When It’s Time for Puppies to Go to New Homes…

For both experienced breeders as well as first time breeders one of the most difficult parts of the breeding process is sending the puppies to live in their new homes. This time can be difficult for a number of reasons; however, the most common reason is the breeder is sad to see the puppies go. It is certainly understandable that the breeders will experience some degree of sadness as the puppies walk out their doors for the last time because they have bonded with these puppies from the day they were born. However, the sadness associated with this day is often mixed with happiness and a sense of satisfaction. This is because the process of selecting new homes for the litter of puppies can be very rewarding and the breeder can bask in the knowledge that each puppy went to an ideal home. This article will provide some tips for helping breeders to deal with the process of sending the puppies off into the world to their new homes.

The most important thing a breeder can do to make the process of sending the puppies to their new homes easier is to screen potential buyers carefully and take the process of selecting homes for the puppies very seriously. A breeder that does this will be able to let the puppies go to their new homes without any lingering doubt about the quality of the home they are going to. When selecting homes for the puppies, the breeder should carefully consider the type of home the buyer has, the amount of time they have to devote to a puppy, the ages of family members and the personality of the puppy.

Taking care to ensure all contracts and paperwork are in order before sending the puppies off to their new homes is also very important. Ideally the contracts should be completed well before buyers are lined up for the puppies. This will allow the potential buyers to review the contract before going on the puppy list and will help to ensure there are no surprises at the time of the purchase. The contract should be clearly written to ensure the buyer is aware of all of the obligations associated with the purchase of the puppy. Examples of terms many breeders include in these types of contracts include stipulations that the puppy be neutered or spayed within a certain time frame and stipulations that the owner will return the puppy to the breeder instead of a shelter or rescue group if he is no longer able to care for the puppy. The contract should also outline terms under which the breeder will refund the cost of the puppy or replace the puppy with one from a future litter.  Consulting with more experienced breeders as well as with a lawyer is recommended when writing a contract for the sale of a puppy.

Finally, when it is time to say the last goodbye to a puppy from one of your litters, it is very important to ensure the new owner has your contact information and encourage him to keep in contact. There is no guarantee the new owner will keep you updated on the growth, development and accomplishments of your puppy. However, if you leave the door of communication open it is more likely that you might receive these types of updates.

What to Expect While Raising Your Litter…

New breeders may not be able to wait for their litters to arrive. However, at the same time they may also be very nervous about what to expect while raising their litters. This is perfectly understandable especially if the breeders have never had a single puppy let alone an entire litter of puppies. The needs of the puppies will vary dramatically from the time they are born until the time when they go to their new homes. The breeder will also have a great deal of responsibility during this time. The care, feeding and socialization of these puppies rest in the hands of the breeders. This article will provide information on what breeders can expect while raising a litter of puppies.

Breeders who have notions of playing happily with their puppies will have to put these thoughts aside for a little while. During the first week of life puppies will spend approximately 90% of their time asleep and the remaining 10% of their time eating. Ideally the puppies will be nursing for their nourishment but if this is not possible for some reason, the breeder will have to intervene to provide nourishment that is comparable to the mother’s milk. During this time the puppies will be very susceptible to both heat and cold and will need to be near their mothers in a climate controlled environment. They will have a few natural instincts leading them to crawl, huddle against the mother for warmth and nurse. However, they will need stimulation to urinate and defecate. The bitch will usually provide this stimulation for the puppies but if she is unable to, for any reason, the breeder will have to provide this stimulation. A warm cloth can often be used for this purpose.

The eyes of the puppies will open in the second week as will the ears. This is a good time to begin getting the puppies accustomed to being held. It is also a good time to starting regular nail trims. This is important because puppies exposed to this type of handling will be more compliant to grooming and veterinary care as older dogs.

The fun of raising a litter of puppies really begins around week three. This is when the puppies first start to interact with each other. They can now stand up and walk around, show an interest in their surroundings and no longer require stimulation to urinate and defecate. There little puppy teeth start emerging around this time and they learn to drink water or other liquids from a bowl.

In the fourth week, puppies continue to socialize and learn to play with each other. They start to chase each other, bark, wag their tails and even growl or show their teeth. These early interactions with each other will teach a puppy how to socialize with other dogs. They will also learn important skills such as bite inhibition. The puppies will enjoy playing with each other but will tire quickly and continue to sleep often. Puppies will also begin eating food on their own during this week.

