Breeders Brew: The Dog Breeding Podcast

What is Crufts really like when you step away from the show ring? In this bonus episode, Sara and Isobel discuss all-things-Crufts after a whirlwind few days. From the glitz of the Pawscars awards to wandering through Discover Dogs and the endless trade stands, we share the moments that made us stop and think.We talk about ethical breeding, health testing, how advice around dogs is changing, and why some breeds are worried about their future.If you couldn’t attend Crufts this year, consider this your chance to ride home with us and hear what the dog world is really talking about. ===🫖 Love the podcast? Get even more AND tailored breeding advice inside our Brew Crew Support Club → www.whelpingworld.com/supportclubFollow us @breedersbrew

As the final episode of the 12 Days of Christmas mini-series, Sara and Isobel close things out by talking about a side of dog breeding that rarely gets discussed: burnout.They reflect on the reality behind the polished puppy photos online, why so many breeders only seek support once they are already overwhelmed, and how having guidance earlier in the journey can completely change the experience.To mark the end of the series, they are sharing an exciting free gift - the full Spotlight Session on Breeding Without Burnout. You can watch the entire video here 👉 https://www.whelpingworld.com/day12If you want ongoing, round-the-clock support, access to all Spotlight Sessions, and support through every stage of the Pup Life pathway - join the Breeders Brew Support Club today! The Christmas discount code BIRDS246 expires at midnight...===🫖 Love the podcast? Get even more AND tailored breeding advice inside our Brew Crew Support Club → www.whelpingworld.com/supportclubFollow us @breedersbrew

Day 11 of the 12 Days series, Sara and Isobel reveal the biggest project they have ever built, the launch of Whelping World, the new home of the PUPLIFE pathway. What began as a podcast grew into something far larger, a fully structured, stage-led platform designed to guide dog owners through every step of the breeding journey.In this episode, they unpack why Breeders Brew could no longer hold the weight of what they were trying to create, how seven free Whelping Wizards were built from scratch to tackle the most common pitfalls at each stage, and why tools like the Help Hub, Jargon Buster, Shopping Lists and Pathfinder exist to replace confusion with clarity. This is not a sales pitch or a shiny announcement, but a deeply personal milestone born from lived experience, problem-solving and a desire to raise standards through accessible, practical support. ===🫖 Love the podcast? Get even more AND tailored breeding advice inside our Brew Crew Support Club → www.whelpingworld.com/supportclubFollow us @breedersbrew

Day 10 of the 12 Days series, Sara and Isobel challenge one of the most dangerous mindsets in dog ownership and breeding, “if it’s not broken, don’t fix it.” Through real-life stories of breakdowns, missed warnings, tech failures, and whelping plans gone sideways, they explore why waiting for problems removes choice, increases cost, and forces rushed decisions. From flat tyres and emergency recoveries to labour plans, breeding equipment, and stud decisions, this episode reframes preparation as protection rather than pessimism.A practical, honest conversation about foresight, lost opportunities, and why the quiet signs you ignore today are often the crises you face tomorrow. ===🫖 Love the podcast? Get even more AND tailored breeding advice inside our Brew Crew Support Club → www.whelpingworld.com/supportclubFollow us @breedersbrew

Day 9 of the 12 Days of Christmas mini-series lands in the quiet space between reflection and resolution. In this solo episode, Isobel shares why looking back, at conversations, traditions, and long-held beliefs, is essential before deciding what to carry forward. From lessons sparked by unexpected conversations in education with veterinary professionals, to the danger of fixed opinions in breeding, feeding, and fertility decisions, this episode explores why an open mind matters more than experience alone. A thoughtful invitation to pause, question what has always been done, and step into the year ahead with curiosity, humility, and intention.===🫖 Love the podcast? Get even more AND tailored breeding advice inside our Brew Crew Support Club → www.whelpingworld.com/supportclubFollow us @breedersbrew

Day 8 of the 12 Days of Christmas mini-series lands on New Year’s Day, a fitting moment to pause and reflect. This solo episode explores a lesson from 2025 about change, boundaries, and the courage it takes to step away from what works on paper when it no longer feels right in practice.===🫖 Love the podcast? Get even more AND tailored breeding advice inside our Brew Crew Support Club → www.whelpingworld.com/supportclubFollow us @breedersbrew

