ABA Series, Ep 19 - Podcast Show Notes

Annual Breeder Award: Breeder Excellence Winner

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.

PODCAST 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.

HOW TO GET INVOLVED

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.