The fifth week in the life of a puppy is filled with more playtime. However, dominance play begins to emerge and some puppies develop alpha personalities while others remain more submissive in nature. Noting these characteristics as they emerge will help the breeder to place each puppy in an ideal home. For example more dominant puppies should be placed in households where they will either be the only dog or the existing dog has a submissive personality. This will help to avoid conflicts when the puppy goes to a new home.

The growth of the puppies continues in weeks six through eight. By week seven the vision and hearing of the puppies will be complete. They will also begin to become more inquisitive around week seven which will lead to a fear period around week eight. This is all natural and most puppies go through these stages. By week eight the puppies should be eating regular puppy food.

There is much debate about when puppies are ready to leave their mother and littermates. Some breeders believe as early as seven weeks is acceptable. However, if the puppy will be shipped to a new home it is important to wait until the puppy is at least ten weeks old.

Breeding Puppies for Fun…

Ah, the joy of puppies! There is absolutely no mistaking the fact that puppies are just plain fun. They are tiny, adorable, live life with no fear and do the cutest things. The fun part of raising puppies can make anyone smile and that is why many breeders get into the world of breeding. They get caught up in the fun aspect of breeding a dog or a bitch which often includes playing with the puppies. Sure there is work involved but for breeders who do it for the fun of it, the amount of work involved is worthwhile. This article will provide some basic information for potential breeders who want to start breeding puppies for fun.

First and foremost, breeding puppies will be a great deal of fun. From the joy of seeing their sleepy little faces when they are first born to the overwhelming happiness you will experience while seeing them play together on their last days before going to their new homes, it is definitely a lot of fun to breed puppies. If you are one of those people who thinks anything is worth the fun of raising a litter of puppies than breeding puppies for fun is for you.

Since you are considering breeding puppies for fun we will take a look at some of the fun moments you will definitely experience while breeding your bitch and raising a litter. Who can resist the urge of puppy play time? Litter size can vary but regardless of the size of the litter, you will likely have hours of fun just watching these little guys play together. Their games of chase and wrestling are not only adorable and fun to watch but they are actually a really important part of the socialization process. During these games the puppies play together they learn a great deal about important topics such as pack order and bite inhibition. These skills puppies learn early on through interactions with their littermates will help them to be better socialized adult dogs that know how to interact with other dogs. For many breeders the fun begins to wane as puppies become more active, and often destructive, and it may be tempting to send the dogs to their new owners but it is important to not give in to this temptation. Keeping the puppies together until they are at least seven weeks old will give them ample time to learn how to interact with other dogs. They will still need additional socialization in their new homes but these formative weeks will really help the puppies to start on the right foot.

Another fun aspect of breeding puppies is experiencing the rewards of finding the right home for each of your puppies. A truly responsible breeder makes placing puppies in the right home a top priority. Potential buyers should be carefully screened before placed on a list to purchase one of your puppies. You should carefully consider the needs of the particular breed you are producing when selecting a home. For example some very active breeds such as Border Collies and Australian Shepherds require a great deal of physical and mental stimulation to be truly happy. These dogs are best placed in homes where the owners have a great deal of time to spend giving the dogs this physical and mental stimulation. This is important because without this mental and physical stimulation the dogs may create their own fun and their own jobs. However, when a dog such as a Border Collie takes on the responsibility of creating his own job it will most likely not be considered ideal behavior by the owner. For example an under stimulated Border Collie may decide that digging holes in the backyard or shredding couch pillows are his job. These types of destructive behaviors often lead owners to return the puppy to the breeder or surrender him to a shelter.

Finally, it is important to mention breeding puppies can be fun but it is also a lot of work. From providing the mother with proper pr-natal care to cleaning, feeding and caring for the puppies until they go to their new homes, there is a great deal of work involved. Potential breeders who go into breeding for the fun of it but realize it is also a great deal of work are likely to be more successful than potential breeders who underestimate the amount of work involved.

Testing for Health Concerns before You Breed…

The importance of testing for health concerns before you breed cannot be underestimated. Stud dogs and bitches should be tested and certified free of serious conditions before they become part of your breeding program. This is very important because failure to do so can result in unfavorable genetics being passed on to future generations of puppies. A truly responsible breeder will want to work to keep these genetic diseases and disorders out of the lines. The best way to do this is to have all intact dogs and bitches tested and neuter or spay those found to have genetic diseases or disorders. These dogs and bitches can still make excellent companion dogs but they should not be used for breeding purposes. The types of testing required will vary for different breeds but this article will provide information on some of the common tests and certifications that should be used before the breeding process starts.

