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 pr...
Jun 16, 2025•56 min•Season 3Ep. 27
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 m...
Jun 09, 2025•46 min•Season 3Ep. 26
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 s...
Jun 02, 2025•48 min•Season 3Ep. 25
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 struc...
May 26, 2025•47 min•Season 3Ep. 24
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...
May 19, 2025•44 min•Season 3Ep. 23
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...
May 12, 2025•35 min•Season 3Ep. 22
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 lon...
May 09, 2025•34 min•Season 3Ep. 21
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 refinin...
May 05, 2025•38 min•Season 3Ep. 20
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...
Apr 28, 2025•41 min•Season 3Ep. 19
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 jo...
Apr 21, 2025•40 min•Season 3Ep. 18
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 prac...
Apr 07, 2025•58 min•Season 2Ep. 17
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...
Mar 31, 2025•7 min•Season 2Ep. 16
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 wan...
Mar 24, 2025•1 hr 8 min•Season 2Ep. 15
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 ...
Mar 17, 2025•1 hr 5 min•Season 2Ep. 14
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, expe...
Mar 10, 2025•46 min•Season 2Ep. 13
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...
Mar 03, 2025•1 hr•Season 2Ep. 12
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 awkw...
Feb 24, 2025•44 min•Season 2Ep. 11
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...
Feb 17, 2025•54 min•Season 2Ep. 10
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. ...
Feb 10, 2025•43 min•Season 2Ep. 9
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 mil...
Jun 03, 2024•55 min•Season 1Ep. 8
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 hea...
May 27, 2024•55 min•Season 1Ep. 7
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...
May 20, 2024•52 min•Season 1Ep. 6
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,...
May 13, 2024•57 min•Season 1Ep. 5
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 you...
May 06, 2024•53 min•Season 1Ep. 4
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 expens...
Apr 29, 2024•1 hr•Season 1Ep. 3
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 thi...
Apr 22, 2024•40 min•Season 1Ep. 2
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 c...
Apr 15, 2024•49 min•Season 1Ep. 1
Why Breeders Brew Exists and Why You'll Want to Stick Around If 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 peopl...
Apr 11, 2024•17 min0
