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In this episode of Breeders Brew, Isobel and Sara dive into some of the most common questions they encounter in online breeding forums, tackling misconceptions, providing expert insights, and adding their signature dose of humour!
This time, they cover:
✅ The "Not a Breeder" Myth – Why every dog owner producing a litter is, in fact, a breeder, and the responsibilities that come with it.
✅ Maiden Matings & Novice Pairings – The challenges of inexperienced dogs and owners attempting natural mating, the importance of ovulation testing, and when to consider alternative options like AI (Artificial Insemination).
✅ The Risks of "Letting Nature Take Its Course" – How unmanaged matings can lead to stress, failed attempts, or even trauma for the dogs involved.
✅ Puppy Socialisation vs. Health Risks – When should friends and family visit your litter? How do you balance early socialisation with keeping them safe from infections?
✅ The Truth About Vaccinations & Maternal Immunity – Why vaccinating puppies too early may be ineffective and how maternal antibodies influence the timing of their first jabs.
✅ Mating Cradles – The Horror! – Why should these outdated and inhumane contraptions never be used?
If you're considering breeding your dog, this episode is a must-listen-to avoid common pitfalls and learn how to set yourself up for success.
🎧 Listen now and join the conversation!
📌 Helpful Links from the Episode:
🔗 Take the Canine Family Planner’s Knowledge Checker – Test your understanding of dog breeding and identify any knowledge gaps before you commit to a litter!
👉 www.caninefamilyplanner.com/knowledgecheck🔗 Join the Breeders Brew Facebook Community – A safe space for responsible breeders to share experiences and ask questions.
👉 Search Breeders Brew Community on Facebook and request to join.🔗 Have a question for a future episode? Email us at:
📩 [email protected]💡 Help us spread the message! If you enjoyed this episode, please like, share, and recommend it to fellow dog breeders or owners. Let's raise the bar for ethical breeding together!
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In this episode of The Breeders Brew, Sara and Isobel tackle real questions from online whelping groups, separating sound advice from questionable practices and adding their own expert insights! Topics Discussed:
✅ How old is too old for a first litter? – The science, ethics, and real-life experiences behind deciding the best age for a female dog’s first breeding.
✅ Whelping setups gone wrong! – A breeder’s dilemma: managing two French Bulldog litters of different ages with only one incubator. Is it safe to mix litters? 🏥
✅ The emotional rollercoaster of breeding – Sara shares a deeply personal experience of a devastating frozen semen breeding that pushed her to the brink. 💔
✅ Breeding lessons and resilience – What we learn from every litter, the highs, the lows, and the sleep deprivation that comes with raising puppies.Episode Resources:
🔹 Join the Breeders Brew Community on Facebook – a private space for responsible breeders to connect and share experiences.
📩 Have a question for a future episode? Email us at [email protected]💭 Have you learned something surprising from your own breeding experience? Please share your thoughts in our community!
🎧 Hit play and get ready for an unfiltered, insightful discussion on the realities of responsible breeding! 🎙🐾
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Mangler du episoder?
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This episode of The Breeders Brew brings a fresh and insightful perspective on breeding as we welcome a special guest—Isobel’s partner, Harry! 🐾 Having zero dog experience before meeting Isobel, Harry shares his journey from a complete novice to an involved breeder and responsible stud dog owner. His learning curve has been steep, but his insights shed light on the realities of breeding from a beginner’s standpoint.
If you’ve ever wanted to hear a newcomer’s take on breeding, owning a stud dog, and navigating the world of responsible breeding, this is an episode you won’t want to miss!
What’s in This Episode?