There are many breeds, especially large breeds, that have problems with joints. This may include elbow dysplasia, hip dysplasia as well as problems with any of the joints in the body. These dysplastic conditions as well as other joint issues are hereditary so dogs and bitches with these conditions should not be bred. Joint issues are typically diagnosed through close examination of the x-rays of the joints. Your veterinarian can x-ray the joints to be sent to the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA). The OFA will examine these x-rays and certify your dog or bitch with a rating of fair, good or excellent depending on the overall health of the joints. Only dogs and bitches with ratings of fair, good or excellent should be bred. Dogs and bitches failing to obtain one of these ratings should be neutered or spayed to avoid accidental breeding which can put future litters of puppies at risk for dysplastic conditions.

Eye conditions are often evident in a variety of different breeds. Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) is one of the eye related conditions which occurs in many breeds and should be screened for before breeding. To be certified free of this condition, eye examinations must be performed by a veterinary ophthalmologist and the results of the examination must be submitted to the Canine Eye Registry Foundation (CERF). CERF will issue certifications to dogs and bitches meeting their requirements. However, it is important to note these certifications are only valid for one year. PRA is a progressive disease so dogs and bitches must undergo annual examinations to determine they are still free of symptoms associated with this disease.

There are other types of tests and certifications available. A truly responsible breeder should thoroughly research their breed to determine which genetic disorder and diseases are common. Care should be taken to ensure all dogs and bitches used in a breeding program are free of any of these diseases or disorders. Care should also be taken to neuter or spay any dogs or bitches found to have these diseases or disorders even if they are not scheduled to be used for breeding purposes. This is important because accidental breedings can still occur.

Finally, both stud dogs and bitches should be tested for brucellosis. The testing for this venereal disease should have taken place within the last six months. Most stud dog owners will require proof of this type of testing in the stud dog contract. Owners of bitches should also require the stud dog to be tested within six months of the breeding.

Selecting Buyers for Your Puppies…

It can be a great deal of fun to breed your bitch and raise a litter of puppies. Helping your bitch through the pregnancy process as well as assisting in the labor and delivery of the puppies are all very rewarding. Once the litter is finally born the breeder has the opportunity to watch the puppies grow and develop. From tiny little things at only a few days old with their eyes still closed that sleep 90% of the time and only wake for feedings to fearless, independent puppies at the age of seven weeks that attempt to play with adult dogs and relish in their own surrounds it can be quite an adventure nurturing and caring for a litter of puppies. However, there comes a time when these little bundles of joy must go to their new homes. A responsible breeder will have suitable homes picked out for each puppy long before this time comes. This article will provide information on selecting buyers for the puppies in your litter.

The first step in selecting buyers for your litter of puppies is finding people who are interested in purchasing one of your puppies. There are a number of ways you can find potential buyers. One of the best ways is through word of mouth. Becoming involved in breed organizations enables you to network with a group of people who share your interest in a particular breed. Buyers from this pool are ideal because they are likely already knowledgeable about the breed and are dedicated to providing great homes for dogs of this breed. Advertising in newspapers, breed magazines and online forums is still another way to attract potential buyers for your puppies. You may also want to develop a website so you can post information relevant to your breeding schedule.

Once you have a number of individuals interested in your puppies it is time to begin the screening process. A responsible breeder does not sell puppies on a first come first serve basis. Instead a responsible breeder will only allow individuals who can provide a suitable home to be on the puppy or waiting lists. The best way to do this is to create an application that will enable you to gauge the applicant and determine whether or not he can provide an appropriate home for a puppy. A more experienced breeder can help you to create an application but you should feel free to include any additional questions which will help you to determine whether or not you are comfortable selling a puppy to an individual.

In addition to having prospective buyers fill out an application you may also want to interview each of them and do home visits. Home visits help you to determine if the home is appropriate for the breed. For example six foot fences are a necessity for breeds that are known to jump shorter fences. Similarly a secure area is ideal for breeds known to be escape artists that follow there noses such as hounds.

Finally, as the temperaments and personalities of the puppies start to develop, the breeder may deem some puppies to be better matches for a certain type of home than others. For example submissive puppies may thrive in a home with older dogs while more dominant puppies might be better off in a home without any existing dogs or with older dogs that are very submissive. This will help to minimize conflicts in the new home. Also, more outgoing and fearless puppies are better suited for homes with small children while more timid puppies may prefer a home with only adults or older children.

