It's one of the challenges of breeding dogs to make sure you do it right.Responsible breeders want to improve the status of the breed.Responsible breeders care for the dogs they breed.A responsible dog breeding program will recognize that dogs are living, feeling animals, and that the breed they are propagating has unique characteristics that are worth preserving.You will be able to establish a solid breeding program if you keep your operation clean and healthy.
Step 1: Visit other breeders.
Visit and learn from other breeders is the best way to prepare for a breeding program.People who have been in the business for a long time can give you a lot of experience.If you want to mentor new breeders, contact your local kennel club.If you've met breeders before, ask if they'll allow you to tour their facilities.Say hello to John, we met a few years ago.I'm interested in breeding Yorkshire terriers and I was wondering if I could take a look at your facilities and ask you a few questions.It is important that other breeders know you want a responsible program.It's a good idea to include that language when talking to them."I want to start a responsible breeding program committed to bettering the breed and producing healthy and well-adjusted dogs."If you intend to breed the same breed, don't contact people who focus on it.They could see you as a competitor.
Step 2: A business plan is a must.
Many aspects of the dog breeding business can be researched with a business plan.This research will allow you to put all of the relevant information into a single document.This will help you decide if dog breeding is viable.Pick a breed and research it.There are laws regarding dog breeding in your region.You can call the animal control officer or the police department.If you want to breed a breed, you should research the climate and competition.Take a look at the local shelters to see if there is an excess of dogs.If you do an internet search, you can find out if there are many breeders in your area that focus on the same breed.It's a good idea to estimate the amount of money you'll need to start your business.Reserve money for food, vet bills, and other expenses, as well as facilities, should be included.If you want to get a small business owner's insurance policy for your new business, make sure your insurance will cover you.How long would it take for you to break even on your expenses if you followed responsible breeding practices?
Step 3: Look for the right facilities.
You need to start looking for facilities to house your breeding program after you've written your business plan.The facilities will be dependent on the scale of your operation, your current situation, and the region in which you live.Make sure you have enough room.Depending on the breed you pick, you'll need large indoor and outdoor runs for the dogs.Make sure the location you pick is in line with the local laws.You may not be able to have a commercial breeding program in a suburb.Prepare to construct fenced-in runs or other structures.It is possible to convert existing builders.You might be able to reuse a barn or chicken house.The Humane Society has guidelines for the treatment of animals.
Step 4: Do you know the dogs' genetics?
It is a good idea to learn about the history of your breeding stock.Knowing about your dog's genetics will help make sure your puppies are healthy and attractive to potential buyers.If you can, check the registration paperwork from a naturally or internationally recognized kennel club or association.This will improve the marketability of your puppies.The American Kennel Club is one of the examples of a kennel club in the United States.If you want to confirm the pure bread status of your breeding stock, you should have genetic testing done.
Step 5: Do not breed dogs with medical problems.
Congenital medical problems and disorders are some of the biggest mistakes that breeders make.Breeders make sure to use the healthiest dogs.Dogs with inherited conditions should never be bred.pugs that develop hip dysplasia early in life are examples of white boxers that are deafness.If you don't know the medical history of a dog, you should either not breed it or contact the people who owned the dog's parents or grandparents.If you have questions about a dog's medical condition, talk to a vet.
Step 6: Good temperament dogs should be picked.
Good temperaments reflect breed-based behavioral standards and are what make the best breeding dogs.Dogs that don't reflect the standards should never be bred.The Afghan hound's personality characteristics are sweet, silly, and independent.Dogs should not be bread.Dogs that show aggression to other dogs should never be bred.
Step 7: You can learn about the process.
Whether you are an experienced breeder or a novice, there are some basics you need to review before creating a responsible breeding program.Dogs can have sex between 12 months and 24 months.The exact time is dependent on the breed and size of the dog.For more information, consult your vet or kennel club.Every year, female dogs go into heat between 1 and 4 times.The cycle lasts 21 days.The best time for conception is the 9th or 10th day of heat.For the best chance at conception, pair the male and female on days 9, 11, and 13 of the female's cycle.
Step 8: It's important to stay focused on the well-being of your dog.
As the center of your breeding program, your dogs should be treated well and have good living conditions.They may develop problems if they don't have good living conditions.The moral and ethical imperatives of dog breeding demand that you treat dogs in a humane manner.Good living conditions for your stock.If your dogs are a pet, you should give them large indoor- outdoor runs and the ability to run freely during a large part of the day.When a dog is young or old, never breed her.Female dogs should not be bred before age 2 or 5 for most breeds.There should be enough time between pregnancies for the dog to recover.Between pregnancies, always wait at least one heat.
Step 9: Pick the best home for your dogs.
Pick good and responsible caretakers for your puppies requires a lot of time and energy.One who is serious about placing their dogs in good homes is a responsible breeder.Prospective owners should be interviewed.Ask questions about who will be primary care taker, why they want a certain breed, and if they have enough money to pay for food and vet costs.You can schedule a home visit.Check to see if they have a fenced-in yard, if there are dangers in the home, and if other pets are present.Ask about personal and professional references.Prospective owners can submit personal references from friends and family.
Step 10: Do not overbreed.
One of the hallmarks of irresponsible breeding programs is over breeding for profit.Increasing the population of dogs that need homes may result in lower prices and less ability to find the best homes for your dogs.Do not breed more dogs than you can care for.There are too many dogs in your area.If dog shelters and rescue groups have a lot of boxers or treeing walker coonhounds, you should not breed anymore.
Step 11: Socialize your puppies.
Puppies should be socialized properly early on.By socializing the puppies, you'll make sure they're acclimatized to their new homes.Puppies should be exposed to other animals after they have had their first vaccines.Introduce them to an older cat or dog.Puppies should meet a lot of different people.Make sure to keep an eye on the interaction between the puppies and children.Puppies can be taken for a walk outside of the house.The puppies will find their forever home if they are used to new environments.
Step 12: Immunize your animals.
Immunize your dogs regularly is the most important thing to do.Not only are immunizations important for your bitch and stud, but for the puppies as well.Your breeding stock of male and female dogs should always be up to date.This includes annual and semiannual vaccines.The puppies should have their first shots at 6 weeks, their second at 9 weeks and their third at 12 weeks.There are a number of common puppy vaccinations, including hepatitis, canine distemper, parvoviruses, parainfluenza, adenoviruses cough, and leptospirosis.
Step 13: Provide regular veterinary care for your dogs.
Maintaining a healthy breeding program involves health care.You'll endanger the health and well-being of your dogs and puppies if you don't have regular vet care.Every year you should take your dogs to the vet.The vet should see the pregnant bitches as often as possible.Make sure to have your vet check out the baby to make sure it's doing well.
Step 14: Clean your facilities and cages.
Lack of cleanliness is a major problem associated with large scale breeding programs.An unsanitary environment can endanger your puppies.Potential clients will be turned away if they see an unsanitary facility.fecal matter and urine can be removed from enclosures.Disinfectant should be used correctly and appropriate.When using bleach, make sure to water it down to one part bleach and thirty-two parts water.When they are dirty, wash blankets, toys, and other items.Bathe mature dogs once a month.