🐶 Harry’s Background – From a dog-free childhood to a house full of Dachshunds
🐍 Reptiles vs. Dogs – Why growing up with snakes didn’t prepare Harry for dog ownership
🐾 First Impressions of the Breed – The quirks of Miniature Dachshunds and why they’re not always as easy as they look
🤯 Surprises of Dog Breeding – The unexpected challenges of responsible breeding and why it’s more than just “having a litter”
🐕 Owning a Stud Dog – The time, effort, and responsibility beyond the actual mating process
📞 Managing Enquiries – The different types of bitch owners and how to spot red flags
📅 The Importance of Timing – Why progesterone testing can make or break a successful mating
🔍 Ethical Stud Ownership – Why responsible stud owners provide support beyond just a service
📑 Stud Contracts & Aftercare – What ethical stud owners should provide post-mating
🌍 Building a Breeding Community – How support networks and knowledge-sharing make a differenceLinks & Resources Mentioned
📌 Join the Breeders Brew Community on Facebook – Join Here
📩 Submit Your Questions for Future Episodes – [email protected]
📑 Pregnancy & Puppy Predictor Tool – Available Here
📝 Critical Care Guide – Download HereThis episode is insightful, refreshing, and full of practical advice—especially for those new to the breeding world. Share this episode with any breeders-to-be, stud dog owners, or partners who’ve been roped into dog life! 🐶🎙️
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Welcome back to another Q&A session on The Breeders Brew! 🎉 In this episode, Sara and Isobel dive into some of the most common—and sometimes downright baffling—breeding questions found in online forums. Their goal? To cut through misinformation and provide honest, experience-backed advice to help responsible breeders make the best decisions for their dogs and litters.
This episode is packed with practical guidance, breeder insights, and honest discussions on essential breeding topics. We're covering everything from predicting due dates to concerns about milk supply and the ever-varying cost of C-sections! Topics Covered in This Episode:
✅ Predicting Puppy Due Dates – The importance of tracking ovulation and how to calculate estimated due dates correctly
✅ Pregnancy & Puppy Predictor Tool – A must-have for breeders to stay on top of key milestones
✅ The Reality of Milk Production – Understanding colostrum vs. milk and why some new breeders panic unnecessarily
✅ The Pros and Cons of Temperature Tracking – Is it a reliable indicator for whelping?
✅ Bathing Puppies Before They Leave? – Why some breeders do it and why others (like Sara and Isobel) never do
✅ The Wild Variability of C-Section Costs – Real-world examples from different countries and why breeders must prepare financially
✅ Avoiding Facebook Group Misinformation – How to find trusted advice instead of relying on questionable online responses🔗 Links Mentioned in This Episode:
📌 Breeders Brew Community on Facebook – Join Here
📩 Submit Questions for the Podcast – [email protected]
📊 Pregnancy & Puppy Predictor Tool – Buy Here
📑 Show Notes & Resources – www.breedersbrew.com/notes/s2e10If you’ve ever been stuck scrolling through 50 conflicting Facebook replies to a breeding question, this episode is for you! 🎧🐾 Tune in now, and let’s raise the standards of responsible breeding—together.
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Welcome to the highly anticipated Series Two of The Breeders Brew! 🎉 In this episode, Sara and Isobel reflect on the incredible feedback from Series One, highlighting the global interest in responsible breeding and the value of learning through podcasts.
Series Two takes a new interactive Q&A format, tackling common (and sometimes shocking) breeding questions posted in Facebook groups. The goal? To cut through misinformation and offer real, experience-backed advice that helps breeders make the best decisions for their dogs and litters.
Expect honest discussions, expert insights, and a deep dive into the dangers of taking free, unverified advice online. We also introduce our annual Breeders Survey, a groundbreaking initiative collecting real-world data from breeders to provide factual, evidence-based trends in dog breeding. Topics covered in this episode:
✅ The importance of trusted breeding advice vs. Facebook group chaos
✅ Why not all advice is created equal – “One Litter Lucys” and well-meaning but inexperienced breeders
✅ The critical role of scanning in pregnancy detection and litter planning
✅ A case study on whelping complications, common warning signs, and when to call the vet
✅ Introducing our Breeders Survey: helping to shape the future of responsible breeding with real-world data
✅ How to get involved and submit your questions for future episodesAction Points & Links Mentioned:
📩 Submit your breeding questions: [email protected]
📌 Join the Breeders Brew Community: Search Breeders Brew Community on Facebook
📊 Take part in the Breeders Survey: www.breedersbrew.com/survey
📑 Show notes & resources: www.breedersbrew.com/notes/s2e9If you’ve ever wondered why you’re getting 50 different answers to the same breeding question, this episode is for you! Tune in now, and let’s raise the standards of responsible breeding—together. 🎧🐾
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In this heartfelt episode, we delve into the intricacies of caring for newborns, emphasising the importance of a strong start in life and addressing common congenital conditions.
Sara challenges the notion of the "runt of the litter", shedding light on the prevalence of puppy abnormalities. Isobel shares how folic acid supplementation can reduce the risk of cleft palate by 48% and the ethical considerations surrounding the treatment of cleft puppies at birth.
