The Realities of Dog Breeding
When I first started breeding dogs, I had no idea what I was getting myself into. The reality of dog breeding is far more complex and demanding than I ever imagined. It’s not just about cuddling adorable puppies; it’s a serious commitment that requires knowledge, dedication, and a whole lot of patience.
Time Commitment
Breeding dogs is a full-time job, and I quickly learned that it leaves little room for anything else. I’m there for every whelping, staying up with puppies and feeding as necessary. This constant presence is crucial for the well-being of the dogs and puppies.
Managing a breeding program requires a well-structured schedule. I’ve had to develop a system that allows me to be there for each dog individually, attend to whelpings, and provide proper puppy care. It’s a 24/7 commitment that doesn’t allow for much free time. I have several grandkids, and they have activities I miss and do not get to attend because of this bigger commitment. Does my family understand? I guess they do to a degree, but my family has just accepted the fact I won’t be there for a lot of those things. I love the idea of vacations. Yes, I have heard of these things, and they sound like fun. As a breeder I do not have much time for those either. No need to feel sorry for me though, it’s the life I chose because I am chasing my passion. Many people never get to do that! I am a blessed man.
Financial Investment
The financial aspect of dog breeding caught me off guard. I initially thought I’d make a decent profit, but the reality is quite different. The costs start adding up even before the first litter is born. Before my first litter, I had already invested $8,000 to $12,000. And that’s just the beginning. Ongoing expenses include veterinary care, food, supplies, and potential emergency costs. It’s crucial to have an emergency fund for unexpected situations. Everything goes smoothly until it doesn’t. I have drop 2,000 dollars in one weekend from unexpected circumstances. The vets do want payment when services are rendered. You can easily go in the hole from a litter of puppies if something goes wrong.
Emotional Challenges
What I wasn’t prepared for were the emotional challenges that come with breeding dogs. It’s not just a business; it’s a passion that can take an emotional toll. I’ve experienced the joy of successful litters and the heartbreak of losing puppies. Saying good-bye to dogs that were born here and enjoyed a long life but still crying for weeks when one passes. The pressure to produce healthy, well-socialized puppies is constant.
I’ve also faced criticism from those who believe breeding is unethical due to shelter overpopulation. It’s a complex issue that I grapple with, and I strive to be an ethical breeder by prioritizing the health and well-being of my dogs. Just stop breeding and all will be fine is some people’s solution but it’s just way more complicated than this.
Breeding dogs has shown me the best in the human-and-dog bond, but it’s also been challenging and occasionally heartbreaking. It’s taught me the importance of continuous learning, adapting to new situations, and always putting the dogs’ welfare first. While it’s not a path for everyone, for those who are passionate and committed, dog breeding can be an incredibly rewarding experience. I have learned most people are not going to do this professionally. They do not have the passion and commitment to be highly successful over a long period of time. If you can’t commit enormous abouts of time, this is not the profession for you.
Essential Health Considerations
When I first started breeding dogs, I had no idea how crucial health considerations would be. It’s not just about producing cute puppies; it’s about creating healthy, happy companions for families. Let me share what I’ve learned about the essential health aspects of dog breeding.
Genetic Testing
Genetic testing has become a game-changer in the world of dog breeding. I’ve found it to be an invaluable tool to predict and prevent canine health conditions. Many diseases now have genetic markers that reveal if a dog will develop a genetic problem or if they’re a carrier.
There are two approaches to disease genetic testing:
- Breed-specific tests
- General screening for all potential disease-associated genes
I’ve learned that doing a full genetic panel is often the most cost-effective and comprehensive option. It allows me to screen for all known genetic conditions and even discover new mutations within the breed.
Veterinary Care
Regular veterinary check-ups are non-negotiable in my breeding program. I make sure to have a duly licensed veterinarian conduct examinations and tests appropriate to the age and breed of each dog. This helps me identify any medical conditions that might affect the dog’s health or breeding potential.
I’ve learned to be particularly vigilant about contagious diseases. This precaution has helped me maintain a healthy breeding environment.
Nutrition
Proper nutrition is the foundation of a successful breeding program. I’ve discovered that everything a pregnant mother consumes has the potential to affect her puppies’ development. This includes water, food, nutritional supplements, and any medications.
I now pay close attention to the following nutritional aspects:
- Water quality: I keep fresh water at all times for our dogs
- Food selection: I stick to commercially available kibble from reputable manufacturers that conduct research and feeding trials.
- Pregnancy diet: I use specially formulated diets for pregnant dogs, switching to puppy food in the last three weeks of pregnancy.
- Supplements: I’ve learned the importance of supplements like folic acid and DHA for healthy puppy development.
