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Top Considerations for Dog Breeders

by Dakota Storage Buildings, on October 20, 2022

Top Considerations for Dog BreedersDog breeding is equally gratifying as it is challenging. It’s a huge time investment and requires effort and care to do correctly. Diving headfirst into dog breeding could be tricky, even if your heart is in the right place and you have some of the basics down. There’s so much more to dog breeding than you see on the surface. If you’re looking to learn more about how to become a dog trainer and breeder, this article is an excellent step in starting a reputable, quality dog breeding business.

Finding a Healthy Female for Dog Breeding

When breeding working dogs, you should first have a healthy female dog with a hardy nature. It’s beneficial if this dog gets along with people, children, and other pets, as this increases the likelihood that the offspring will have a desirable temperament. But it’s equally essential to ensure that the working dog aims to please and listens well. Ensure your dog’s health by going for a vet visit and performing health checks. You’ll want to know if she has any health issues that could also be passed on to the litter.

Your dog should be at least one year old and has had an entire season before you start the breeding process. Note that dogs are the most fertile, around eight, so that’s something to consider. Always feed the dam the best possible diet - do whatever it takes to keep the dam happy and healthy throughout the process.

Think About Your Resources

Resources come in many forms. So even if you think you have the best care equipment or ample space for dog breeding, ask yourself: 

  • Do you have the time? 
  • Do you have the information? 
  • Do you have the money? 

If you want to know how to become a dog trainer, understand that it’ll be tough to be successful without these three resources. Dog breeding is immensely time-consuming and can be more without knowledge or money. And if you’re short on time, you’ll often have to shell out more cash to get things done. 

Know When You Should Breed

Most dogs will be in heat twice a year, but your veterinarian can run hormone tests to show you the best time to attempt mating. Even if you know when your dog will be in season, the right time will still come down to both dogs. But you can usually get good results, provided they’re together when the female is at a good point in her cycle.

Small litters aren’t entirely avoidable, but you can lower your chances of having one. Dogs that mate at the wrong time of the year will often produce smaller litters. The dam’s hormone tests will reveal when the ideal time is, but the sire can just as easily be the cause of a smaller litter. Age, hypothyroidism, and uterine infections are all other common reasons the dam has a small litter. 

Have a Safe Place for Your Dogs

Once you’ve had your first successful litter, you need to provide and care for them and the mother. Part of this is having a comfortable, clean space for them to stay and to show them to customers. Not only is this an important part ethically speaking, but it’s also a way to keep the litter happy and healthy. You want a reputation as a dog breeder who cares for their dogs properly, especially if you’re just starting. 

Dog breeding can be full of ups and downs; you’ll want to ensure you’re ready for anything. And when you’re dealing with working dog breeds, you’ll also go through the extra pressure of expectation from your clients. But with the all-important resources - time, money, and knowledge - you’re off to a better-than-good start to making a name for yourself in the world of dog breeding.

Ensure Your Working Dog is Healthy & Happy

Topics:Dog KennelsDogs & Canines

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