Breeders Brew Podcast Show Notes

Q&A Series, Ep 11 - Podcast Show Notes

24/2/2025

Q&A: First Podcast Guest, Harry!

In this engaging Q&A episode of the Breeders Brew podcast, co-hosts Sara (Canine Family Planner) and Isobel (Canine Nutrition Coach) are joined by a special guest—Harry, Isobel’s long-term partner. Together, they explore the intricacies of dog ownership, the realities of breeding, and the importance of doing things the right way. Harry brings a fresh perspective, offering insights from someone newer to the dog world but fully immersed in responsible breeding practices.

PODCAST TAKEAWAYS:

Harry’s Unique Journey into Dog Ownership and Breeding
- Harry grew up in a pet-free household, aside from reptiles, making dogs a new experience when he met Isobel.
- His first exposure to dog ownership came through miniature Dachshunds, and he shares how their quirky personalities won him over.
- Despite preferring larger breeds like Bernese Mountain Dogs, Harry has embraced the Dachshund lifestyle.
Understanding Breed Characteristics: The Dachshund Dynamic
- Dachshunds are described as small dogs with massive personalities—loyal, vocal, and often stubborn.
- Their portability is a significant advantage, especially when travelling with multiple dogs.
- Harry highlights the breed’s growing popularity and the importance of understanding breed-specific challenges and quirks.
The Reality of Breeding: Planning, Responsibility, and Emotional Investment
- Breeding is far more complex than many realise, involving extensive planning, health considerations, and potential emotional rollercoasters.
- Harry shares how his first breeding experience opened his eyes to the demanding nature of breeding responsibly, including the sleepless nights and the need for proactive preparation.
- Isobel and Harry emphasise the importance of working with experienced breeders or mentors to navigate the challenges that arise.
Ethical Stud Dog Ownership and Breeding Support
- The role of a stud dog owner goes beyond providing a mating service; it's about fostering a responsible breeding journey.
- Harry outlines how they screen potential bitch owners, ensuring they align with responsible breeding practices and are not just seeking a quick mating.
- They stress the importance of early communication, progesterone testing for optimal timing, and the pitfalls of rushing into a mating without proper preparation.
Comprehensive Support Beyond the Mating Process
- Breeding support doesn’t end after the mating; ongoing guidance is essential for the health of the bitch and the future puppies.
- Bitch owners receive an extensive information pack, including:
  - A comprehensive pregnancy guide tailored to breed-specific needs.
  - A critical care sheet from the Breeders Brew Series 1 handout.
  - Access to Isobel’s support club, offering structured monthly coaching.
  - Personalised guidance on nutrition, pregnancy care, and whelping preparations.
- Harry and Isobel’s commitment ensures that every breeding they’re involved in upholds the highest standards of care and knowledge sharing.

HOW TO GET INVOLVED

Have a breeding-related question? Join the discussion!

Email us: Send your questions to [email protected].
Join our Facebook community: Search Breeders Brew Community on Facebook to connect with proactive, passionate breeders.

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Q&A Series, Ep 10 - Podcast Show Notes

17/2/2025

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Q&A: Pregnancy & Puppy Predictor

Welcome back to another engaging Q&A session with Sara and Isobel on Breeders Brew! This episode dives into some of the most pressing questions from whelping groups, covering everything from predicting puppy due dates, milk supply in new mothers, and the ever-controversial topic of C-section costs. We share our expert opinions, practical advice, and a few laughs along the way!

PODCAST TAKEAWAYS:

Predicting Puppy Due Dates:
- A breeder asks when to expect a litter after a mating on 28th December.
- Sara and Isobel highlight the importance of ovulation testing and pregnancy scans for accurate due dates.
- The Pregnancy Puppy Predictor tool is introduced as a simple way to track breeding milestones.
Milk Supply Worries:
- A breeder is concerned about a dam’s milk production at 1.5 days post-whelping.
- Sara and Isobel explain the difference between colostrum (first milk) and true milk, which typically arrives around day three.
- The importance of puppies suckling to stimulate milk production and how to monitor their intake is discussed.
Puppy Weighing & Growth Monitoring:
- Weighing puppies daily can help identify problems early, but some breeders choose to wait until milk is fully in.
- Weight loss in the first few days is expected, but puppies should start gaining once milk supply is established.
- Tracking weight trends helps determine whether intervention is needed.
Bathing Puppies & Hygiene Management:
- Neither Sara nor Isobel bathe their puppies before they leave, as a clean whelping environment and raw feeding prevent odours.
- Toilet areas should be distinct from sleeping and play areas to encourage good hygiene habits early on.
- For coated breeds that require bathing, choosing natural, safe shampoos is essential to avoid stripping essential oils.
C-Section Costs & Planning Ahead:
- A breeder asks how much to save for an emergency C-section.
- Costs vary widely by location, breed, and vet policies—quotes range from £900 to £5,000 in the UK and $1,000 to $10,000 in the US.
- Sara and Isobel stress the importance of financial preparedness for unexpected breeding expenses.
The Impact of Vet Choices on Pricing:
- Some breeder-friendly vets offer affordable, routine C-sections, while others charge premium rates.
- Factors like time of day, location, and whether it’s an emergency influence pricing significantly.
- The importance of finding a vet experienced in breeding-related care is highlighted.