Explore the nuances of fading puppy syndrome whilst gaining insight into the challenges of supplement feeding and learn about the importance of hydration over milk feed. Practical tips for managing water-to-milk ratios and feeding quantities will also be included. The complexities of caring for large litters, including rotation strategies, will also be discussed.
Discover our favourite milk formulas and feeding methods, from old-school methods to innovative tools like miracle nipples and silicone puppy feeders. Learn why reinvesting in new equipment and paying attention to detail is crucial for success.
Whether you're a seasoned breeder or a newcomer to puppy care, this episode of Breeders Brew is filled with invaluable insights and practical advice to help you navigate the challenges of raising healthy, happy puppies from the beginning.
📌 Click to read the Show Notes
📌 Grab your FREE accompanying Breeders Brew Critical Care Sheet.===
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This episode focuses on essential observations and actions breeders must take when the puppies are born.
Join us as we discuss the significance of puppy observations and what breeders should be looking out for, from normal vaginal discharge to the benefits of raspberry leaf as a uterine tonic. Learn about the potential risks of retained placentas and the impact of antibiotics on puppies' gut health and immune systems, which could lead to the dreaded "6-week squits."
Navigate the complexities of energy balance in nursing dams and the importance of daily puppy weighing to track litter gains or losses. We explore scales suitable for accurate puppy weighing and delve into common nursing issues such as frustrated milk moans and latching difficulties.
We discuss how to analyse puppy stools and spot signs of dehydration, ensuring each puppy receives the care it needs to thrive.
Whether you're a seasoned breeder or a newcomer to the world of puppy rearing, this episode of Breeders Brew is filled with invaluable insights and actionable advice to help you navigate the journey from birth to breeding benchmarks with confidence and care.
📌 Click to read the Show Notes
📌 Grab your FREE accompanying Breeders Brew Critical Care Sheet.===
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Welcome to another enlightening episode, in which we explore the world of puppy weaning and the benefits of raw feeding for our furry companions.
We discuss breeders' obsession with goat's milk and Weetabix while emphasising the importance of not making puppies fussy eaters. Learn about the effectiveness of transition foods and discover tips for successful weaning, including adding water and using silicone spoons.
We also discuss the common issue of "6-week squits" and the various solutions, from worming and stool cultures to antibiotics and how supplements like pure slippery elm uncover the incredible benefits of slippery elm for puppies and post-whelping mothers.
Navigate the complexities of raw feeding cost considerations, including litter and breed sizes. Understand the expense of raw weaning and ideas to accommodate the possible additional cost and whether raw-fed puppies deter potential owners.
Take action with Sara's playbook feeding guide and implement tips for improving the transition to a new home. Whether you're a seasoned breeder or a novice puppy parent, this episode of Breeders Brew is packed with invaluable insights and practical advice to help you navigate the journey of puppy weaning and raw feeding with confidence and success.
📌 Click to read the Show Notes
📌 Grab your FREE accompanying Breeders Brew Critical Care Sheet.===
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Why do singletons occur?What evidence is needed to justify a c-section?How common is whole litter and puppy reabsorption?
In this episode we unravel the intricacies of canine fertility, whilst delving into the unique challenges posed by singleton puppies. Sara shares eye-opening statistics from her white paper on solo pups, and what proactive approaches significantly improve a singleton’s chance of survival.
From discussing whether body proportions can contribute to reabsorption causing small litters, to unveiling the supplements proven to boost fertility, we cover many aspects of the canine fertility puzzle! But it takes two to tango. Stud dogs can be a fertility-ticking-time-bomb, especially those seven years and older, so we look at the importance of fertility testing too.
We begin to untangle the multifaceted factors impacting a dog’s fertility, from diet and condition to age, and even discuss how different breeds have varying fertile windows. So whether you're a seasoned breeder or a newcomer to the world of canine reproduction, this episode of Breeders Brew is packed with invaluable insights and actionable advice to help you optimise fertility and navigate the unique challenges of singleton pups.
📌 Click to read the Show Notes
📌 Grab your FREE accompanying Breeders Brew Critical Care Sheet===
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In this episode of the Breeders Brew Podcast, we explore the complexities of canine pregnancy and whelping, exploring the vital role of calcium supplementation and debunking common misconceptions.
