In this celebratory episode of The Breeders Brew, Sara and Isobel wrap up the Q&A series with your burning questions and one BIG announcement. If you’ve ever felt frustrated by vague answers, outdated advice or social media noise, this episode reminds you that you’re not alone.

✅ Irregular Seasons & Missed Matings – Is there a pattern in season unpredictability lately? And how do you support bitches that are late or inconsistent?

✅ The Royal Jelly Lowdown – What it is, who needs it, and why your supplement strategy might be missing the mark if you’re not considering derivatives, dose and duration.

✅ Stud Trip Survival Guide – From progesterone timing to Airbnb stress, learn how to plan a long-distance stud visit like a pro.

✅ DNA Carriers & Stud Dogs – Why ruling out carriers could limit your programme, and what truly matters when choosing a male.

🔥 Ready to Level Up? Join the Brew Crew
This is the community we wish we had when we started—built for breeders who are serious about doing things properly, asking better questions, and getting honest, experience-backed answers.

✨ Whether you’re planning your first litter or refining your fifth, Brew Crew membership gives you:
 ✔️ Real-time support from Sara & Isobel
 ✔️ Fortnightly B!tch & Brew catch-up calls
✔️ Monthly deep-dive Spotlight Sessions
✔️ Breeder Briefs, tools, and behind-the-scenes content
✔️ A no-fluff, no-judgment space to grow your confidence and sharpen your decisions

🎁 Founding Member Offer until 9th April
🎟️ Join now: breedersbrew.com/brewcrew

No long-term commitment. Cancel any time. But once you’re in, you won’t want out.

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Love the podcast? Get even more as a Brew Crew member → www.breedersbrew.com/brewcrew

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Sara & Isobel are in full celebration mode in this short and sweet mini–pod because the Breeders Brew podcast has officially turned ONE!

Join us as we spill the beans on our impromptu Pod Party, happening TODAY – with all the details you need to tune in live, get involved, and maybe even bag yourself a party favour 👀

We’re going live, unfiltered, and off the cuff to take your burning breeding questions, share some exciting updates, and of course, have a bit of a giggle. Think of it as being virtually in the room with us – no mics or cameras needed from you, just your good vibes and curious minds.

💻 When?
7PM BST (UK) / 2PM EDT / 6PM UTC
💌 Where?
Email list, Facebook, or YouTube (make sure your notifications are ON!)

We’ll answer pre-submitted questions, take live ones, and celebrate the vibrant community we’ve built together. And yes, there’s a gift involved… but only if you come to the party!

Let’s raise a virtual glass and toast to one year of breeding brilliance. Find your crew. Join the party. 🎈

💻 Join the email list at: www.breedersbrew.com
🔍 Find us on Facebook: Breeders Brew Community
📺 YouTube: Search “Breeders Brew” and hit subscribe with notifications on!

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Love the podcast? Get even more as a Brew Crew member → www.breedersbrew.com/brewcrew

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In this jam-packed Q&A episode of Breeders Brew, Sara and Isobel answer your most asked questions—unpacking real-life scenarios, sharing expert insights, and challenging outdated breeder mindsets. Expect clarity, confidence and straight-talking guidance as we dive into:

✅ Puppy Returns – How to handle them fairly, protect yourself with a solid return contract, and why it’s not a reflection on you as a breeder.

✅ Food Quality & Supplements – Spotting changes in dog food, common nutrient gaps in breeding dogs, and why folic acid and selenium matter more than you think.

✅ The Calcium Debate – Isobel sets the record straight on the PTH hormone, timing, and the safest forms of calcium to avoid eclampsia.

✅ TCI & Aftercare – What makes a TCI fail? Sara shares critical insights on timing, clinic choice, progesterone follow-up, and what top breeders do differently.

Throughout, we reflect on why having a growth mindset is key to staying current, improving outcomes, and being the breeder your dogs deserve.

🔴 Join our LIVE Q&A – 31st March, 7 PM (UK)
Streaming details to follow on socials and email!

💡 Found this helpful? Like, share and tag a breeder who needs to hear it.

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Love the podcast? Get even more as a Brew Crew member → www.breedersbrew.com/brewcrew

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In this special Q&A episode of Breeders Brew, we’re joined by Jo from Northwest Breeding Services, bringing together three passionate and experienced breeders to tackle some of the most hotly debated topics in dog breeding today!

🔥 Expect lively discussions, differing opinions, and hard-hitting truths as Sara, Isobel, and Jo dive into:

✅ The Great Pig Rail Debate – Are they a lifesaving necessity or an outdated myth? Hear the strong arguments on both sides from seasoned breeders!

✅ C-Sections: Necessary or Overused? – The hidden risks of elective C-sections, the importance of mentoring and monitoring, and why some breeders may be jumping the gun too soon.

✅ The Truth About Overnight Supervision – Should breeders always stay awake with a new litter? Can technology like cameras really replace hands-on care?

✅ The Dangers of Taking Facebook Advice – Why context matters and how misleading advice can put puppies at risk when given without full understanding.

✅ Paddling Pools as Whelping Boxes?! – A discussion on breed-specific needs, maternal comfort, and the right environment for whelping.

Throughout this conversation, one thing becomes crystal clear: there is no one-size-fits-all approach to breeding. Every breed, every bitch, and every breeder is different—making education, mentorship, and experience absolutely vital.

📌 Helpful Links from the Episode:

🔗 Join the Breeders Brew Community on Facebook – A safe, supportive space for responsible breeders to share experiences and ask questions.
👉 Search Breeders Brew Community on Facebook and request to join.

🔗 Want to hear more? Have a question for a future episode?
📩 Email us at [email protected]

🔗 Find Jo and Northwest Breeding Services:
👉 Website: www.northwestbreedingservices.com
👉 Instagram: @northwestbreedingservices

💡 Help us spread the word! If you found this episode insightful, please like, share, and recommend it to fellow breeders. Let’s work together to raise the bar for responsible, ethical breeding!

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In this episode of Breeders Brew, Isobel and Sara dive into some of the most common questions they encounter in online breeding forums, tackling misconceptions, providing expert insights, and adding their signature dose of humour!

This time, they cover:

✅ The "Not a Breeder" Myth – Why every dog owner producing a litter is, in fact, a breeder, and the responsibilities that come with it.

✅ Maiden Matings & Novice Pairings – The challenges of inexperienced dogs and owners attempting natural mating, the importance of ovulation testing, and when to consider alternative options like AI (Artificial Insemination).

✅ The Risks of "Letting Nature Take Its Course" – How unmanaged matings can lead to stress, failed attempts, or even trauma for the dogs involved.

✅ Puppy Socialisation vs. Health Risks – When should friends and family visit your litter? How do you balance early socialisation with keeping them safe from infections?

✅ The Truth About Vaccinations & Maternal Immunity – Why vaccinating puppies too early may be ineffective and how maternal antibodies influence the timing of their first jabs.

✅ Mating Cradles – The Horror! – Why should these outdated and inhumane contraptions never be used?

If you're considering breeding your dog, this episode is a must-listen-to avoid common pitfalls and learn how to set yourself up for success.

🎧 Listen now and join the conversation!

📌 Helpful Links from the Episode:

🔗 Take the Canine Family Planner’s Knowledge Checker – Test your understanding of dog breeding and identify any knowledge gaps before you commit to a litter!
👉 www.caninefamilyplanner.com/knowledgecheck

🔗 Join the Breeders Brew Facebook Community – A safe space for responsible breeders to share experiences and ask questions.
👉 Search Breeders Brew Community on Facebook and request to join.

🔗 Have a question for a future episode? Email us at:
📩 [email protected]

💡 Help us spread the message! If you enjoyed this episode, please like, share, and recommend it to fellow dog breeders or owners. Let's raise the bar for ethical breeding together!

