:29] First off, thank you so much for having me. A really important question! Treating worms is very important in puppies. It can begin as early as two weeks of age. Most often repeating every two weeks until we get them to a point where they can be on a monthly preventative. So, regarding particular drugs: I would work with your veterinarian to find what’s best for your specific program. Regarding deworming a pregnant dam, it’s something that they’re of the age and weight where we can provide a monthly preventative. Most animals should be on that. There are multiple medications that are safe for pregnant and nursing dogs. I would work with your veterinarian to find the drug that’s most appropriate for that specific animal and for your program. 

MD [12:10] Great! Thanks—and don’t forget to submit your Mailbag questions to Good Dog! 

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NE [12:16] Our Preferred Breeder Program, which I spent a little bit of time talking about would be really nothing without the breeders who make it what it is. Mellie, that’s why I’m so excited that you’re here with us today. To kick things off, do you want to briefly introduce yourself and tell us a little bit about your background with dogs and your breeding program? 

MC [12:38] Yes! Hello everyone! I’m Mellie. Dogs have been a part of my life since I was a baby. Growing up, I was the only child, and having that companion made my family feel whole. As an adult, I’ve experienced a lot of health issues, and the love and loyalty that my dogs have brought to me in those moments was something out of this world. So I thought: Why can’t I spread that love and share it with the world, helping to make an impact? Especially in times like, right now, I feel like our world needs more love, kindness, and compassion—which is what every one of my dogs brings to every home they go to: a little piece of all of that. 

NE [13:18] I think that was so beautifully said. There is nothing more healing for the soul than a dog, even if it’s just petting a dog on the street. That’s something I live for in my day-to-day life, is running into a person with a dog in my elevator. I think it’s just the most healing experience to be around dogs in general. It’s so nice that you’re able to do that for so many people. What kind of dogs do you breed, and what is your program called?

MC [13:43] I breed Miniature Dachshunds, and my program is called The Enchantables. I chose that name because I thought there was something magical in dogs (all dogs—not just mine), and that is why I chose that name.

NE [14:00] Oh, I love that name! I love the background behind it. I feel like so many breeders have very cool stories behind why they name their programs what they did, so I love yours. How long have you been a member of Good Dog and how did you find out about our community? What made you want to join?

MC [14:16] I’ve actually only been a member since January of this year. I actually googled “best breeders to buy a puppy from” on Google to see what would pop up, and that’s when I found Good Dog and became interested in learning about what you have to offer and the safety you provide, not only for us but for the families that came to find their furry companion. I thought to myself: I would love to be part of such an amazing community. That’s when I started doing more research and asked to join. 

NE [14:49] Amazing! Well, we are so happy you’re part of our community and that you were able to come across us and apply to join. Shifting to talk a little bit more about why I invited you today, which is to talk about our new Preferred Breeder Program, which we recently launched: What was your initial reaction to the program when you heard about it? 

MC [15:09] When we first spoke about the Preferred Breeder Program, I was very excited to hear that us breeders who put our whole heart and soul into this would be recognized. When you’re looking for a companion, it’s a very big decision. It’s not only buying a puppy, it’s being able to make a relationship with that human being that did the extensive work to bring that puppy to life. For us to be here, and for us to be here to answer any questions the families may have at any time and to guide them—for us to be able to have a spotlight for all that we do was a magnificent idea. And maybe that would encourage all breeders to better themselves and their program. 

NE [15:50] I know I mentioned this already, but you were actually one of the breeders that I spoke on the phone with during our team’s really intensive research gathering phase for this program. Your insights and feedback specifically were really so helpful in shaping this program into what it is today. How did it make you feel to know that Good Dog wanted to have your perspective included in the program research? 

MC [16:14] To be honest, at first I was a little in shock. But at the same time, I was so proud of myself, to know that all my hard work was being noticed. It’s not just a part-time job. I don’t do this for extra money. I do this full-time with a huge passion. For the world to see my passion and my pictures and my puppies and to recognize me and want my output on this new stepping stone to better the platform I am a part of was an incredible feeling. 

NE [16:42] Just from the perspective of someone who works at Good Dog and has been here for a number of years, it was really cool for me to go through this experience of getting breeders’ feedback about this potential idea and just seeing how everything that the breeders we spoke to shared with us really ended up shaping the program into what it is—it really goes to show that at Good Dog we are building things with breeders in mind. It touches everything that we do, and it starts from the research phase of developing a program or a product all the way to the launch and the feedback that we get afterwards. It’s just been very fun for me personally to have worked on this program and to get to talk to breeders like you to develop it. So you’re currently recognized as a Preferred Breeder on Good Dog. How does that recognition make you feel? 

