Get Your Kennel Started Off Right

Recently, I had the opportunity to work with a woman that had just begun professionally breeding Clumber spaniels, a hunting dog known for its endurance. Naturally, her goal was to produce champions which would in turn make quality breeding stock or loving, loyal pets.

She made sure to do her research before diving into this endeavor, and if you're considering taking a similar road, you need to do the same. Remember that raising, breeding, and showing dogs require a unique commitment, so if you're feeling ambivalent about pursuing this, it would be best to wait until you're entirely sure.

If you have been considering this professional avenue for some time, then there's a good chance you have been following the show circles for some time. You need to begin networking to find the best sires and dams to begin your kennel.

Make sure that you have the proper facilities set up before any transactions take place, including room for every dog to exercise. It needs to be a breed-appropriate space. Shih tzus and greyhounds are obviously not going to require the same amount of room to run, but if you don't have an adequately protected area for the dog you hope to breed, you shouldn't carry on until you have made the proper arrangements.

Remember that you need to be prepared to pull out all the stops to invest in your dogs. They desert the best dog food to give them the energy and nutrition they need to perform. Pregnant females, more than any other critters in the kennel, require the healthiest dog foods to give each pup strength and proper growth, both inside the womb and outside, when they're nursing.

Don't forget to prepare multiple options for the best veterinary care. Of course every breeder relies on a primary care provider for all his or her dogs, but enlisting the help of a mobile veterinarian and/or a nearby veterinary technician is useful when a dog can't be transported or you have an after-hours crisis.
When you have a breeding female, you have to be prepared for an emergency C-section, which can be expensive. Find out if your dogs are prone to birthing complications so you can try to be financially prepared.

Remember that all pups need plenty of socialization from Day 1, so be sure to get your family involved. Running a kennel involves too many responsibilities for one person to handle, so enlisting the help of your kids can teach them discipline early on.

Running your own kennel can be tremendously rewarding if you are willing to put the time, effort, and love into it. Are you ready for the challenge?