Day 7 of the 12 Days of Christmas mini-series lands on New Year’s Eve, and instead of resolutions, Sara and Isobel invite reflection.In this episode, they explore how many of the beliefs we hold about breeding, fertility, food, and health are inherited, outdated, or rarely questioned. From ovulation myths and assumptions around fertility, to convenience-driven feeding and ultra-processed diets, this conversation encourages breeders to pause, ask why, and consider small, meaningful changes. A thoughtful close to 2025, and a calmer, more intentional way to step into the year ahead.===🫖 Love the podcast? Get even more AND tailored breeding advice inside our Brew Crew Support Club → www.whelpingworld.com/supportclubFollow us @breedersbrew

Day 6 of the 12 Days of Christmas mini-series focuses on one of the most overlooked parts of breeding dogs, safeguarding through paperwork, contracts, and clear processes.In this episode, Sara and Isobel talk about why puppy contracts, stud agreements, guidance packs, and written expectations matter, not as red tape, but as protection for your dogs, your puppies, and yourself. They explore how professionalism in breeding is driven by passion rather than profit, why clear paperwork supports healthy boundaries, and how learning from others’ experiences can prevent problems before they arise. A practical, grounding conversation for anyone looking to tighten up their systems and head into the new year with confidence and clarity.===🫖 Love the podcast? Get even more AND tailored breeding advice inside our Brew Crew Support Club → www.whelpingworld.com/supportclubFollow us @breedersbrew

Day 5 of the 12 Days of Christmas mini-series shifts from food comas to something far more practical, boundaries.In this episode, Sara and Isobel talk candidly about how easily boundaries are crossed when you are breeding dogs, particularly when family life, work, and seasonal pressures all collide. They explore why protecting your time, energy, and wellbeing is not about being difficult, but about preserving your peace, caring properly for your dogs, and preventing burnout. From setting clear communication processes to building systems that support you long term, this is a grounded conversation for anyone who wants to start 2026 with the right frame of mind, calmer, clearer, and more in control.===🫖 Love the podcast? Get even more AND tailored breeding advice inside our Brew Crew Support Club → www.whelpingworld.com/supportclubFollow us @breedersbrew

Day 4 of the 12 Days of Christmas mini-series turns the spotlight on what happens when knowledge is given a home. Inspired by the idea of shared libraries and quiet learning traditions from Iceland, Sara and Isobel reflect on the creation of the Support Club Taproom and why having the right information at the right moment can change everything.This episode gently pulls back the curtain on how experience, curiosity, and real breeder questions have been shaped into a living library of support. Along the way, they share an excerpt from one of their Breeder Briefs, offering a glimpse into the deeper conversations that help breeders move from guesswork to confidence, especially when timing, clarity, and preparation matter most.===🫖 Love the podcast? Get even more AND tailored breeding advice inside our Brew Crew Support Club → www.whelpingworld.com/supportclubFollow us @breedersbrew

Day 3 of the 12 Days of Christmas mini-series, reflects on how traditions are formed, passed down, and sometimes followed without question. From Christmas carols to breeding practices, Sara and Isobel explore why some knowledge survives simply because someone kept showing up to share it, and why choosing which traditions to keep matters more than ever in a changing breeding landscape.===🫖 Love the podcast? Get even more AND tailored breeding advice inside our Brew Crew Support Club → www.whelpingworld.com/supportclubFollow us @breedersbrew

Day 2 of the 12 Days of Christmas takes a sharp turn away from pawprints and into something far more lasting, your digital footprint.What starts as a light-hearted Boxing Day chat about carols, pub quizzes, and festive nonsense quickly becomes a serious conversation about privacy, perception, and protection in modern dog ownership. We unpack how what you post online can shape your reputation, your safety and even your future plans, often in ways you never intended.From puppy photos to public forums, this episode explores why some conversations are better kept behind closed doors, and how the right community can help you learn, ask questions, and grow without judgement or risk.===🫖 Love the podcast? Get even more AND tailored breeding advice inside our Brew Crew Support Club → www.whelpingworld.com/supportclubFollow us @breedersbrew