Selecting a Breed…

Potential breeders who are looking to break into the world of breeding for fun, profit, to maintain the integrity of a particular breed or a combination of these reasons will likely be faced with a number of difficult decisions before they start breeding. The first decision will be to determine what type of breed they are interested in breeding. There may be a number of factors which contribute to making this type of decision. This article will discuss a number of the factors which may contribute to the process of selecting a breed.

For some potential breeders there is a love for a particular breed which drives them to break into the world of breeding. They may already own a number of dogs and bitches of a particular breed and enjoy working with this breed. When this is the case the potential breeder is typically driven by a desire to produce the highest quality puppies of this particular breed. For example a potential breeder who is interested in hunting dogs such as Labrador Retrievers or English Setters may be determined to begin breeding puppies which have a physical structure and temperament which helps them to excel as hunting companions. Likewise a breeder of a toy breed such as the Pomeranian or Pekingese may be interested in producing puppies which will excel either in the show ring, as companion dogs or both. If the potential breeder already has intact dogs or bitches free of traits they would not want to pass on to future litters there may be no need to acquire additional dogs. However, if the potential breeder does not have intact bitches or dogs free of negative traits they will have to begin searching for dogs or bitches to use for breeding purposes.

Some potential breeders will select a breed based on potential for profit. Breeds that typically produce large litters and also typically sell for a high price may be of interest to these types of breeders. This is because even if the breeder only produces one litter each year, the income generated from this litter will be larger than the income generated from litters that are less in demand and breeds that typically produce smaller litters. Of course there is more involved in the costs of producing these litters and the income is not merely a factor of the size of the litter multiplied by the fee for each puppy. The potential breeder will have to consider stud dog fees, fees for obtaining health certifications, the cost of pre-natal care for the bitch and the cost of feeding and caring for the puppies. Potential breeders who want to begin breeding for profit should avoid selecting breeds that typically require artificial insemination or c-sections because these procedures can be costly.

There are certainly some potential breeders who use the cuteness factor in selecting a breed. There are certainly some who will argue that all puppies are cute but there are also some people who have a particular fondness for a certain breed. Whether it is the big droopy ears of the Beagle that draws them in or the dignified look of a German Shepherd certain breeds just seem to appeal to some people more than others. There is nothing wrong with breeding for a particular look as long as this is tempered with responsibility. A bitch with an adorable face and great markings should not be bred based on her looks alone. If she also has dysplasia and progressive retinal atrophy she should be spayed so these disorders are not passed on to future litters. Likewise a bitch that is free of all genetic disorders and structurally sound would be an ideal candidate for breeding even if her coloring or markings are not ideal.

Finally, all potential breeders should be careful to do diligent research before making a final decision on a breed. This will help to ensure the potential breeder learns as much as possible about a particular breed before attempting a first breeding. Armed with this knowledge the breeder can make the best possible decisions for the well being of the mother and the puppies. It will also help the breeder to choose ideal homes for the puppies.

Preparing for Breeding…

One of the most important things a breeder can do before the breeding process even starts is take adequate steps to ensure the bitch is an ideal candidate for breeding and then take steps to ensure the breeding process goes as smoothly as possible. This article will outline the critical steps responsible breeders should follow before attempting to breed a bitch.

Age is one of the factors to consider when preparing a bitch for breeding. Some breeders may rush the process and attempt to breed bitches very early on, often during the first heat cycle. However, responsible breeders should wait until the dog has fully matured before the first breeding. For many dogs this may mean waiting until the dog is at least two years of age. This will give her enough time to fully develop physically, mentally and socially which is all important for breeding purposes because carrying, delivering and nurturing a litter of puppies is a process that is not only extremely physically taxing but also mentally stressful as well. A bitch that is fully matured will handle this process much better than an immature dog.

During the first two years of life the owner can do a great deal to prepare the bitch for the breeding process. The first and most important step an owner can take is to provide the dog with a high quality diet of good nutrition. This is important because a proper diet, combined with a regular exercise program, will help to keep the bitch in top physical condition. Your veterinarian can help you to determine which type of food is best for your dog based on her breed, current health, coat type and physical structure. The diet may consist of dry foods, wet foods or a diet of raw, meaty bones and vegetables. It may take some experimentation but eventually you will determine which food really helps your dog to thrive.