MC [17:34] It makes me feel very proud. I also think that it’s also very assuring for the families to see that there are preferred breeders, because they want to feel protected and this program makes them feel safe, I believe. I think it’s something very wonderful to offer, not only to us breeders but to the families as well. 

NE [17:58] You’re talking a lot about how it makes buyers perceive your program. Would you say that’s a benefit you see of being a Preferred Breeder, just the way that buyers perceive your program and what you offer?

MC [18:09] Yes! I just feel like being a part of the Preferred Breeders Program makes us set apart, not only for the families, but like I mentioned, for other breeders as well. Maybe we can just encourage everyone to do better. But, yes, I do feel like when you are getting a new companion, it’s a very big decision, and it’s also kind of stressful. Did this breeder do all of his or her homework? Did they pick the correct parents? Did they do the testing? Am I going to have a conversation after I send them money? To be able to know that we have a special spot and that those families can feel safe coming to us is great.

NE [18:54] I definitely agree with that. Just going back to what I mentioned earlier in this podcast about the criteria to actually participate in the program and qualify: This program is really designed to recognize and reward breeders like yourself, who are using Good Dog to place their puppies and their loyalty in doing so. So it’s really a way to recognize those breeders for what they do, and the ways to qualify are: responding to buyer messages within 48 hours on average and accepting at least one final puppy payment on Good Dog within the past 6 months. Those really capture in two small ways just how Good Dog really is a tool for breeders to run their breeding programs from start to finish. Since you, of course, do those things because you obviously qualified for this program, can you tell our listeners more about how you use Good Dog and all the tools that we offer to run your breeding program? 

MC [19:48] Yes. I use Good Dog to share pictures of my puppies and to allow all families to see a little part of my program here at home and to see where their puppies are coming from. Not only that, I also use it to place my puppies and I just feel like Good Dog has made it so easy. Us being breeders, we don’t have a lot of hands. We have two hands, and we need all the help we can get. Good Dog has really made it wonderfully easy and safe and convenient for both parties. For me to be able to answer questions, send documents, and to collect payments in a safe way has been something that I have never found in any other platform. 

NE [20:30] We’re so excited that we can offer that for you. It means the world to me, personally, to just hear that. As a final question to wrap up this conversation, with all of that in mind, just hearing about how you use Good Dog to run your program and how it’s had such positive impacts on what you’re able to do: Do you have any advice for our listeners on best practices for placing your puppies on Good Dog or anything you do for your program that’s been really helpful in terms of placement and finding good homes?

MC [21:00] Yes! What I can say that has worked in particular for my program is just always being attentive, communicative, and honest with all of my families. Answering their messages in a timely manner—48 hours. To me, it’s important. I try to get back in 24 hours. But that’s something that has kept my program apart and has kept it so successful—just building that relationship and always being there for my families and doing all of that on this one platform. I think that’s what’s really helped me succeed with such ease and safety. 

NE [21:40] Amazing! That’s all of the questions that I had for you. Thank you so much for being here today and taking the time yet again. I know I mentioned you took the time to help us develop this program in the first place. Now you’re taking the time to talk about it after it’s launched. We really just can’t thank you enough for how instrumental you were and so many other breeders, too, in making the Preferred Breeder Program what it is. Also, congratulations on being one of our very first Preferred Breeders! It’s a huge and exciting accomplishment. I can’t thank you enough for taking the time to be here today.

MC [22:15] Thank you as well, Nicole! Thank you guys for doing all that. You’re absolutely great, and you’re always here to answer any questions. We appreciate you making us a part of this as well. 

NE [22:26] We are always here! That is true. If you have any questions—for any of our listeners listening to this—you can always reach out to us at breederteam@gooddog.com for anything, no matter how big or small. Someone from our team is always here to help you! Thank you all so much for listening to today’s episode of the Good Dog Pod. We are so happy we could have Mellie join us to talk about our Preferred Breeder Program, what this new recognition means to her, and how she’s found success on Good Dog. We’re so excited that the Preferred Program is finally here, and we can’t wait to continue building this program up, adding to the rewards and benefits that I mentioned, and (most importantly) continuing to see many other breeders earn their Preferred status each month. Thank you again for joining us, and we’ll see you back here on May 31 for our next episode with Dr. Greg Burns, all about dual-sired litters.