What if the most important parts of dog breeding aren’t the ones everyone talks about?In this festive wrap-up episode, Sara and Isobel reflect on the year through a very different lens. Using Christmas as a metaphor, they unpack why so many dog owners fixate on mating and whelping, while quietly overlooking the stages that actually shape outcomes, stress levels, and long-term success.This episode challenges the idea that breeding is about one or two big moments. Instead, it reframes it as a full journey, with responsibility, pressure, and decision-making shifting at every stage, often hitting hardest when you’re already exhausted.Kicking off the 12 Days of Breeding mini-series, this conversation blends humour, honesty, and hard-earned experience. It draws on real client patterns, common mistakes, and the lessons that only show up once you’ve been through the whole process yourself.If you’ve ever thought, Why does this feel harder than I expected? or Why didn’t anyone warn me about this bit?, this episode will feel uncomfortably familiar, in the best possible way.===🫖 Love the podcast? Get even more AND tailored breeding advice inside our Brew Crew Support Club → www.whelpingworld.com/supportclubFollow us @breedersbrew

What does it really mean to raise the bar in modern dog breeding, and how do you avoid getting stuck on average? In this final episode of the Annual Breeder Awards series, Sara and Isobel reflect on the standout stories shared throughout the season, from holistic Whippets and powerful Mastiffs to stud dogs backed by substance, not just style.They dig into why structured breeding matters, how to learn from outside your breed bubble, and why recognising best practices isn't about ego but about progress. If you're ready to take the next step, you'll also hear how to apply for the 2025 ABAs and how joining the Brew Crew gives you access to the support, systems and community needed to keep doing things correctly.📝 Applications now open: breedersbrew.com/aba🫖 Join the Brew Crew: breedersbrew.com/brewcrew📌 Show Notes: breedersbrew.com/notes/s3e27===🫖 Love the podcast? Get even more AND tailored breeding advice inside our Brew Crew Support Club → www.whelpingworld.com/supportclubFollow us @breedersbrew

What separates a stud dog owner from a true breeding partner?In this episode, Sara sits down with Diana Stevens of Wylanbriar Labradors, winner of the Supportive Stud Award, to reveal what it really takes to build a stud service that breeders trust, respect and return to—litter after litter.With over 1,000 litters sired through her boys and a thriving community built on mentorship, marketing and high standards, Di shares why ethical stud work is about so much more than just showing up for a mating. For breeders ready to raise the bar, whether you're using or offering stud dogs. Join the Brew Crew for support tailored to your breed, background and breeding mindset.📌 Show Notes: breedersbrew.com/notes/s3e26 👉 Learn more about Di: www.wylanbriar.com 👉 Join her Facebook groups: Wylanbriar Labradors, Wylanbriar Gundog Training, and her exclusive breeding group (invite only)===🫖 Love the podcast? Get even more AND tailored breeding advice inside our Brew Crew Support Club → www.whelpingworld.com/supportclubFollow us @breedersbrew

What does it take to protect a vulnerable native breed when only a handful of puppies are born each year? In this episode, Sara sits down with Steve from Womlu Mastiffs, winner of the Breed Mastery Award and finalist in both Breeder Excellence and Breeder Vision, to share the real-world realities of breeding and preserving one of the UK’s rarest giants.From the emotional toll of small litters and stillbirths to navigating import logistics, fertility challenges and the changing culture of dog showing, Steve’s story is a masterclass in long-term commitment. For support tailored to your breed, background and breeding mindset, join the Brew Crew and connect with breeders who understand that protecting a breed means playing the long game.📌 Show Notes: breedersbrew.com/notes/s3e25 👉 Follow Steve & Tracy on Instagram: @womlu_mastiffs ===🫖 Love the podcast? Get even more AND tailored breeding advice inside our Brew Crew Support Club → www.whelpingworld.com/supportclubFollow us @breedersbrew

What does raising truly well-rounded puppies actually involve once the excitement wears off and the hard work begins?In this episode, Sara sits down with Sam Chamberlain, winner of the Top Puppy Parent Award and finalist for Breeder Excellence, to unpack the real-life routines, tough decisions, and thoughtful systems behind her standout litters.From managing a surprise midnight whelping to balancing high standards with everyday chaos, Sam shares how she navigates owner expectations with structure and honesty. For support tailored to your breed, background and breeding mindset, join the Brew Crew and discover what top-tier puppy parenting really looks like.📌 Show Notes: breedersbrew.com/notes/s3e24👉 Visit Sam's website: Rackenford Dogs, Facebook: www.facebook.com/rackenfordcockapoos & IG: www.instagram.com/rackenfordcockapoos ===🫖 Love the podcast? Get even more AND tailored breeding advice inside our Brew Crew Support Club → www.whelpingworld.com/supportclubFollow us @breedersbrew

