As a breeder, you already know that when it comes to reproduction, the canine species is really unique. I have invested many hours over a number of years to help breeders develop a better understanding of how to be successful in the ultimate pursuit of producing healthy litters. Here is a short recap: Progesterone is secreted […]

They are two words that strike dread in many hearts (and pocketbooks): tax day. And for dog breeders, there’s good reason to be cautious. Dog-related deductions and other write-offs from activities that could also be hobbies can trigger a red flag at the Internal Revenue Service. But sound business practices will make tax season easier […]

The Illinois Senate Judiciary Committee is considering a bill TOMORROW (Wednesday, March 16) that would streamline the current process whereby individuals may permanently lose their dogs on suspicion of cruelty – even before a trial begins.  Illinois residents are strongly encouraged to contact the committee and sponsor before the hearing at 3:30 pm tomorrow to […]

June 2013.  I was settling in for the evening with my two Golden Retrievers who had just enjoyed a fun weekend in the Blue Ridge Mountains at an obedience trial.  Before the night was over, I would find myself with one less golden as a result of bloat. That tragic loss began the journey that […]

2016 is already showing itself to be a year of opportunity and promise, as evidenced by a wonderful new documentary about our sport that you may know about.  For those of you who are not aware, a channel called AT&T U-verse Sports created a twenty-three minute show that went behind the scenes at the 2015 […]

With the Westminster Kennel Club dog show recently on TV, it inevitably stirs debate about purebred dogs. These days, a vocal segment of the population detests purebred dogs and their breeders. Whether this is a class issue, a generational issue, politics, or something else, it's hard to say, but it goes far beyond the facts […]

Timing ovulation within the heat cycle of a bitch isn't as straightforward as it first appears. Knowing precisely when ovulation happens is an invaluable skill for all breeders because whelping is based on hormonal changes associated with ovulation -- not from the day bred. Dr. Scarlette Gotwals discusses ovulation timing and canine reproduction. What Hormones Play […]

Connecticut law already allows the owner of a companion animal that has been intentionally injured or killed to collect economic damages (i.e., claims substantiated by a specific cost), including veterinary care cost and the monetary value of the animal.  Connecticut Senate Bill 228 would go a drastic step further and allow non-economic damages in cases […]

Ruby was a wormy, skinny puppy when Judy Finley of Edina, MN, adopted her from the local shelter. Once she got her health back, Ruby had a lot of energy so Judy thought she better channel it productively and took her to agility class. Ruby loved the sport and is now an AKC Agility champion […]

The American Kennel Club is pleased to announce the expansion of its Breeder Education platform to include new courses and materials.  With Royal Canin USA as the sponsor, the AKC continues its long-standing commitment to advance the health and welfare of all dogs by creating one of the world’s foremost online breeder education libraries. In […]