Other things a responsible breeder can do during the first two years of a bitches life is spend time working and showing the dog. This is especially true if the puppies of the litter are being bred for a specific type of temperament that will help them to excel as working dogs or in the show ring. This may sound trivial but it is extremely important because during the course of two years working or showing a bitch, the owners may decide the dog does not have qualities they would like to pass onto the puppies. In this case it will be worthwhile to have the bitch spayed to avoid introducing negative qualities to the lines.

Finally, before any bitch should be bred, it is very important to have her undergo a series of health checks for conditions which are common to the breed. Only bitches which are free of genetic disorders, which can be passed onto the puppies, should be bred. The type of testing required will vary by the breed because certain breeds are more prone to some disorders than others. However, some of the more common tests required include tests for joints and tests for eyes.

If your breed is prone to dysplasia of any type the appropriate joints should be x-rayed by your veterinarian and sent to the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA). The joints most prone to problems include the hips and elbows but again this varies by breed with larger dogs being more prone to dysplasia. OFA will examine the x-rays and give the dog a rating based on the x-rays. Bitches receiving a rating of fair, good or excellent can be bred by responsible breeders but those receiving lower ratings should be spayed immediately to prevent these joint disorders from being passed onto the puppies.

Eye examinations and certifications are also important for many breeds. Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) is a series condition for which dogs and bitches should be tested annually. The Canine Eye Registry Foundation provides certifications for dogs and bitches that have been examined by a veterinary ophthalmologist. These certifications must be renewed each year because this is a progressive disease. As with dysplasia only dogs and bitches certified free of PRA should be bred to avoid passing these traits onto the puppies.

Placing the Right Puppy in the Right Home…

For responsible breeders, the process of selecting homes for the puppies is just as important as choosing a stud dog or a bitch for the breeding process. This is very important because the breeder wants to ensure the homes the puppies go to are suitable for puppies of this breed and the puppies will thrive in these homes. There are a number of factors which go into placing a puppy in a home. This article will outline some of the steps responsible breeders should take to ensure they are placing the right puppy in the right home.

Responsible breeders do not create their puppy lists and waiting lists on a first come first serve basis. They may review applications for puppies in the order they are received but should not approve a potential buyer for placement on the list until the potential owner has been carefully screened. The screening process may include reviewing applications submitted by the individual, visiting the home and interviewing the potential owner. Breeders may wish to consult with more experienced breeders for ideas of what to include in an application for a puppy. However, anything that is of importance to the breeder should be included in the application.

First and foremost the breeder should ensure the potential home for the puppy does not violate any laws. In particular some areas do not allow dogs of certain breeds. The applicable laws in the location of the potential owner should be reviewed to ensure the breed is allowed in the area. Potential owners who have existing dogs should also not be sold a puppy if this will cause the owner to have more puppies than allowed in their area. Potential owners who rent an apartment or home should also be required to provide proof that they are allowed to have puppies living in the apartment or home.

Breeders should also consider whether or not the potential owner is knowledgeable about the breed. It is not necessary for the potential owners to know everything there is to know about the breed but they should have a general understanding of factors including the energy level of the breed, temperament of the breed, health conditions common in the breed and other information important for ownership of a particular breed.

The reason for acquiring the puppy should also be carefully examined. Most breeders sell puppies as companion dogs only. They may even require the potential owners to sign contracts to have the puppy spayed or neutered to ensure the puppy will not be bred in the future. Potential owners who have practical reasons for wanting to purchase a puppy such as companionship for the human or canine members of the family will likely provide a suitable home for the puppies. However, care should be taken when potential owners wish to purchase the puppy for working reasons. There are certainly some breeds that enjoy, and even require, the mental and physical stimulation associated with having a job. However, this should not be the primary reason for purchasing the puppy.

Finally, it is important to match the temperament of the puppy to appropriate homes. In general puppies that develop personalities that are more outgoing and adventurous will do well in homes with children who may be rambunctious. In contrast puppies with more timid personalities are better suited for quite homes with only adults and older children. Likewise puppies with more dominant personalities should only be placed in homes with dogs that are submissive or in homes where the puppy will be an only dog. However, dogs that are more submissive may do well in homes with an existing older dog.

Offering Health Guarantees on Your Puppies…

All responsible breeders should have a contract in place before they begin selling any of their puppies. This contract should be designed to protect the buyer as well as the breeder. Careful consideration should go into creating a contract for the sale of your puppies. It is also very important to consider offering health guarantees on your puppies. New breeders may be apprehensive to offer these types of guarantees but it is a really important practice not only for the betterment of the breed but also for the protection of the breeder. This article will outline some factors to consider when offering health guarantees on your puppies as part of the buyer’s contract.