What does actual attentiveness look like in the whelping room?In this episode, Sara chats with Helen Farnes, winner of the Attentive Owner Award, whose blend of instinct, experience and calm decisiveness has earned her a reputation for gold-standard care before, during and after whelping.From managing a complex labour with a mummified pup to standing firm against vet advice when it mattered most, Helen shares how her background in farming, paired with a project manager’s mindset, shapes every part of her breeding practice. For guidance that respects your breed, background and breeding mindset, join the Brew Crew and learn from breeders like Helen, who lead with heart and hands-on wisdom.📌 Show Notes: breedersbrew.com/notes/s3e23===🫖 Love the podcast? Get even more AND tailored breeding advice inside our Brew Crew Support Club → www.whelpingworld.com/supportclubFollow us @breedersbrew

What happens when instinct, science and perseverance finally come together?In this episode, Sara sits down with Jacquie Mullin, winner of the Holistic Breeder Award and finalist for Rising Star, to discuss how she overcame multiple missed matings and adopted a more open and intentional approach to breeding her beloved Whippets.From discovering her bitch ovulated late to balancing advice from both racing and show circles, Jacquie's story is packed with practical insight and quiet determination. If you're facing roadblocks or want to make more thoughtful, informed breeding decisions, this episode is for you.For support shaped around your breed, background and breeding mindset, join the Brew Crew and find the encouragement every breeder deserves.📌 Show Notes: breedersbrew.com/notes/s3e22===🫖 Love the podcast? Get even more AND tailored breeding advice inside our Brew Crew Support Club → www.whelpingworld.com/supportclubFollow us @breedersbrew

Bonus Brew: Behind the Breeder Awards + Your VIP Invitation Surprise! We're back in your ears with a bonus episode that lifts the lid on everything happening backstage at the Annual Breeder Awards – and finally gives you the inside scoop on the Brew Crew mentorship.Join us as we reflect on the ABA series so far, share why the diversity of breeder stories truly matters, and reveal the common thread running through every interview: the power of mentorship.This episode marks the official (and long overdue) announcement of the Brew Crew – a private, members-only community for proactive, ethical dog breeders and passionate puppy planners who want tailored guidance, real talk, and a circle that gets it. You’ll hear:Why the Brew Crew was created, who it’s for, and what’s included insideHow we’re redefining dog breeding communities – not by breed, size, or scale but by attitudeA special offer for podcast listeners (hint: 50% off your first month with code PODFAN50)Snippets from real members and exclusive content you’re currently missingWhether planning your first litter or building a better system for your next, this episode will inspire you to get the right people in your corner and raise the bar for breeding – together.Learn more and join us: www.breedersbrew.com/brewcrew Offer expires at the end of the ABA podcast series.===🫖 Love the podcast? Get even more AND tailored breeding advice inside our Brew Crew Support Club → www.whelpingworld.com/supportclubFollow us @breedersbrew

What does it take to raise the bar in a breed often misunderstood? In this episode, Sara shines a spotlight on Shainy Majidi, winner of the Breeding Vision Award, whose ethical and health-driven approach to French Bulldogs is turning heads for all the right reasons.From walking away from disappointing stud dogs to raising two litters just nine days apart, Shainy shares what it really takes to breed with purpose, preparation, and persistence. Whether you’re planning your first litter or refining your programme, this episode is packed with insight you won’t find in textbooks.For support tailored to your breed, background and breeding mindset, join the Brew Crew and connect with breeders who share your standards.📌 Show Notes: breedersbrew.com/notes/s3e20🔗 Want to follow Shainy's journey or connect? Find her on Instagram: @the_world_of_kiki_and_co===🫖 Love the podcast? Get even more AND tailored breeding advice inside our Brew Crew Support Club → www.whelpingworld.com/supportclubFollow us @breedersbrew

What does true breeder excellence look like behind the scenes?In this episode, Sara sits down with Sue Taplin, winner of the Canine Family Planner's Breeder Excellence Award, to uncover the real story behind her decades of dedication to raising well-bred, health-tested Labradors.From managing 80 dogs in a licensed boarding kennel to supporting new puppy owners with layered educational resources, Sue shares how consistency, compassion and lifelong learning have shaped her approach. Whether you're just starting out or refining your fourth generation, this episode is filled with calm, practical wisdom.For support that reflects your breed, background and breeding mindset, join the Brew Crew and connect with breeders committed to doing things correctly.📌 Show Notes: breedersbrew.com/notes/s3e19👉 Become a Brew Crew Member: www.breedersbrew.com/brewcrew🔗 Interested in applying for a future Annual Breeder Award? breedersbrew.com/aba===🫖 Love the podcast? Get even more AND tailored breeding advice inside our Brew Crew Support Club → www.whelpingworld.com/supportclubFollow us @breedersbrew

What are the Annual Breeder Awards—and why do they matter? In this special solo episode, Sara introduces the ABAs, a new initiative created to recognise breeders who are quietly raising the bar. First in the spotlight is Adam Mayle, winner of the Rising Star Award, whose thoughtful, health-focused approach to breeding Labradors has earned him a growing reputation for doing things the right way.Adam shares how he moved from German Shepherds to Labradors, the role of mentorship in shaping his journey, and how he balances work, family and breeding without compromising on ethics. From ovulation testing to puppy aftercare, this episode offers grounded, real-life insight into what it truly takes to build a responsible breeding programme.For breeders seeking tailored support that reflects their breed, background and mindset, join the Brew Crew and be part of a community that celebrates progress and purpose.📌 Show notes: breedersbrew.com/notes/s3e18🔗 Where to Find Adam & GaffaGlory Labradors: 📷 Instagram: @adam.mayle | @gaffaglory===🫖 Love the podcast? Get even more AND tailored breeding advice inside our Brew Crew Support Club → www.whelpingworld.com/supportclubFollow us @breedersbrew

What's the big announcement everyone's been waiting for?In this final episode of our Q&A series, we reveal what's next for the Breeders Brew and trust us, it's worth tuning in for. Alongside the celebration, we tackle your most-asked questions with the same straight-talking, no-fluff guidance you've come to expect.From irregular seasons and stud trip stress to the truth about royal jelly and why ruling out DNA carriers might be limiting your breeding goals, this episode is packed with practical advice.If you're ready for support that matches your breed, background and breeding mindset, join the Brew Crew and be part of what comes next.📌Show notes: breedersbrew.com/notes/s2e17===🫖 Love the podcast? Get even more AND tailored breeding advice inside our Brew Crew Support Club → www.whelpingworld.com/supportclubFollow us @breedersbrew

Did you miss the party but still want to celebrate with us?In this short and sweet mini-episode, we mark a significant milestone—the Breeders Brew podcast turns one. Sara and Isobel went live, off the cuff and full of laughs, to answer your burning breeding questions and reflect on a year of real talk, big topics and brilliant breeders.Even if you couldn’t join the live Pod Party, you’re still part of the celebration. Tune in to hear behind-the-scenes updates, community highlights and what’s next for the Brew. Thanks for being part of our first year, and here’s to many more.===🫖 Love the podcast? Get even more AND tailored breeding advice inside our Brew Crew Support Club → www.whelpingworld.com/supportclubFollow us @breedersbrew

Feeling unsure about how to handle a puppy return, when to give calcium or why your TCI didn’t take?In this episode, we tackle some of the most common breeder dilemmas head-on, offering clear, practical answers drawn from real-world experience, not outdated advice from Facebook. From managing food quality and supplement gaps to protecting yourself with proper contracts and understanding the accurate timing behind calcium and TCI success, this episode is packed with insight.For breeders who want support tailored to their breed, background, and breeding mindset, the Brew Crew offers the guidance and community you need to continue growing and doing right by your dogs.📌 Show notes: breedersbrew.com/notes/s3e15===🫖 Love the podcast? Get even more AND tailored breeding advice inside our Brew Crew Support Club → www.whelpingworld.com/supportclubFollow us @breedersbrew

Are pig rails truly essential or just outdated advice? Unsure whether elective C-sections are being overused or when it’s safe to leave a litter overnight? In this Q&A episode, Sara and Isobel are joined by Jo from Northwest Breeding Services to unpack some of the most debated topics in dog breeding today, offering honest opinions, diverse perspectives, and no sugarcoating.From paddling pools serving as whelping boxes to the risks of taking advice out of context online, this episode serves as a reminder that responsible breeding is never one-size-fits-all. For guidance tailored to your breed, background, and breeding mindset, join the Brew Crew and surround yourself with breeders who truly understand that context is everything.📌 Show Notes: breedersbrew.com/notes/s2e14📩 Email us at [email protected]🔗 Find Jo and Northwest Breeding Services:👉 Website: www.northwestbreedingservices.com👉 Instagram: @northwestbreedingservices===🫖 Love the podcast? Get even more AND tailored breeding advice inside our Brew Crew Support Club → www.whelpingworld.com/supportclubFollow us @breedersbrew

Thinking of breeding your dog but unsure where to start or worried about making a mistake?In this episode, we address some of the most common myths and mistakes found in breeding forums, from misconceptions about natural matings to the risks of early vaccinations and poor socialisation timing. We break down why “I’m not a breeder” isn’t a free pass, what really goes wrong with novice pairings, and why tools like mating cradles have no place in ethical breeding.If you’re looking for clear, experience-based guidance that fits your breed, background and breeding mindset, join the Brew Crew and get the support you need to start strong and raise better litters.📌 Show notes – breedersbrew.com/notes/s2e13🔗 Take the Dog Breeding Knowledge Checker –  caninefamilyplanner.com/knowledgecheck📩 Email questions to [email protected]===🫖 Love the podcast? Get even more AND tailored breeding advice inside our Brew Crew Support Club → www.whelpingworld.com/supportclubFollow us @breedersbrew

Are you unsure if your bitch is too old for a first litter or feeling overwhelmed by conflicting advice in whelping groups? In this episode, we tackle real breeder dilemmas and bring clarity to the chaos. From managing multiple litters with limited equipment to the emotional toll of high-stakes breedings, we share the truths most breeders keep to themselves. You’ll hear honest reflections on when to walk away, what resilience really looks like, and why every loss or win teaches us something.For support that aligns with your breed, background and breeding mindset, join the Brew Crew and connect with breeders who understand both the practical and emotional weight of doing things correctly.📌 Show notes – breedersbrew.com/notes/s2e12📩 Email your questions to [email protected]===🫖 Love the podcast? Get even more AND tailored breeding advice inside our Brew Crew Support Club → www.whelpingworld.com/supportclubFollow us @breedersbrew

What happens when someone who's never owned a dog suddenly finds themselves living with a pack of Dachshunds and managing a stud dog? In this episode, we sit down with Isobel's partner, Harry, who went from zero dog experience to becoming an active part of a responsible breeding setup.As a first-time dog owner and new stud dog handler, Harry shares what shocked him, what he's learned, and what most people don't realise about the responsibility behind the scenes. From quirky breed traits to awkward enquiries and unexpected pressures, this episode is a must-listen for anyone supporting a new breeder or stepping into stud dog ownership for the first time. Join the Brew Crew for tailored support that meets you where you are, no matter how new you feel.📌 Show Notes – breedersbrew.com/notes/s2e11 📩 Submit Your Questions for Future Episodes – [email protected] 📑 Pregnancy & Puppy Predictor Tool – Available Here===🫖 Love the podcast? Get even more AND tailored breeding advice inside our Brew Crew Support Club → www.whelpingworld.com/supportclubFollow us @breedersbrew

Confused by conflicting advice on due dates, milk supply or whether you should really be bathing puppies before they leave? In this Q&A episode, we unpack the most common (and often questionable) breeding advice circulating online and replace it with practical, experience-backed guidance you can trust. From tracking ovulation and understanding colostrum to navigating the unpredictable cost of C-sections, we offer real-world insights to help you feel more prepared and less panicked. If you’re ready to stop guessing and start breeding with confidence, join the Brew Crew for support that reflects your breed, background and breeding mindset.📩 Submit Questions for the Podcast – [email protected]📊 Pregnancy & Puppy Predictor Tool – Buy Here📑 Show Notes & Resources – www.breedersbrew.com/notes/s2e10===🫖 Love the podcast? Get even more AND tailored breeding advice inside our Brew Crew Support Club → www.whelpingworld.com/supportclubFollow us @breedersbrew

