Q&A Series, Ep 17 - Podcast Show Notes

Q&A: The Series Ends… But Something Bigger Begins

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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.

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PODCAST TAKEAWAYS:

Irregular seasons, missed matings, and what’s going on in 2024

• We’ve seen a noticeable increase in irregular seasons since late 2023. The unseasonably mild UK winter may be interfering with natural reproductive rhythms in dogs.
• Pack dynamics can affect season timing—especially when young bitches are kept with mum or dominant females.
• Even experienced breeders will eventually have a miss. If you’ve gone years without one, it may be sheer probability catching up.
• Breeding isn’t just about your bitch in isolation—consider stress levels, environment, diet, and the hormonal influence of dogs around her.

Royal Jelly, supplements, and the ‘3 Ds’ every breeder must know

• Royal Jelly is a key supplement to support hormone balance, ovulation regularity, and egg quality—especially in immature or silent bitches.
• Organic wheatgerm oil and selenium are critical for fertility and preventing issues like fading puppy syndrome.
• The 3 Ds of supplement use:
  • Duration: Minimum 3 months pre-season for reproductive impact
  • Dose: Matched to body weight
  • Derivatives: High-quality source matters. Don’t waste money on ineffective filler-based products.

Planning a stud trip: timing, travel, and Plan B

• Progesterone testing remains the gold standard for identifying ovulation. Cytology is too unreliable, especially for medium or large breeds like Collies.
• Ovulation confirmation allows you to time a natural mating precisely—ideally two days after ovulation.
• Consider how your bitch handles travel and accommodation. Stress affects fertility, so think ahead. An overnight stay might not suit all dogs.
• Always have a backup plan. If a natural mating isn’t successful, ensure semen collection and AI is an option on site.
• Chilled semen is underused in the UK but can be a stress-free solution for long-distance pairings.

​DNA testing for stud dogs and using carriers responsibly

• Stud owners should understand the full DNA profile of their dogs, but not all carriers should be excluded.
• If your bitch is clear for a condition, using a carrier male is completely safe. The puppies will not be affected.
• Excluding carriers entirely shrinks the gene pool and risks losing valuable breed traits and type.
• Breeders should test their own bitches, not just expect the stud dog to be “clear everything.” Doing so opens the door to better pairings.

HOW TO GET INVOLVED

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.

👉 Join the Brew Crew