First and foremost new breeders should consult with more experienced breeders as well as a lawyer before developing contract language to detail the extent of health guarantees. More experienced breeders will be helpful in helping you to pinpoint health concerns which are most relevant to your specific breed. The lawyer will be able to assist you in developing the contract language to ensure it is fair for both parties. The lawyer will also be able to carefully review the state laws in your area. This is critical because in most cases the state laws will supersede your contract so it is useless to include contract language that contradicts state law.

All responsible breeders should be aware of the health risks associated with their breed and should take proper precautions to minimize the potential for passing these health concerns onto future litters. One way breeders can do this is to have all dogs and bitches in a breeding program certified to be free of genetic disorders. Dogs and bitches that cannot be certified should be neutered or spayed to avoid passing these potential problems onto future generations.

Even the most responsible and diligent breeder is likely to produce puppies that have traits which are not desirable or even a hazard to the health of the puppy. The purpose of a health guarantee on a puppy is to provide clear direction on what should occur in these cases. For example a responsible breeder may not intentionally produce a puppy with hip dysplasia. The breeder may have even taken precautions to avoid this problem by selecting a bitch and a stud dog with hips rated as excellent by the Orthopedic Federation for Animals. However, even in these cases a puppy with hip dysplasia may be produced. The puppy contract should clearly detail how these cases will be handled. In some cases the breeder may wish to have the puppy returned and offer the buyer a pick from a future litter. In other cases the breeder may wish to refund the cost of the puppy and allow it to stay with the current owner only if the puppy is neutered or spayed to prevent future breedings. Regardless of how the breeder wishes to handle these types of situations, the details should be spelled out clearly in the contract and the buyer should be made aware of these stipulations in the contract before the purchase is made.

There are also likely to be cases where a particular puppy is deemed to be unfit for sale. Health guarantees should cover a variety of different illnesses for which the breeder is willing to offer some form of compensation. This compensation may include refunding the price of the puppy with or without taking the puppy back or offering to take the puppy back in exchange for a puppy from a future litter.

Most states also have laws in place to protect those who purchase puppies. If the puppy you sold dies or is deemed unfit to be sold within a certain time period, the buyer may have legal recourse whether or not your contract provides a health guarantee. This is why it is very important to understand your state laws in regard to the sale of puppies before you begin breeding.

Making Money as a Breeder…

When asked the question “Is it possible to make money as a breeder?” most experienced breeders would answer yes. However, when asked, “Is it likely to make money as a breeder?” the resounding answer is no. This is especially true of the breeder is responsible and puts the best interest of the dogs and bitches in the breeding program as well as the puppies as the top priority in the breeding process. However, that being said the answer to the original question is that there can be money made as a breeder. This article will discuss some of the financial considerations for breeders and will provide insight regarding how a breeder can profit from a litter.

Profiting from a breeding is not always possible. This is because there are a number of fees associated with a standard breeding with no complications. These fees include stud fees, fees for health certifications, pre-natal care for the bitch and the costs associated with caring for and feeding the puppies until they are sold. Any type of complication such as the need for artificial insemination or a c-section can dramatically increase the cost of the breeding and eat away at any potential profit. Even a litter that is smaller than anticipated can diminish the potential for profits. The breeder may have expected a large litter but if only one or two puppies are delivered the breeder simply cannot justify charging enough to cover the costs of the breeding and may not only not profit from the breeding but will likely even lose money.

The easiest way to profit from a litter is good old fashioned luck. Even the most experienced breeders often lose money on a litter. The reasons they lose money may include small litters, complications during the pregnancy or delivery or buyers who back out of puppy list. Any one of these problems can result in additional costs for the buyer or loss of income which makes it difficult for the breeder to profit from the litter. However, a breeder that is extremely lucky and has an uncomplicated pregnancy and delivery with a large litter will likely profit from the breeding. This is especially true if the breeder has set the prices for the puppies competitively and carefully considered all of the expenses associated with the breeding process.

One way to profit from a litter which is not recommended is to skimp on some of the costs associated with the breeding. Sure you may be able to find a stud dog that offers services for considerably less than must but you should also realize there is likely a very good reason why his stud fee is less than usual. Approach these situations with caution to ensure there are no genetic or medical concerns with the stud dog. Not getting health certifications is also not recommended. Responsible breeders want to ensure only the highest quality dogs and bitches are included in the breeding program.