HOW TO GET INVOLVED

Have a breeding-related question? Join the discussion!

Email us: Send your questions to [email protected][email protected].
Join our Facebook community: Search Breeders Brew Community on Facebook to connect with proactive, passionate breeders.

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Q&A Series, Ep 9 - Podcast Show Notes

10/2/2025

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Q&A: The Importance of Reliable Breeding Advice

Series Two has officially begun, and we are thrilled to have you with us. In this episode, Sara and Isobel discuss the incredible response to Series One, highlighting the global reach and impact of the podcast. As we kick off this new season, we're introducing a fresh format—Q&A! We'll be diving into common breeding and whelping questions from online groups, shedding light on the challenges of free and often unverified advice in Facebook communities. Expect real talk, practical insights, and a focus on responsible, informed breeding practices.

PODCAST TAKEAWAYS:

The Dangers of Free Advice:
- Many responses in online groups lack essential context, leading to potentially dangerous misinformation.
- The importance of verifying advice and seeking information from knowledgeable, experienced breeders.
- The term "One-Litter Lucy" and the issue of inexperienced breeders providing misleading guidance.
Why Qualified Advice Matters:
- Just because someone is a vet doesn't mean they have hands-on breeding experience.
- Experience, context, and understanding of breed-specific needs are crucial when giving advice.
The Importance of Membership Communities:
- Sara and Isobel are working on creating trusted membership platforms where breeders can access reliable, vetted information.
- A safe space for learning and sharing experiences without misinformation.
Breaking Down a Real Whelping Question:
- A breeder with 10-day-old puppies worries about the mother refusing to stay in the whelping box.
- Possible causes: Heat source issues, puppy development milestones, and maternal comfort.
- The common misconception is that a mother must be with her pups 24/7, so why is this not always necessary?
Another Question – Urgent Whelping Concerns:
- A breeder reports a stillborn puppy and is waiting for the next pup.
- The missing details: How long was the labour? How many pups were expected?
- Why is blindly following "wait three hours" problematic without knowing the full context?
- The value of consulting a vet instead of relying on unverified online advice.
The Role of Ultrasound Scanning:
- Why every bred female should be scanned for proper planning and preparation.
- Misconceptions about pregnancy detection methods—why gum colour changes and home tests aren't reliable.
- The risks of not scanning: phantoms, unnoticed absorption, and undiagnosed health issues.
- It is important to seek a trained and qualified scanner for accurate results.
Annual Breeders Survey:
- A project to collect real-world data on whelping trends and experiences.
- Why factual data is essential in understanding breed-specific whelping trends.
- How breeders can participate and contribute to a larger body of knowledge.

HOW TO GET INVOLVED

Have a question you'd like us to discuss? Please email us at [email protected]
Join our Facebook group, Breeders Brew Community, for discussions and support.
Please participate in our Annual Breeders Survey at www.breedersbrew.com/survey to contribute valuable whelping data.

Breeding is complex; quality information is key to raising healthy, well-adjusted puppies. Be mindful of the advice you take online, seek guidance from trusted sources, and join us in creating a well-informed breeding community.

Until next time, happy breeding

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Q&A Series, Ep 11 - Podcast Show Notes

Q&A: First Podcast Guest, Harry!

PODCAST TAKEAWAYS:

HOW TO GET INVOLVED

Q&A Series, Ep 10 - Podcast Show Notes

Q&A: Pregnancy & Puppy Predictor

PODCAST TAKEAWAYS:

HOW TO GET INVOLVED

Q&A Series, Ep 9 - Podcast Show Notes

Q&A: The Importance of Reliable Breeding Advice

PODCAST TAKEAWAYS:

HOW TO GET INVOLVED

Author

Archives

Categories

Q&A Series, Ep 11 - Podcast Show Notes

Q&A: First Podcast Guest, Harry!

PODCAST TAKEAWAYS:

​HOW TO GET INVOLVED

Q&A Series, Ep 10 - Podcast Show Notes

Q&A: Pregnancy & Puppy Predictor

​PODCAST TAKEAWAYS:

HOW TO GET INVOLVED

Q&A Series, Ep 9 - Podcast Show Notes

Q&A: The Importance of Reliable Breeding Advice

PODCAST TAKEAWAYS:

HOW TO GET INVOLVED

Author

Archives

Categories

HOW TO GET INVOLVED

PODCAST TAKEAWAYS: