Breeders Brew: The Dog Breeding Podcast

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 ti...

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...

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...

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/supportclub

Follow 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 k...

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, of...

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, y...

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 th...

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...

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...

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 you...

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...

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 Cre...

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...

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.

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 wit...

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...

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. Th...

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 of...

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...

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...

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 min...

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 m...

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...

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 epis...

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...

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 lear...

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. 

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...