The best advice available for profiting from a breeding is to calculate all of the costs associated with the breeding before venturing into one. Then determine the market cost of the puppies as well as the estimated litter size. Prices should be set to correspond with market values while still covering all necessary breeding costs and allowing for some profit. Next provide high quality care for the bitch during the pregnancy. This will help to ensure her good health as well as the health of the puppies. It will not guarantee complications will arise but they are less likely if the bitch is well cared for.

How to Be a Responsible Breeder

Breeders enter the world of breeding for a number of different reasons. Some may be looking to produce high quality puppies of a particular breed, some may be looking to generate a profit from each breeding while others may just be looking to have some fun raising a litter of puppies. Regardless of the reason why a breeder decides to produce a litter it is incredibly important to be a responsible breeder. This article will outline how breeders can ensure they are being responsible.

When it comes to being a responsible breeder, knowledge is power. The best thing any breeder can do to be a responsible breeder is learn everything they possibly can about their own breed as well as the process of breeding. This type of knowledge can be gained through reading books, reading websites and speaking to more experienced breeders. Additional knowledge is also gained through experience. By taking the time to learn as much as possible about the breed and about the process of breeding, the breeder will be able to make the best decisions possible. From selecting stud dogs and bitches to dealing with complications during delivery a well educated breeder is also a responsible breeder.

Taking health concerns seriously is another part of responsible breeding. Most breeds have one or more health concerns which are common in the breed. These health concerns may include joint issues such as dysplasia, eye issues such as progressive retinal atrophy or a number of other issues. A knowledgeable breeder will be aware of these issues and will only breed bitches and stud dogs that are certified to be free of these defects or disorders. Additionally, a responsible breeder will neuter or spay dogs or bitches that have these unfavorable characteristics. Doing this will help to ensure these unfavorable genes are not passed on to future litters of puppies.

Carefully temperament testing all dogs and bitches used in a breeding program is another part of responsible breeding. This is important because unfavorable temperament traits such as aggression should not knowingly be passed onto future generations of puppies. Similarly to the issue of unfavorable genetic traits, dogs or bitches with unfavorable social traits should also be neutered or spayed to prevent the pervasion of these traits.

Responsible breeders also make the well being of the dogs and bitches in their breeding program a top priority. This is accomplished by providing proper care and nutrition for the animals. It also includes waiting until the dogs and bitches are fully matured physically, mentally and socially. In most dogs this will not occur until around two years of age. Responsible breeders should also avoid breeding bitches too often and should structure breeding programs to provide adequate recovery periods for each bitch in the program.

Finally, responsible breeders take great care in placing puppies in suitable homes. This will involve carefully screening potential buyers to ensure they can provide an appropriate home along with adequate mental and physical stimulation for the puppies. The contract for the sale of the puppy should clearly define the expectations of the new owner and should also provide provisions for the breeder to regain ownership of the puppy if the new owner is no longer able to provide a suitable home. This is important because a responsible breeder should always be willing to take back a puppy for any reason as opposed to allowing the puppy to be surrendered to a shelter or rescue group.

Getting Ready for the Puppies to Arrive…

Dog breeders will likely be very excited and very busy during the pregnancy of a bitch. A great deal of time will be spent caring for the bitch but the breeders will also have to spend time getting ready for the puppies to arrive. The gestation period of a dog is only nine weeks long as opposed to the nine months required for the development of a human fetus. This being said, there is much less time available to make the preparations necessary to get ready for the arrival of one or more puppies. This article will outline some of the things breeders should do to prepare for the arrival of the puppies.

If the breeder will not be keeping all of the puppies from this litter it is important to start lining up potential homes for the puppies now. Once the breeding is complete you will want to start creating your puppy list and your waiting list. This process should include carefully screening potential buyers to ensure they can provide adequate homes for the puppies. Potential buyers should have a residence where the dog will be secure and where owning dogs is permitted, should understand the breed characteristics and be willing provide adequate mental and physical stimulation for the puppies. The amount of mental and physical stimulation required will vary depending on the breed. The breeder should be knowledgeable about the amount of stimulation required and should select homes that can meet these needs.

