top of page

Session 1: Choosing a Foundation Dam
Mr. Matthew Townsend
Ms. Sarah Janner

Choosing a Foundation Dam:

  • Foundation Stock and the Bitch Line,

  • Genotype and Phenotype,

  • Genetic Variation,

  • Individual and Bitch Line Conformation,

  • Reproductive Suitability,

  • Temperament,

  • Health,

  • Your Vision & Goals

English Transcript

Session 2: Care, Evaluation & Health Testing 
of Potential Dams
Mrs. Agi Hejja
Mrs. Kathy Ringering

Evaluation, Care, and Health Testing of Potential Dams

  • Basics of Care

  • Body & Muscle Condition

  • Diet & Nutrition

  • Physical & Mental Health

  • Temperament

  • Reproductive Health

  • Conformation Merit

  • Health & Health Testing

Session 3: Stud Dog Selection
Mrs. Susan Townsend
Mrs. Elizabeth M. Volz

Stud Dog Selection 

  • Inheritance of Genes and Traits

  • Chromosomes, DNA, Genes, and Alleles

  • Basic Models of Inheritance of Traits

  • Important Stud Dog Qualities to Evaluate

  • Aspects Reproductive Health

  • Reproductive Gravity and Genetic Diversity

  • Resources and Methods Useful in Searches

  • Stud Selection Tools & Resources

  • Basic Strategies of Purposeful Preservation Breeding

Session 4: Timing, Methods, & Plans
Dr. Julia Brady
Ms. Julie Schaffert

Timing, Methods, & Plans

  • Hormone Cycling in the Dam

  • Determining the Fertile Window

  • Overview of Semen Quality

  • Advantages of Natural Breeding

  • Review of AI Methods

  • Basic Strategies Used in Planning

  • Q&A

Session 5: Common Complications of Pregnancy & Whelp
Mrs. Agi Hejja
Dr. Robert Dove

Common Complications of Pregnancy & Whelp

  • Overview of the Reproductive Tract

  • Pyometra/Metritis

  • Absorption/Abortion

  • Dystocia/Retained Placenta

  • Uterine Rupture

  • Agalactia

  • Mastitis

  • Eclampsia

  • Herpesvirus

  • Q&A

Session 6: Dam Care Pregnancy Through Whelping
Ms. Alida Greendyk
Mrs. Jane Lindquist

Dam Care: Pregnancy Through Whelping

  • Overview of Pregnancy

  • Development of Egg/Zygote/Fetus/Puppy

  • Diagnosing and Monitoring Pregnancy

  • Dietary & Supplement Considerations

  • Managing Morning Sickness

  • Maximizing Mental/Physical Wellbeing

  • Managing Maternal Behaviors

  • Whelping Box Considerations

  • Preventing Worm Burden & Midline Defects

  • Making Delivery Plans

  • Understanding Delivery Timin

Session 7: The Whelping
Mrs. Agi Hejja
Ms. Meg DeFore

Whelping

  • Reproductive Anatomy

  • Preparation for Whelping

  • Stages of Labor

  • Post-Whelp Procedures

  • Intensive Care Essentials

  • Calcium & Oxytocin

  • Labor Interventions

  • C-Sections

  • Complications Management

  • Improving Neonate Survival

Session 8: Neonates
Mr. Matthew Townsend
Mrs. Laura Rader

Myra Savant Harris Milk Replacement

Raising Neonates

  • Neonates Defined

  • The Seven Deadly H's

  • An Ounce of Prevention

  • Care of SGA (Small for Gestational Age) Newborns

  • Tub Feeding

  • Overview of the "Ins & Outs' of Distress and Intervention

  • Conformation Assessment

  • Dewclaws

  • Early Neurological Stimulation

  • The "Sacred Chores"

  • Breeder Discussion

Session 9: Stud Dog Management
Mr. Harry Austin
Mrs. Stacey Hathaway

Harry & Nancy Austin: Stud Dog Basics

Stud Dog Management & Development

  • Preliminary determination of a stud dog candidate

  • Practical realities of maintaining a stud dog

  • Importance of health testing

  • Getting your stud seen

  • Finding a good reproductive vet

  • Understanding the dam's heat cycle

  • Methods of insemination

  • Discussion

Session 10: Thriving Puppies
Mrs. Susan Townsend
Mrs. Brittany Cipriotti

Thriving Puppies: From Weaning to Winning

  • Neonate/Puppy Development

  • Socialization Practices

  • Potty Training

  • Immune Support & Permanent ID

  • Preventing Parasitic Infection

  • Weaning & Nutrition

  • AKC Registration Matters

  • AKC Breeder of Merit Program

Session 11: Breeders Roundtable
Mr. Arvind DeBraganca
Ms. Laura Reeves
Ms. Laura Rader

Breeders Roundtable

Topics From Previous Sessions with Seasoned Experts

  • Choosing a Foundation Dam

  • Stud Dog Matters

  • Breeding Methods and Timing

  • Whelping a Litter

  • Raising a Litter

  • Litter Evaluation

  • Breeding Philosophy

Session 12: Breeding Philosophy
Mrs. Patty Smith
Mr. Dean Burwell

Breeding Philosphy

Who are we? What do we aspire to be?

  • Definition of breeding philosophy

  • Fundamental breeding questions

  • Diversity in breeding approaches

  • Key breeding motivations

  • Breed standards and structure

  • Health testing importance

  • Character development

  • Performance capabilities

  • Personal philosophy evolution

  • Community challenges and involvement

bottom of page