Q&A Series, Ep 9 - Podcast Show Notes

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