Feeling overwhelmed by conflicting advice online or frustrated by the chaos of Facebook breeding groups? You’re not alone. In this first episode of Series Two, we reflect on the powerful feedback from Series One and introduce our new interactive Q&A format, designed to tackle the fundamental questions breeders are asking—without the fluff, myths or guesswork.We cover the dangers of following unverified advice, the rise of “One Litter Lucys,” and why trusted guidance matters more than ever. From spotting red flags during whelping to understanding the proper role of scanning, this episode is packed with insights to help you make better decisions for your dogs.For tailored support that matches your breed, background and breeding mindset, join the Brew Crew and be part of a community shaping the future of responsible breeding.📩 Submit your breeding questions: [email protected] 📊 Take part in the Breeders Survey: www.breedersbrew.com/survey 📑 Show notes & resources: www.breedersbrew.com/notes/s2e9===🫖 Love the podcast? Get even more AND tailored breeding advice inside our Brew Crew Support Club → www.whelpingworld.com/supportclubFollow us @breedersbrew

Worried about losing a puppy in those fragile early days or unsure how to spot and support a newborn who’s struggling? In this episode, we delve into the realities of newborn care, from recognising congenital issues to navigating fading puppy syndrome and managing large litters. We challenge the outdated idea of a “runt” and explore what early abnormalities really mean for a puppy’s future.You’ll learn how folic acid can reduce the risk of cleft palate, why hydration often matters more than milk, and how to fine-tune your feeding approach using tools like miracle nipples and silicone feeders. For guidance that reflects your breed, background and breeding mindset, join the Brew Crew and get practical, experience-based support from breeders who’ve raised litters through it all.📌 Click to read the Show Notes===🫖 Love the podcast? Get even more AND tailored breeding advice inside our Brew Crew Support Club → www.whelpingworld.com/supportclubFollow us @breedersbrew

Worried about missing something important once the puppies arrive? What does normal look like, or how do you spot early warning signs of infection, dehydration or poor milk transfer?In this episode, we focus on the vital observations and daily actions that can make all the difference in those critical early days—from tracking vaginal discharge to recognising signs of fading puppies, poor latch or weight loss. We unpack the risks of retained placentas, the hidden impact of antibiotics on gut health, and how energy balance in nursing dams affects the whole litter. You’ll learn how to interpret milk moans, choose the right scales and analyse puppy stools with confidence.For support that reflects your breed, background and breeding mindset, join the Brew Crew and gain access to real-world guidance from breeders who know precisely what to look for.📌 Click to read the Show Notes===🫖 Love the podcast? Get even more AND tailored breeding advice inside our Brew Crew Support Club → www.whelpingworld.com/supportclubFollow us @breedersbrew

Struggling with fussy eaters or confused about what to feed weaning puppies? Are you unsure if raw feeding is worth the cost or how to handle the dreaded six-week squits?In this episode, we cut through the confusion around weaning and explore why popular go-to options like goat's milk and Weetabix might be doing more harm than good. We share tips for smoother weaning using transition foods, discuss the role of slippery elm in gut health, and tackle the realities of raw feeding, including how to manage costs across different litter and breed sizes. If you want guidance tailored to your breed, background and breeding mindset, join the Brew Crew for personal support and practical advice that works in real life, not just on paper.📌 Click to read the Show Notes===🫖 Love the podcast? Get even more AND tailored breeding advice inside our Brew Crew Support Club → www.whelpingworld.com/supportclubFollow us @breedersbrew

Worried about why your bitch only carried one pup or whether reabsorption is affecting your litter size? Unsure when a C-section is justified or how to improve your breeding outcomes next time?In this episode, we delve into the intricate world of canine fertility, with a particular focus on singleton puppies and the proactive steps that can enhance their chances of survival.We explore Sara's findings on solo pups, the overlooked role of stud dog fertility in smaller litters, and how diet, age, and timing influence reproductive success. You'll learn what evidence matters when considering a C-section and why some supplements are worth the hype. For breeders who want tailored guidance that reflects their breed, background and breeding mindset, the Brew Crew offers practical, ongoing support from people who truly understand the stakes.📌 Click to read the Show Notes===🫖 Love the podcast? Get even more AND tailored breeding advice inside our Brew Crew Support Club → www.whelpingworld.com/supportclubFollow us @breedersbrew

