In this episode of The Breeder’s Brew, I speak with Sue Taplin, recipient of the Breeder Excellence Award—a title that recognises her unwavering consistency in applying ethical and responsible breeding practices. From her start in 2006, through running an 80-dog boarding kennel, to developing a reputable Labrador line four generations deep, Sue's story is one of steadfast commitment to her dogs' welfare and growth as a breeder. This conversation is brimming with both heartfelt stories and tangible takeaways.

Experience that Spans Breeding, Boarding, and Behaviour

• Sue entered the world of breeding after buying a large boarding kennel in 2006, where she quickly adapted to a steep learning curve in both breeding and dog care.
• Her background in corporate finance contrasts with her now hands-on life with dogs, showing how professional structure can support animal care.
• She has worked with rescues, including dangerous dog seizures, and served as a handler in a Kennel Club charity initiative helping children overcome cynophobia (fear of dogs).

Responsible Breeding Starts with Lifelong Learning

• Sue has bred four generations of Labradors, with early lessons around poor health shaping her focus on preventative care and education.
• She was an early adopter of hip and elbow scoring and later incorporated DNA and eye testing as these became standard.
• Emphasises the importance of learning from each litter, each loss, and each success.

Record Keeping and Routines Make the Difference

• Sue is meticulous about keeping physical records—everything is handwritten, stored in diaries and calendars, and maintained for all 19 years of breeding.
• Each litter receives detailed tracking of weight, worming, health supplements, and behaviour.
• Her puppy owners receive extensive packs, including 8-page information sheets, feeding plans and notes on care, training and vaccination timelines.

Supplements, Structure and the Support of Experts

• Sue credits the recent success of her litters, larger sizes, and overall health improvements to using nutritional supplements recommended by Isobel, The Canine Nutrition Coach.
• Ovulation testing and structured planning have become second nature—no guesswork, just methodical, informed decisions.
• She emphasises that training the owner is just as important as training the dog, and continues to support puppy buyers long after pick-up day.

If this episode left you inspired, here’s how you can take the next step in your own journey as a responsible breeder:

Join the Brew Crew

• Become part of our Brew Crew and access exclusive content, breeder support calls, spotlight sessions and community resources designed for breeders who care. It’s a brilliant way to continue your learning, connect with like-minded breeders, and raise your own benchmark
  

Enter the Annual Breeder Awards

• Think you or someone you know has what it takes to be recognised in the Annual Breeder Awards? Entries will soon be open globally. These awards highlight breeders who reflect the highest standards in planning, preparing and parenting pups—so keep an eye on www.caninefamilyplanner.com and join the community mailing list for updates.

In this special solo series of The Breeder’s Brew, I, the Canine Family Planner™ – take the reins without my co-host Isobel to spotlight the incredible winners of our inaugural Annual Breeder Awards (ABAs). These awards recognise breeders who are living out the Three Pillars of Responsible Breeding: Planning, Preparing, and Parenting.
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Today’s guest is Adam Mayle, winner of the Rising Star Award, a title that celebrates those who are proactively developing their breeding programme, sharpening their skills, and showing exceptional dedication to doing things the right way.

Building a Bloodline with Purpose

• Adam began his breeding with a mix of breeds before landing on Labradors as his long-term focus.
• Investing in Kaci, his KC-registered foundation bitch from fully health-tested lines, was a major turning point.
• His ideal Labrador combines the size and intelligence of a working type with the substance and blockiness of a show type.
• Every breeding is strategic, working toward that long-term vision while maintaining the welfare of his dogs.

Communication and Transparency Set You Apart

• Adam uses WhatsApp groups for each litter to keep families informed, connected, and supported.
• Puppy contracts and clear deposit terms have helped streamline the buying process and manage expectations.
• He collects references from past puppy owners, allowing new buyers to speak directly to his track record and ethics.

Mentorship and the Power of the Right Network

• Adam credits much of his success to mentorship—from Di Stevens of Wylanbriar to Sara’s HomeScan services.
• Having the right team around him (from ovulation testing to stud selection) has made breeding smoother and less stressful.
• His advice: if you're unsure, ask—and when someone gives you good advice, act on it.

Growth Without Compromise

• Adam is intentional about expansion, keeping his breeding programme manageable and welfare-driven.
• He’s developing a model that includes placing quality dogs with trusted local homes to keep them within the programme without overcrowding his own.
• As a father, husband and full-time worker, Adam’s approach to balance is both sensible and sustainable.

Adam Mayle represents what so many grassroots breeders aspire to become—driven by passion, grounded in learning, and committed to bettering the breed. His Rising Star Award recognises a breeder who doesn’t just want to produce puppies, but to build something that lasts. From strategic puppy contracts and waitlists to forming strong relationships with mentors and buyers alike, Adam is proving that ethical breeding is absolutely achievable for the everyday breeder.

Feeling inspired? There are several ways you can engage and grow alongside this amazing community of passionate puppy practitioners:

• Follow Adam’s journey:
  • Instagram: @adam.mayle
  • Kennel Page: @gaffaglory
• Join the Brew Crew:
  Our Brew Crew membership gives you access to exclusive content, catch-up calls, breeder briefs, community support and more. Whether you're brand new or years in, it’s the place to be for shared learning and connection.
• Enter the Annual Breeder Awards:
  Do you know a breeder doing things right—or maybe it’s you? The Annual Breeder Awards will be open for nominations and applications globally soon. Keep an eye on www.caninefamilyplanner.com or follow us on social media for updates.

It’s been one year of real talk, no-fluff breeder education—so we’re taking a moment to celebrate! In this special episode, Sara and Isobel reflect on the highs, the learning curves, and the many (many) questions that led to the Breeder’s Brew becoming what it is today.

We wrap up our Q&A series with some powerful topics—irregular seasons, immature bitches, supplements that work, how to time a stud trip, and whether it’s ever okay to use a carrier stud dog. And best of all… we unveil The Brew Crew—our brand new membership designed for breeders who want more support, more clarity, and more community.
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Whether you've been with us since episode one or you’re just joining the journey, we’re raising a cuppa to you.

You’ve asked for more. So we’ve built more.

The Brew Crew is your next step if you want to go deeper than the podcast. It's a membership for breeders who want genuine support, real-time guidance, and access to education and tools designed by professionals who live and breathe dogs.

What’s inside:

• B!tch & Brew Catch-Ups
  Fortnightly live calls to ask questions, share updates, and talk through the real-life decisions you’re making.
• Spotlight Sessions
  Monthly deep-dives into focused topics like pricing puppies, interpreting COIs, managing studs, and more.
• Breeder Briefs
  Exclusive audio content for members only—get Sara and Isobel’s unfiltered insights on key breeder challenges.
• The Taproom Resource Hub
  Templates, recordings, practical downloads, and a growing bank of tools you can use in your own breeding journey.