Breeders should also begin preparing contracts in preparation for the arrival of the puppies. An experienced breeder may already have a standard contract but care should be taken to review the contracts at each breeding to ensure they are still relevant. Breeders who do not have a standard contract may wish to speak to more experienced breeders and a lawyer while developing their contracts. One common stipulation in puppy contracts requires the new owner to spay or neuter the puppy unless they are being purchased for competition in the show ring. Another common stipulation in many puppy contracts require the new owner to return the puppy, or adult dog, to the breeder if they are no longer able to provide a suitable home instead of turning the puppy into a shelter or rescue group. Contract details should also clearly outline the fee structure involved in purchasing the puppy. This will often include the purchase fee as well as a non-refundable deposit to hold the potential owner’s place on the puppy list.

Breeders should also begin creating a whelping box for the mother and the puppies in preparation for the arrival of the puppies. The bitch will likely begin sleeping in this area late in the pregnancy so it should be ready by then. The whelping box is the area where the mother and the puppies will spend most of their time in the first few weeks of the puppy’s lives. This box should be large enough to accommodate the mother and the puppies and should have high sides. For the actual births it is a good idea to line the whelping box with newspapers to facilitate easy cleanup after the birth. However, once all of the puppies are born you will want to replace the newspapers with warmer bedding such as fleece blankets or towels. These should be washed regularly so it is a good idea to have a few sets of bedding on hand. Your whelping box should also include a small box lined with bedding and set near a heat source. You will keep the puppies in this box while the bitch is delivering the remaining puppies so they do not get too cold. Your whelping box should also include a trash can, paper towels and cleaning supplies nearby so it can be kept as clean as possible.

You will also need to compile supplies you may need for during the actual birth. First have your car and directions to an emergency veterinarian ready in case your bitch needs medical intervention to save her or the puppies. If the birth takes place at home have the following supplies ready:
* Sharp scissors
* Bulb syringe
* Powders used to stop bleeding
* Surgical gloves
* Dental floss
* Digital thermometer
* Clock
* Notebook

Arranging Your Breeding Schedule

Arranging your breeding schedule is an important part of the breeding process. Of course dates could change depending on the timing of your bitch’s heat cycle but it is important to have at least a general idea of when you expect the breeding to take place. This will help to ensure time is not lost and your bitch’s heat cycle does not end before you are able to complete the breeding process. This article will provide some tips on how to arrange your breeding schedule to try to avoid potential complications.

Knowing the heat cycle of your bitch is a very important part of the process of arranging your breeding schedule. Most responsible breeders wait until the bitch is at least two years old before the first breeding. There are a number of reasons to do this but one of them, which is relevant to the breeding schedule, is it will help the owner to determine the time of the heat cycle more accurately.

Another factor to consider when arranging your breeding schedule is the availability of the stud dog. Responsible breeders will select carefully evaluate stud dogs and make a decision on which one to choose well before the bitch is due to enter a heat cycle. When the stud dog is selected it is very important to inform the owner of the estimated timing of the heat cycle. Based on this information the owner of the stud dog can tell you whether or not the stud dog is available for breeding around that time frame. If the stud dog is available and you enter a contract for stud dog services, the owner will attempt to keep this time available. This does not guarantee the stud dog will be available when your dog is in heat though because the heat cycle of your bitch may not occur during the estimated time frame. The stud dog may be providing services for other bitches as well and their heat cycles may interfere. For these reasons it is worthwhile to select a backup stud dog.

At the first sign of your bitch entering a heat cycle, it is time to contact the owner of the stud dog and begin making arrangements for the breeding. If the stud dog is local, these arrangements will be fairly simple. However, if the stud dog is not local you will have to make shipping arrangements. During this time you will also want to take your bitch to her veterinarian for testing. Progesterone testing will help you to pinpoint the ideal time to start breeding and minimize the potential for the breeding to not be successful. You will also want to schedule testing to rule out brucellosis to assure the stud dog owner that your bitch is free of this venereal disease before the breeding.

The bitch should arrive at the home of the stud dog when she is ready to be bred. All of the necessary paperwork, including health certifications, should arrive with the bitch. If you are driving her to the location can bring the paperwork with you and make arrangements to ensure the stud dog will be available at the time of your arrival. If your bitch is being shipped you will have to provide the stud dog with the shipping information and make arrangements to ensure the paperwork stays with your bitch and is transferred to the stud dog owner. You will have to contact the airline handling the shipping arrangements about the proper procedure for this. It may be as simple as taping the information to your dog’s crate or they may provide an alternative method for handling this paperwork.

You should expect your bitch to remain with the stud dog for approximately one to two weeks. This will allow adequate time for the breeding to take place. When the bitch returns home to you, you should also receive paperwork detailing when the breeding took place. You should also receive health certifications, contracts and pedigrees relevant to the stud dog.