Discover the fascinating anatomy of the uterus, one of the largest muscles in a female dog's body, and learn about the breeder's crucial role in supporting the mother during labour. We touch on the benefits of raspberry leaf and delve into the timeline of canine labour, from active contractions to whelping pauses and puppy arrival.
Isobel explains why not all supplements are created equal, that some supplements may do more harm than good and how to raise your awareness to avoid low-grade supplement fillers. We also address the burning question of how long calcium supplementation should be continued.
Whether you're a seasoned breeder or a newcomer to the world of canine reproduction, this episode of Breeders Brew is packed with essential insights and practical advice to help you navigate the complexities of calcium supplementation and ensure the safe delivery of healthy litters.
📌 Click to read the Show Notes
📌 Grab your FREE accompanying Breeders Brew Critical Care Sheet===
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This episode highlights crucial health and hygiene aspects that every breeder should be well-versed in. We explore various factors that can lead to health issues in our beloved canines, from poor hygiene practices to trauma and weak immune systems. Learn to recognise the symptoms that indicate your dog might be in discomfort and understand why pain thresholds vary between breeds.
Discover the often-overlooked hazards puppy nails pose and how simple tools can prevent unnecessary trauma. Find out Sara’s hygiene ‘ick’ and how that may impact nursing puppies.
We answer the question, “Is more milk always better for nursing puppies?” and debunk the misconception that expensive dog food guarantees quality nutrition. We also dive into the role of diet, including the benefits of incorporating vegetables, and consider the unique challenges breeders face in multiple-dog households.
We also unravel the mystery behind cabbage leaves' potential effectiveness in treating mastitis and delve into the complexities of black mastitis, weaning, and the impact of puppy teeth trauma.
Whether you're a seasoned breeder or an enthusiast looking to deepen your understanding of canine health and hygiene, this episode of Breeders Brew is packed with invaluable insights and practical tips to ensure the well-being of your furry companions.
📌 Click to read the Show Notes
📌 Grab your FREE accompanying Breeders Brew Critical Care Sheet===
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In this episode, we discover the intricate factors that determine milk production, from the workings of the brain to the influence of prolactin and hormone feedback loops. We’ll investigate whether dams exhibit different conditions due to their breed and how kibble or raw diet can affect a pregnant dog's appetite and milk quality.
See us uncover Isobel's secret weapon in maintaining optimal milk production and explore proactive supplementation strategies like fenugreek. We discuss everything from puppy squeaks' impact on milk to the effectiveness of puppy boxes in reducing milk production.
Whether you're a seasoned breeder or a curious enthusiast, this episode of Breeders Brew is packed with invaluable insights and practical tips for nurturing healthy litters and unravelling the mysteries of milk production.
📌 Click to read the Show Notes
📌 Grab your FREE accompanying Breeders Brew Critical Care Sheet.===
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In this episode, we kick Series 1 off with a comprehensive walk-through of the essential items in your whelping kit and dive into the art of crafting your ultimate 'breed-specific' toolbox for breeding success. From indoor rabbit hutches to secret bone broth recipes, we'll uncover fascinating insights from seasoned experts.
Learn the importance of proactive puppy management, including effective identification methods and the invaluable role of a well-organised Puppy Playbook. We discuss the possible pitfalls of velcro ID collars and share cautionary lessons from friends who mistook silence for tragedy while attempting to detect foetal heartbeats with a Doppler.
So grab your favourite mug, brew a fresh cup of inspiration, and join us as we start our unforgettable journey into the world of responsible breeding. Cheers to happy, healthy puppies and you, the passionate breeders behind them!
📌 Click to read the Show Notes
📌 Grab your FREE accompanying Breeders Brew Critical Care Sheet.===
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Our inaugural welcome episode introduces why the Passionate Puppy Practitioners are dedicated to the breeding cause. We’ll explain how we came up with the name "Breeders Brew." We'll also take you behind the scenes and share its inspiration.
Series 1 contains personal opinions and stories to captivate seasoned breeders and curious newcomers. We'll walk you through the structure of our series and offer a glimpse into future topics.
But that's not all – we'll unveil the Critical Care Sheet, a vital tool for breeders, and introduce you to our thriving community of enthusiasts and experts.
So grab your headphones and join us on the Breeders Brew Podcast as we embark on an unforgettable journey into the fascinating breeding world.📌 Grab your FREE accompanying Breeders Brew Critical Care Sheet.
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