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Published on:

17th Aug 2026

752 — The Digital Handoff: A New Tool for Dog Breeders

The Digital Handoff: A New Tool for Dog Breeders

Laura Reeves visits with Lianna Shepard, Senior Manager for New Business Models at Purina, to talk about how modern technology is reshaping the purebred dog community. At the center of this technological shift is the newly updated MyPurina app, which has evolved from a simple rewards program into a comprehensive, handheld digital assistant for both pet owners and preservation breeders. Designed to streamline the transition when puppies go to their new homes, the app acts as a digital handoff tool that replaces or complements traditional paper folders with instant, expert-backed support right in the new owner's pocket. By integrating personalized guidance, AI assistance and professional animal behavior enrichment, Purina leverages technology to build a supportive ecosystem that ensures a happy, healthy life for dogs and cats across all life stages.

Bringing 24/7/365 Tech Support to Reality

  • Modernizing Go-Home Day:Traditionally, breeders sent new puppy buyers home with physical health folders and paper pamphlets. The MyPurina app serves as a modern digital alternative, making it far easier to transition a puppy to their new home by providing the buyer with an immediate, structured support system right on their phone.
  • Confidence and Peace of Mind:By sending puppy buyers to the app, breeders can rest assured that new owners have a reliable, expert-backed resource to navigate the first weeks of puppy ownership. New buyers get immediate help, which mitigates anxiety and ensures the pet is cared for according to Purina's rigorous nutritional and behavior standards.
  • Rewards Integration:Breeders who send puppies home on Pro Plan can confidently recommend the app knowing that buyers will earn rewards on all purchases, regardless of the retailer. New owners can even purchase directly inside the app to earn points automatically without needing to manually upload receipts.
  • For Owners: Personalized, Handheld SupportTailored Pet Profiles:Owners can input specific details like age, breed, and dietary restrictions to build a custom profile. The app leverages this data to provide personalized recommendations on exactly what food and litter to buy, alongside dynamic feeding guides that adjust as the pet transitions from puppyhood to their senior years.
  • "Allie" Virtual Pet Assistant:To prevent search overload, the app features "Allie," an in-app virtual assistant powered by Purina's vast library of expert content. Owners can ask Allie quick, real-time questions about potty training, food specifications, or general care tips instead of scrolling through endless search engines.
  • "Happy" Enrichment Program:Designed by Purina behaviorist and enrichment specialist Alex Johnson, "Happy" is an exclusive, multi-week bonding program. It teaches owners how to engage in daily, 15-minute household activities to build a stronger connection with their dogs or cats, complete with instructional guides on reading animal body language and micro-challenges for new pets.

https://puredogtalk.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Send-puppy-owners-home-with-digital-support.mp4

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About the Podcast

Pure Dog Talk
The VOICE of Purebred Dogs|Learn How to Show Your Dog|Dog Sports, Agility, Barn Hunt|AKC Dog Breeds and Dog Breeders|
Pure Dog Talk is the VOICE of Purebred Dogs. We talk to the legends of the sports and give you tips and tools to create an awesome life with your purebred dog. From dog shows to preservation breeding, from competitive obedience to field work, from agility to therapy dogs and all the fun in between; your passion is our purpose. Pure Dog Talk supports the American Kennel Club, our Parent, Specialty and All-Breed Clubs, Dog Sports, Therapy, Service and Preservation of our Canine Companions.
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Laura Reeves

Laura is an AKC Breeder of Merit and retired member of the Pro-fessional Handlers Association. Laura is a second-generation breeder of German Wirehaired Pointers, under the Scotia Kennel banner.

Scotia dogs have earned well over 100 titles, in the show ring, field and performance events. Her dedication to breeding dual purpose dogs reflects a stated goal of preserving the all-weather, rugged, sound-minded gun dog the breed’s founders envisioned.

Laura served the GWPCA as AKC Gazette columnist, Judges Education Committee member and chair, Vice President, Presi-dent, National Events Coordinator and Wire~News Editor.

Her background as a newspaper reporter, marketing rep and re-searcher/writer for audio driving tours has served her well in her side projects. Her current adventure as host of PureDogTalk podcast lends her particular combination of skills to an outstanding breeder and exhibitor education channel.