Q&A Series, Ep 13 - Podcast Show Notes

Q&A: Dog Breeding Knowledge Check

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Welcome back to Breeder’s Brew, the podcast where we dive deep into the world of ethical dog breeding with open, honest discussions. In this Q&A episode, we’re tackling some of the most common (and controversial!) questions we see online, from first-time breeders navigating natural matings to the do’s and don’ts of puppy viewings.

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PODCAST TAKEAWAYS:

• Understanding the Reality of Breeding
  • Many first-time breeders resist the title of "breeder," but if you are intentionally producing a litter, you are a breeder.
  • Avoiding the breeder title often stems from misconceptions—many fear it equates to profit-driven motives, or they don’t want to adhere to the expected responsibilities.
  • Taking ownership of the title means committing to responsible practices and ensuring the welfare of the puppies produced.
• Challenges of Novice Breeding and Natural Matings
  • ​Expecting two inexperienced (maiden) dogs to mate naturally without experienced guidance can lead to failure, frustration, or even trauma.
  • In multi-dog households, existing dynamics can impact breeding success—dominant females may continue to reject submissive males.
  • Young, inexperienced stud dogs, particularly in intelligent and sensitive breeds like Border Collies, can be put off mating permanently if introduced under the wrong circumstances.
• The Importance of Ovulation Testing
  • Ovulation testing (preferably progesterone blood testing) is essential to ensure mating occurs at the optimal time.
  • Mating too early or too late can lead to unsuccessful breeding, unnecessary stress, or even aggressive encounters between the dogs.
  • Experienced breeders and stud owners use science-backed timing rather than relying on outdated methods such as "straw-coloured discharge" to predict ovulation.
• Managing Puppy Viewings and Socialisation
  • Puppies should have controlled exposure to visitors to aid in socialisation, but hygiene and safety measures must be in place (e.g., hand washing, clean clothes).
  • Visits should be structured, ideally only allowing trusted individuals until at least five weeks old, with a focus on positive and gentle handling.
  • Puppies don’t need to be vaccinated before interacting with trusted visitors—maternal immunity offers protection, and early vaccinations can sometimes be counterproductive.
• Responsible Breeding Practices Extend Beyond Mating
  • Responsible breeders educate their puppy buyers, not just about the puppies themselves but also about nutrition, immunity, and long-term health.
  • Avoiding unnecessary medical interventions (e.g., vaccinating too early or worming without testing) helps ensure the best start for puppies.
  • Transparency and education build trust with puppy buyers, positioning ethical breeders as experts rather than just sellers.

HOW TO GET INVOLVED

🐾 Join the Breeder’s Brew Community – Connect with like-minded, proactive breeders in our Facebook group: Search "Breeders Brew Community" and request to join.
🎙️ Listen & Subscribe – Stay updated with our latest episodes by subscribing to the Breeder’s Brew podcast on your preferred platform.
✉️ Submit a Question – Have a breeding-related question? Email us at [email protected] and we may feature it in a future Q&A session.
💡 Take the Canine Family Planner Knowledge Checker – Unsure of your breeding knowledge? Test yourself at caninefamilyplanner.com/knowledgecheck to identify gaps before your next litter.
📢 Support & Share – Like, comment, share, and recommend Breeders Brew to your fellow breeders. The more we grow, the more we can continue raising ethical breeding standards together!