The Functional Breeding Podcast

In this Breeder Spotlight, Jess Sedivy Gunderson welcomes back Dr. Laura Sharkey of the Bosun Dog Project. Building on Laura's previous conversation with Perry about what puppies are capable of, this episode explores how her breeding program has evolved—from lessons learned fostering nearly 25 litters before breeding her own dogs to the role of mentorship, transparency, and continual learning in shaping thoughtful breeding decisions. Together, they discuss what it means to raise puppies with intention and why sharing both successes and challenges helps strengthen the broader breeding community.

Support the podcast and the work of the Functional Dog Collaborative on Patreon: patreon.com/c/functionalbreeding/membership

We're revisiting one of our favorite conversations with Dr. Mary Peaslee, exploring what functional, sustainable breeding looks like in practice. Drawing on the English Shepherd community's approach to genetic diversity, open registries, and functional breed standards, Mary shares thoughtful insights into balancing health, predictability, and collaboration. It's a conversation that continues to challenge us to think beyond individual dogs and toward the long-term future of their breeds.

Support the podcast and the work of the Functional Dog Collaborative on Patreon: patreon.com/c/functionalbreeding/membership

In this episode, interim host Jess Sedivy Gunderson welcomes back Dr. Rowena Packer to discuss new research examining how puppies' earliest experiences—including age at sale, seeing the mother, and sourcing decisions—can impact health outcomes later in life. Together, they explore what the findings mean for breeders, puppy buyers, and the future of canine welfare. If you'd like to support the podcast and the work of the Functional Dog Collaborative, find us on Patreon: Functional Breeding Patreon

In part two of this conversation, Jess Sedivy Gunderson continues her discussion with Jane Lindquist, diving into Jane’s newer work around weaning, early nutrition, and the puppy gut microbiome.
The episode explores how breeders are beginning to think more deeply about gut health during developmental periods, the role of maternal influence and early diet, and how weaning practices may shape long-term health and resilience. The conversation also emphasizes that there is no single “perfect” approach to raising puppies, and that breeders across feeding philosophies can benefit from understanding the emerging science in this area.
Note: This episode focuses on weaning strategies and the puppy microbiome. However, discussion of diet is closely connected to any discussion of the microbiome. The Functional Dog Collaborative does not endorse a single feeding approach; listeners are encouraged to evaluate options based on current evidence, veterinary guidance, and their individual program goals.

Support the podcast and the work of the Functional Dog Collaborative on Patreon: Functional Breeding Patreon
Decoding the Foodome: https://barabasi.com/media/2024-Menichetti-Decoding.pdf

In this two-part conversation, Jess Sedivy Gunderson sits down with Jane Lindquist to revisit and expand on one of the Functional Breeding Podcast’s most downloaded episodes.

Together, they explore what has evolved in puppy raising over the past several years, including socialization, resilience, developmental periods, breeder observation skills, and how the pandemic shaped conversations around raising puppies. Jess and Jane also discuss what has stayed the same, what has shifted, and why thoughtful puppy raising continues to require flexibility, curiosity, and adaptation as new science emerges.

Part 2 of the conversation drops a few weeks later and will focus on Jane’s newer work around weaning and the puppy microbiome.

Support the podcast and the work of the Functional Dog Collaborative on Patreon: Functional Breeding Patreon

A transcript for the show is available here:  Jane Lindquist Part 1: Puppy Culture Revisit - Functional Dog Collaborative

To learn more about Jane and her courses, visit puppyculture.com or madcapuniversity.com