ABA Series, Ep 24 - Podcast Show Notes

Annual Breeder Award: Top Puppy Parent

In this episode of The Breeder’s Brew, Sara chats with Sam Chamberlain of Rackenford Dogs—winner of the Top Puppy Parent Award and finalist for the Breeder Excellence Award in our Annual Breeder Awards. Sam shares how her breeding journey shifted to suit her lifestyle, transitioning from Labradors to Cocker Spaniels and Cockapoos.

​From her very first litter’s surprise arrival in the early hours to tube feeding struggling pups and navigating the minefield of stud dog selection, Sam opens up about the true, unfiltered challenges of breeding well-raised puppies. If you’ve ever wanted a fly-on-the-wall look into responsible breeding, this is your episode.

PODCAST TAKEAWAYS:

Realistic First Litter Expectations:

• Sam shares her chaotic first experience, waking up to find puppies already born—without textbook warning signs like temperature drops or food refusal.
• She reminds new breeders that every litter teaches something new, even after 13 years in the game.

Stud Dog Selection & Lifestyle Matching:

• Stud hunting in a new breed (Cockers and Cockapoos) is far more complex than just picking a handsome male. Finding health-tested studs is still a challenge.
• Sam's switch from Labradors to smaller breeds was driven by space and lifestyle—showing how critical it is to match your breeding plans to your reality.

Tube Feeding & Neonatal Intervention:

• Sam candidly explains how she saved a fading pup using tube feeding, backed by prior vet guidance and good prep.
• Her experience underscores why having equipment before you need it can mean the difference between life and death.

Puppy Rearing Philosophy:

• Sam runs a tight ship with structured WhatsApp groups, downloadable zip file puppy packs, late-stage viewings (around 5 weeks), and clear post-collection support.
• She emphasises independence training from day one—no midnight toilet breaks or sleeping on the sofa—and believes the puppy must adjust to the owner’s routine, not vice versa.

HOW TO GET INVOLVED

Whether you're a seasoned breeder or just starting out, there's a place for you in our Passionate Puppy Practitioners community. Here's how to take the next step:
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Annual Breeder Awards (ABA):

• Celebrate responsible breeding and share your journey by nominating yourself or others at www.caninefamilyplanner.com/aba. Learn from finalists like Sam, and join a network that values transparency, education, and passion.

Brew Crew Membership:

• Want deeper conversations and even more breeder resources? Join our Brew Crew, a private community for committed breeders. Your membership includes:
  • Fortnightly B!tch & Brew catch-up calls
  • Monthly Spotlight Sessions
  • Exclusive Breeder Briefs
  • And a library of ongoing support
  • SIGN UP HERE