Q: Where to the Parent dogs live?
A: Daddy dogs live with me, they are my personal dogs. They sleep with me, drive with me, train with me. Sires are needed more often and I don't think it's fair to place them in outside homes. Bringing them here for 2 weeks multiple times a year would be disruptive. Momma dogs, however, live with their families. They are placed on a contract, for free.
Q; How many litters do my dogs produce?
A; The goal is for each potential Momma dog to produce 2 litters. Those litters are on average 5 pups. DNA testing is typically sent prior to them leaving here as puppies. OFA (hip and elbows) testing is done at 2 years, assuming that comes back with positive results, they are bred the next 2 consecutive litters. This is what's healthiest for the dogs and as a bonus, easiest for the families. After the 2 litters, the family spays the dog and my name gets replaced as primary owner with the family.
Q; How does breeding occur ?
A; I do not use artificial means. No racks, no AI and no restraint. I feel strongly that the girls know when they are ready. The potential Momma and my boy Squish are outside with room to move away or signal that they are ready. I think it's important to know that the girls are in control at all times. They consent or we try again the next day.
Q; What happens to the parent dogs?
A; The mommas continue to live out their lives with their guardian homes. They are abot 3 years old when the contract is complete. That is the family they know and love. That is where they have beds and toys and humans to dote on them. The daddy, is my personal dog. He continues to hike and hang with me.
Q; How many breeding dogs do I have?
A; I have my boy and access to another ethical breeder's sire (I do not participate in line (in) breeding, so a sire quickly is finished his work here. I do trade with other breeders to keep the COI (coefficient of inbreeding) low. I currently have 2 females Pippi and Frankie. This year Pepper will be added as she turns 2 years (2024), once her OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) has been tested and passed. After that, Squish is the sire of the others. I have 1 pup that is a year old and one from each of Frankie and Pippi's first litters. As Frankie and Pippi finish, they are replaced with their daughters.
Q; What testing is done?
A; I start with DNA via Embark. They are currently testing for over 260 genetic diseases. With their program I have access to all my dogs in one spot. I can ensure that no dogs are knowingly passing on diseases they may carry. If both parents carry the same disease, they will pass the actual disease onto their babies. This eliminates that possibility. I also have OFA performed. Because the focus is on producing healthy Service Dog Candidates, having their hips not develop dysplasia is important!