Dog Breeding
Dog breeding is a process not to be entered into
lightly; but instead requires a great deal of knowledge, responsibility
and ethics. Most importantly, a dog breeder must first be an advocate for
the animals and provide safety, health care and placement into good homes.
Secondly, the knowledge, facilities and supplies needed should be acquired
through research, networking, mentor advice and classes.
In addition to having extensive knowledge on a particular breed of dog;
a breeder must also know every aspect of reproductive and female canine
health from conception to whelping. There are several ways to acquire this
knowledge and to sharpen the skills required to deal with the medical aspects
of dog breeding. Check online for any classes offered in your area as well
as any online education available. Local bookstores and online retailers
offer countless books and media on the subject and a reference library should
be established at your home. It is recommended that you cross reference
information acquired online with a secondary source to verify accuracy.
In addition to the “book learning” necessary; network with others
in the canine community to broaden your base of advice and guidance. For
instance, join a canine association to get in touch with others who have
experience you may learn from. First, shadow a mentor through the breeding,
gestation, and whelping stages in addition to the puppy care involved before
attempting to act as sole breeder.
It is also important to note that whelping the puppies does not end your
commitment to them throughout the rest of their lives. First, be sure to
have a placement for each puppy before beginning the breeding process as
not to add to the already growing homeless dog problem. Secondly, offer
your help and support to the prospective buyers of the puppies for its lifetime
as well as agreeing to take the dog back at any age(without refund) if for
any reason, the owners are unable to continue their care. Being a responsible
dog breeder means having the knowledge and compassion to always put the
animal’s welfare first.