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Love the podcast? Get even more as a Brew Crew member → www.breedersbrew.com/brewcrew

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In this episode of The Breeders Brew, Sara and Isobel tackle real questions from online whelping groups, separating sound advice from questionable practices and adding their own expert insights! Topics Discussed:

✅ How old is too old for a first litter? – The science, ethics, and real-life experiences behind deciding the best age for a female dog’s first breeding.
✅ Whelping setups gone wrong! – A breeder’s dilemma: managing two French Bulldog litters of different ages with only one incubator. Is it safe to mix litters? 🏥
✅ The emotional rollercoaster of breeding – Sara shares a deeply personal experience of a devastating frozen semen breeding that pushed her to the brink. 💔
✅ Breeding lessons and resilience – What we learn from every litter, the highs, the lows, and the sleep deprivation that comes with raising puppies.

Episode Resources:
🔹 Join the Breeders Brew Community on Facebook – a private space for responsible breeders to connect and share experiences.
📩 Have a question for a future episode? Email us at [email protected]

💭 Have you learned something surprising from your own breeding experience? Please share your thoughts in our community!

🎧 Hit play and get ready for an unfiltered, insightful discussion on the realities of responsible breeding! 🎙🐾

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Love the podcast? Get even more as a Brew Crew member → www.breedersbrew.com/brewcrew

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This episode of The Breeders Brew brings a fresh and insightful perspective on breeding as we welcome a special guest—Isobel’s partner, Harry! 🐾 Having zero dog experience before meeting Isobel, Harry shares his journey from a complete novice to an involved breeder and responsible stud dog owner. His learning curve has been steep, but his insights shed light on the realities of breeding from a beginner’s standpoint.

If you’ve ever wanted to hear a newcomer’s take on breeding, owning a stud dog, and navigating the world of responsible breeding, this is an episode you won’t want to miss!

What’s in This Episode?

🐶 Harry’s Background – From a dog-free childhood to a house full of Dachshunds
🐍 Reptiles vs. Dogs – Why growing up with snakes didn’t prepare Harry for dog ownership
🐾 First Impressions of the Breed – The quirks of Miniature Dachshunds and why they’re not always as easy as they look
🤯 Surprises of Dog Breeding – The unexpected challenges of responsible breeding and why it’s more than just “having a litter”
🐕 Owning a Stud Dog – The time, effort, and responsibility beyond the actual mating process
📞 Managing Enquiries – The different types of bitch owners and how to spot red flags
📅 The Importance of Timing – Why progesterone testing can make or break a successful mating
🔍 Ethical Stud Ownership – Why responsible stud owners provide support beyond just a service
📑 Stud Contracts & Aftercare – What ethical stud owners should provide post-mating
🌍 Building a Breeding Community – How support networks and knowledge-sharing make a difference

Links & Resources Mentioned

📌 Join the Breeders Brew Community on Facebook – Join Here
📩 Submit Your Questions for Future Episodes – [email protected]
📑 Pregnancy & Puppy Predictor Tool – Available Here
📝 Critical Care Guide – Download Here

This episode is insightful, refreshing, and full of practical advice—especially for those new to the breeding world. Share this episode with any breeders-to-be, stud dog owners, or partners who’ve been roped into dog life! 🐶🎙️

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Love the podcast? Get even more as a Brew Crew member → www.breedersbrew.com/brewcrew

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Welcome back to another Q&A session on The Breeders Brew! 🎉 In this episode, Sara and Isobel dive into some of the most common—and sometimes downright baffling—breeding questions found in online forums. Their goal? To cut through misinformation and provide honest, experience-backed advice to help responsible breeders make the best decisions for their dogs and litters.