One crucial lesson I’ve learned is the importance of maintaining ideal body condition in breeding dogs. An ideal body condition of 5 or 6 out of 9 is optimal for conception, healthy pregnancy, delivery, and lactation.
These health considerations have become the cornerstone of my breeding program. They’ve helped me produce healthier puppies and maintain the well-being of my breeding dogs.
The Importance of Proper Facilities
When I first started breeding dogs, I had no idea how crucial proper facilities were. Now, I can’t stress enough how important it is to have the right setup for your breeding program. Let me share what I’ve learned about creating the ideal environment for your dogs and puppies.
Whelping Area
The whelping area is where the magic happens, and it’s essential to get it right. I’ve found that a whelping box or pool is a must-have. I used a swimming pool when I first started but built custom whelping kennels as soon as I could. I have a building dedicated just for whelping puppies.
One thing I wish I’d known earlier is the importance of a puppy rail. It’s basically a piece of flexible drain pipe that you secure around the edge of the whelping box. This simple addition can be a lifesaver, literally. It gives the puppies a safe space to crawl under if the mother accidentally lies on them.
I set up the whelping area about a week before the expected due date. This gives the mother time to get comfortable with her new space. I’ve learned that dogs have a natural instinct to seek out a den for birthing, so providing a quiet space makes them feel secure and reduces stress.
Socialization Areas
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is the value of proper socialization. I now dedicate specific areas for this crucial aspect of puppy development.
I start socializing puppies early, exposing them to a wide range of experiences. This includes introducing them to different people, animals, sounds, and textures.
I’ve also learned the importance of exposing puppies to everyday household sounds and experiences. Even a hangout on the front porch can count as a socialization session. These early positive experiences help prevent behavior problems later in life.
Creating proper facilities for dog breeding is an ongoing process. I’m constantly learning and improving my setup to ensure the best possible environment for my dogs and puppies. It’s a big responsibility, but seeing happy, healthy puppies grow into well-adjusted adult dogs makes it all worthwhile.
Marketing and Finding Homes for Puppies
When I first started breeding dogs, I had no idea how challenging it would be to find the right homes for my puppies. Over time, I’ve learned that marketing and placing puppies is as much about building relationships as it is about selling.
Building a reputation
I’ve discovered that my reputation as a breeder is crucial. It’s not just about producing cute puppies; it’s about creating healthy, happy companions for families. I’ve learned that the environment of a home has a huge influence on a dog’s character. If I place my dogs in bad homes, they might develop bad habits, which could harm my reputation.
To maintain a good reputation, I’ve started asking for references from friends, vets, and other animal care professionals. I’ve also created a formal avenue for customer feedback. For example, when I provide paperwork associated with getting a new puppy, I ask my customers about their perception of me as a breeder. Why they chose me and not another breeder.
Screening potential buyers
I’ve realized that screening potential buyers is crucial. I now ask questions to gage the preparation and intentions of the family. For instance, I ask, “Why are you interested in a dog?” or “Who will be primarily responsible for taking care of the dog?” I’ve found that I can make a decent judgment based on these simple questions.
I also check if the person has a fenced yard. If they don’t, I ask if they intend to walk the dog, let it roam, or chain it to a tree. Lack of a fence might be a red flag for me. It really depends on their answer.
Follow-up care
I’ve learned that my responsibility doesn’t end when the puppy goes to its new home. I now provide instructions on how to care for a new puppy, including information on food, housetraining, toys, and immunizations. I also let prospective owners know the average costs for dog ownership and provide details about breed-related medical problems, temperament, and life span.
I’ve made it a point to always accept my customers’ feedback and answer their calls whenever they have a question. When a customer calls, I politely and enthusiastically address any question or problem they might have. If they have a problem, I start my response with “I’m sorry you are having difficulty,” and then proceed to explain what they should do to remedy the problem.
Through this process, I’ve realized that responsible breeding is about more than just producing puppies. It’s about ensuring they go to homes where they’ll be loved, cared for, and given the best chance at a happy, healthy life. It’s a big responsibility, but seeing my puppies thrive in their new homes makes it all worthwhile.
Conclusion
Dog breeding is a complex and demanding pursuit that has a significant impact on the lives of both humans and animals. It requires a deep understanding of genetics, health considerations, proper facilities, and ethical practices to ensure the well-being of dogs and puppies. The journey of becoming a responsible breeder involves continuous learning, adapting to new situations, and always putting the dogs’ welfare first.
To wrap up, while dog breeding can be incredibly rewarding, it’s not a path for everyone. It demands a substantial investment of time, money, and emotional energy. However, for those who are passionate and committed, the opportunity to create happy, healthy companions for families and to strengthen the human-dog bond makes it all worthwhile. The key is to approach breeding with knowledge, dedication, and a genuine love for dogs.
