ABA Series, Ep 23 - Podcast Show Notes

Annual Breeder Awards: ​Attentive Ownership in Dog Breeding

​In this episode of The Breeders Brew, we’re joined by Helen Farnes, winner of the Annual Breeder Award for Attentive Owner. A farmer’s wife turned passionate breeder, Helen shares her evolution from working collies to Jack Russells and Border Terriers. Her journey is marked by hands-on experience, meticulous preparation, and instinctive care. This episode unpacks her approach to preparing for pregnancy, making critical calls during whelping, and why temperament and health protocols should sit at the heart of every breeding decision.

PODCAST TAKEAWAYS:

From Working Farm Dogs to Thoughtful Breeder

• Helen’s breeding journey began out of necessity when her working collie arrived pregnant
• Early litters were shaped by practical experience with livestock and a natural instinct for behaviour and function
• Her background in farming gave her a robust understanding of working dog needs and early temperament indicators

Planning and Preparation for Pregnancy

• All breeding dogs are DNA health tested and supported with tailored supplements
• Nutrition is a cornerstone, balancing high-protein kibble with raw and natural treats
• Exercise is maintained based on the bitch’s individual needs, tapering off when she begins to self-regulate

Whelping Instincts and Emergency Decision-Making

• Helen made the call to intervene during a complicated whelping after identifying an unusually large pup
• A retained mummified puppy was discovered during the emergency C-section, validating her instincts
• Her experience with livestock guided her understanding of when things weren’t progressing as they should

Traits of a Quality Dam and Essential Tools

• Temperament was cited as the single most important trait in a brood bitch, especially for puppies entering family homes
• A high-quality stethoscope featured as a surprising but vital part of her whelping kit
• Her approach is hands-on, proactive, and always led by the bitch’s wellbeing, backed by knowledge from animal husbandry

HOW TO GET INVOLVED

If Helen’s story resonated with you and you want to be part of a breeder community that values responsibility, learning and mutual support, here’s where to go next:

​Annual Breeder Awards (ABA)

• Learn how we spotlight breeders like Helen who exemplify ethical practice and care: www.caninefamilyplanner.com/aba

The Brew Crew

• A supportive space for breeders to access exclusive webinars, real-time support and community calls: www.breedersbrew.com/brewcrew