About The Founder

Dr. Jeannie Thomason founded the Natural Rearing Dog Breeders Association in 2009.

Dr. Jeannie Thomason, (VND) is an animal naturopath with a doctorate in veterinary naturopathy. She is the founder of: The Whole Dog, Natural Rearing Breeders Association and co-founder of the American Council of Animal Naturopathy. Dr. Jeannie is a published author and has been a natural rearing breeder and handler of champion Boston Terriers and Standard Poodles for 30 years as of 2020. She is not currently showing her dogs but does still breed one litter a year of Standard Poodles as she receives requests for truly naturally reared puppies.

Dr. Jeannie has trail blazed the advancement of naturopathic/holistic animal care, breeding and rearing. She brings her wealth of experience to all aspects of the Natural Rearing Breeders Association. As a practitioner, teacher, and consultant, she has expanded the world of true animal wellness via animal naturopathy, both reclaiming and scientifically evolving, the time-honored, common-sense practice of naturopathy – nature-based, truly holistic animal health care.

Her articles have been featured in various publications such as: Pet Connection Canada, Raw Pet Digest, Raw Instincts, Animal Wellness, Dog Press, Dogs Naturally, the National Breed Magazine for The Boston Terrier Club Of America – Coast To Coast, the Australian Terrier Club of America – ATCA News, The Stafford Knot (Stafford Terrier breed publication), Natural Horse and Bella Dog.

Her book on natural rearing breeding – Natural Rearing: Breeding & Raising Dogs The Way Nature Intended was published in January 2016. In addition, she is currently working on a companion book – Your Naturally Reared Puppy –

She also co-authored the book Essential Oils in Animal Care – A Naturopathic Approach with two of her friends and colleagues – Dr. Kim Bloomer and Dr. Sarah Reagan.

Dr.Jeannie believes that the health and overall potential of our dogs rests on the cornerstones of nutrition, emotional well-being, and a clean, toxin-free living environment. She teaches that once these are aligned we have not only a vibrant, fully realized animal, but a beginning – a foundation for developing more of their abilities while at the same time we are giving back to them in terms of true health, length and quality of life.

Dr. Jeannie believes that breeding dogs is not a right, but a privilege and as such there are responsibilities incumbent upon anyone who undertakes to do so. These responsibilities include the stewardship and preservation of the breed. She believes that what benefits the dogs must take precedence over what benefits the people.

“I fully believe that as responsible, natural rearing breeders, it is our duty to research pedigrees, perform breed specific health testing and verify the outstanding qualities as well as the dreaded faults of particular lines. Breeding for one distinct trait or breeding simply to make money are both reprehensible practices. Breeding must entail the complete package, from nose to tail. Health, balance, and symmetry enhance the quality of any dog. We must move forward, ever learning from each other, while developing the basic outline of our future stars. For me, Natural Rearing is a commitment to a WAY of life, there is NO in-between. For me, there is no turning back, no regrets with this path; only the rewards of healthier longer lived dogs – naturally.”

Dr. Jeannie Thomason