Becoming a responsible and skilled breeder takes a great deal of compassion and commitment. It also requires extensive knowledge on several important subjects. Good dog breeders are, without fail, doggy experts. They have invested the time, energy, and money to become adept at their craft, and they are dedicated to improving the breed with each new litter.
Doggy Education
The most successful breeders are those who have taken the time and effort to learn as much as they can about certain breeds and canines in general. The experts are honor roll students in the world of doggy academia, and they recognize that they are never done learning. Good dog breeders possess a high aptitude regarding canine behavior, training, and health care. They also must be extremely knowledgeable about the particular breed that they wish to work with. This includes knowing the breed’s history, appearance, temperament and behavior, and potential health and genetic concerns.
The best dog breeders don’t just pick up a few facts after a couple of hours of surfing the web; it would be impossible to do so. They show initiative by becoming involved with dog clubs (both national and local) that sponsor educational programs and training courses. They attend dog shows to meet with other experts in the field and learn the official standards of their preferred breed published by the American Kennel Club (AKC). The best breeders are up to date on the latest breeding practices, training techniques, and nutritional information.
Puppy Parents
All skilled dog breeders achieve their success by going to great lengths to condition the sire and the dam (the puppies’ parents). To compassionate breeders, these puppy parents are more than just furry ATM machines; they are treasured members of the family. They deserve respect, love, and proper care. This care includes regular visits to the vet, genetic screening, regular health tests, proper exercise, and excellent nutrition.
Breeders should also account for and maintain the sire and dam’s mental health, as stress can result in fertility issues. Many breeders avoid breeding dogs that appear shy, violent, or otherwise unstable, so as not to pass these traits along to subsequent generations.
Taking the necessary steps to ensure a healthy and relaxed birthing experience is also important. The dam should be well fed and watered. She will also need a dry, warm, comforting nursery in which to nurse her puppies, who will be dependent upon their mother for at least the first few weeks of their lives.
Puppy Time!
Eventually, the puppies will be weaned from their mother, and their activity level will skyrocket. Good breeders are prepared for this inevitability and are willing to go the extra mile to keep mom and her pups healthy, comfortable, and well exercised. Feeding should be monitored, and the nursery should be lined with newspapers for those little puppy accidents and then cleaned regularly. The puppies should be groomed when necessary, and the new litter should receive their first round of shots from their veterinarian.
Once it is time to find the puppies new families, responsible breeders place them in the best possible living situation (link to seeking our owners piece). Openly discuss each dog’s unique characteristics with the potential new owners, even if there are certain attributes that may not be especially appealing (potty training issues, excessive drooling, considerable grooming, etc.). New owners have the right to know what they are getting into – for better or for worse. Honest dialogue is the best way to ensure the puppy is joining a patient, considerate, and compassionate family.
Homeward Bound
The best dog breeders speak with potential owners about their family dynamics, living situation, and activity level. They are willing to ask the tough questions: Why do these people want to own this dog? How do the potential owners feel about obedience and training? Will the dog be left alone for long periods? Who will be the primary person responsible for the puppy? The answer to these questions will go a long way in determining the best living scenario for the dog.
We believe in the moral and ethical treatment of all animals, especially by those advertising on our site. And we love working with reputable, compassionate breeders whenever we get the chance. If you love animals as much as we do and are considering becoming a breeder, please take the time to educate yourself as much as possible. Dog breeding is time consuming and expensive, and breeders must be willing to care for these animals while seeking out the perfect new home. But it’s also an extremely rewarding experience to care for these animals and to help families complete their households with loving companions.
Want to learn more about puppy development stages? Learn about them here