This episode is packed with practical guidance, breeder insights, and honest discussions on essential breeding topics. We're covering everything from predicting due dates to concerns about milk supply and the ever-varying cost of C-sections! Topics Covered in This Episode:

✅ Predicting Puppy Due Dates – The importance of tracking ovulation and how to calculate estimated due dates correctly
✅ Pregnancy & Puppy Predictor Tool – A must-have for breeders to stay on top of key milestones
✅ The Reality of Milk Production – Understanding colostrum vs. milk and why some new breeders panic unnecessarily
✅ The Pros and Cons of Temperature Tracking – Is it a reliable indicator for whelping?
✅ Bathing Puppies Before They Leave? – Why some breeders do it and why others (like Sara and Isobel) never do
✅ The Wild Variability of C-Section Costs – Real-world examples from different countries and why breeders must prepare financially
✅ Avoiding Facebook Group Misinformation – How to find trusted advice instead of relying on questionable online responses

🔗 Links Mentioned in This Episode:

📌 Breeders Brew Community on Facebook – Join Here
📩 Submit Questions for the Podcast – [email protected]
📊 Pregnancy & Puppy Predictor Tool – Buy Here
📑 Show Notes & Resources – www.breedersbrew.com/notes/s2e10

If you’ve ever been stuck scrolling through 50 conflicting Facebook replies to a breeding question, this episode is for you! 🎧🐾 Tune in now, and let’s raise the standards of responsible breeding—together.

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Love the podcast? Get even more as a Brew Crew member → www.breedersbrew.com/brewcrew

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Welcome to the highly anticipated Series Two of The Breeders Brew! 🎉 In this episode, Sara and Isobel reflect on the incredible feedback from Series One, highlighting the global interest in responsible breeding and the value of learning through podcasts.

Series Two takes a new interactive Q&A format, tackling common (and sometimes shocking) breeding questions posted in Facebook groups. The goal? To cut through misinformation and offer real, experience-backed advice that helps breeders make the best decisions for their dogs and litters.

Expect honest discussions, expert insights, and a deep dive into the dangers of taking free, unverified advice online. We also introduce our annual Breeders Survey, a groundbreaking initiative collecting real-world data from breeders to provide factual, evidence-based trends in dog breeding. Topics covered in this episode:

✅ The importance of trusted breeding advice vs. Facebook group chaos
✅ Why not all advice is created equal – “One Litter Lucys” and well-meaning but inexperienced breeders
✅ The critical role of scanning in pregnancy detection and litter planning
✅ A case study on whelping complications, common warning signs, and when to call the vet
✅ Introducing our Breeders Survey: helping to shape the future of responsible breeding with real-world data
✅ How to get involved and submit your questions for future episodes

 Action Points & Links Mentioned:
📩 Submit your breeding questions: [email protected]
📌 Join the Breeders Brew Community: Search Breeders Brew Community on Facebook
📊 Take part in the Breeders Survey: www.breedersbrew.com/survey
📑 Show notes & resources: www.breedersbrew.com/notes/s2e9

If you’ve ever wondered why you’re getting 50 different answers to the same breeding question, this episode is for you! Tune in now, and let’s raise the standards of responsible breeding—together. 🎧🐾

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Love the podcast? Get even more as a Brew Crew member → www.breedersbrew.com/brewcrew

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In this heartfelt episode, we delve into the intricacies of caring for newborns, emphasising the importance of a strong start in life and addressing common congenital conditions.

Sara challenges the notion of the "runt of the litter", shedding light on the prevalence of puppy abnormalities. Isobel shares how folic acid supplementation can reduce the risk of cleft palate by 48% and the ethical considerations surrounding the treatment of cleft puppies at birth.

Explore the nuances of fading puppy syndrome whilst gaining insight into the challenges of supplement feeding and learn about the importance of hydration over milk feed. Practical tips for managing water-to-milk ratios and feeding quantities will also be included. The complexities of caring for large litters, including rotation strategies, will also be discussed.

Discover our favourite milk formulas and feeding methods, from old-school methods to innovative tools like miracle nipples and silicone puppy feeders. Learn why reinvesting in new equipment and paying attention to detail is crucial for success.

Whether you're a seasoned breeder or a newcomer to puppy care, this episode of Breeders Brew is filled with invaluable insights and practical advice to help you navigate the challenges of raising healthy, happy puppies from the beginning.

📌 Click to read the Show Notes

📌 Grab your FREE accompanying Breeders Brew Critical Care Sheet.

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Love the podcast? Get even more as a Brew Crew member → www.breedersbrew.com/brewcrew

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