Worried about when to give calcium during labour or if your supplements are doing more harm than good? Not sure how to support your bitch through each stage of whelping without accidentally interfering?In this episode, we break down the key facts breeders need to know about calcium supplementation, labour timelines and the breeder’s role in supporting one of the largest muscles in the body — the uterus.We discuss why not all supplements are created equal, how low-grade fillers can sabotage your plans, and what to look out for when choosing supportive aids like raspberry leaf. We also answer the common question of how long calcium should be continued and explain what to expect from active contractions to whelping pauses. For personalised guidance based on your breed, background and breeding mindset, join the Brew Crew and get trusted advice from breeders who’ve done it all.📌 Click to read the Show Notes===🫖 Love the podcast? Get even more AND tailored breeding advice inside our Brew Crew Support Club → www.whelpingworld.com/supportclubFollow us @breedersbrew

Worried that something in your setup could trigger mastitis or put your puppies at risk? Are you unsure if your hygiene routine is truly protecting your litter as it should? In this episode, we delve into the fundamental health and hygiene principles every breeder needs to master, from recognising early signs of pain or infection to preventing trauma and supporting weakened immune systems.We cover the risks of sharp puppy nails, question whether more milk is always better, and reveal why expensive food doesn’t guarantee better nutrition. You’ll hear about Sara’s top hygiene ‘ick’, the truth about cabbage leaves for mastitis, and how diet, weaning and puppy teeth can all impact lactation. For support that takes your breed, background and breeding mindset into account, join the Brew Crew for personal, practical guidance from breeders who genuinely understand the journey.📌 Click to read the Show Notes===🫖 Love the podcast? Get even more AND tailored breeding advice inside our Brew Crew Support Club → www.whelpingworld.com/supportclubFollow us @breedersbrew

Worried about a low milk supply or wondering how to support your dam through lactation? In this episode, we delve into the intricate factors that influence milk production—from brain chemistry and prolactin to hormone feedback loops and dietary considerations. We also look at how breed differences, kibble versus raw feeding, and a dam’s appetite can all play a part.We share Isobel’s go-to strategy for supporting milk flow, cover common supplementation options like fenugreek, and explain how things like puppy squeaks or early use of puppy boxes can impact lactation. If you want support that’s tailored to your breed, background and breeding mindset, join the Brew Crew for personal guidance and real-world insight from breeders who’ve been through it all.📌 Click to read the Show Notes===🫖 Love the podcast? Get even more AND tailored breeding advice inside our Brew Crew Support Club → www.whelpingworld.com/supportclubFollow us @breedersbrew

Are you worried your whelping kit is missing something important? Which tools are essential and which ones gather dust? In this episode, we break down exactly what belongs in a well-planned, breed-specific whelping kit, sharing real-life tools and unexpected breeder favourites—from rabbit hutches to secret bone broth recipes.We also tackle common mistakes associated with Velcro ID collars and misreading Doppler silence and explain how proactive planning with a Puppy Playbook can help you stay calm and in control. If you want tailored support that considers your breed, background and breeding mindset, you can join the Brew Crew for personal advice and real-life guidance from breeders who genuinely understand the journey.📌 Click to read the Show Notes===🫖 Love the podcast? Get even more AND tailored breeding advice inside our Brew Crew Support Club → www.whelpingworld.com/supportclubFollow us @breedersbrew

Why Breeders Brew Exists and Why You'll Want to Stick AroundIf you've ever googled something in a panic at 2 am during whelping, felt out of your depth mid-pregnancy or wondered if anyone else cares about doing things correctly, you're in the right place.We created the Breeders Brew Podcast for breeders who want honest answers, not recycled myths. Whether you're planning your first litter or refining your lines after years of experience, this is your space to learn, reflect and grow with people who genuinely understand.In this trailer episode, we share why we launched the podcast, how the name Breeders Brew came about, and what you can expect from our future episodes. You'll also get a taste of the relaxed but practical style we're known for, rooted in years of experience across breeds and backgrounds.And if you're craving more than just podcast support, we'll introduce the Brew Crew, our private community where you'll find personal, real-life help from breeders who walk the walk.Hit subscribe and join us as we stir up a fresh conversation about modern, meaningful dog breeding.===🫖 Love the podcast? Get even more AND tailored breeding advice inside our Brew Crew Support Club → www.whelpingworld.com/supportclubFollow us @breedersbrew