Tracey at Grantham Breeder Services

05/06/2026

A slightly cheeky video, but it raises an important question about canine labour terminology and the information breeders are given during whelping.

When we’re told a female’s “cervix is open”, what can actually be assessed during a vaginal examination, particularly in medium and large breed dogs?

This video isn’t intended to criticise veterinary professionals. It’s about encouraging breeders to understand the physiology, ask questions, and think critically about the information they’re receiving.

Because understanding what is actually being assessed can help set more realistic expectations about what happens next.

04/06/2026

One of the most rewarding parts of breeder education is seeing people immediately apply what they’ve learned.

Following this weekend’s CPD Accredited Breeder Workshop, breeders managing a large litter implemented changes to hydration and female support, and are already seeing positive results.

Practical breeder education isn’t just about learning — it’s about improving outcomes for females and puppies.

The next workshop is in July. Drop me a message to reserve your place.

02/06/2026

One of the most common questions I hear from breeders is:

“She’s passed her mucous plug. When will the puppies arrive?”

The problem is that canine labour doesn’t always follow the same rules as human labour.

Whilst mucous discharge is commonly seen before whelping, there is little evidence to support the existence of a distinct canine mucus plug comparable to that described in human pregnancy. More importantly, its presence is not a reliable predictor of when puppies will be born as many breeders believe.

In this video I discuss where this terminology may have originated, what breeders are likely observing, and why understanding normal canine labour physiology can help avoid unnecessary worry and poor decision-making.

01/06/2026

Many breeders expect dogs to have a dramatic “waters breaking” moment like humans, but normal canine labour physiology is quite different.

28/05/2026

Many breeders assume Puppy Stim and LifeDrops are interchangeable products — but they are designed for very different purposes in neonatal puppy care.

In this video I explain the difference between nutritional support products and neonatal kickstart supplements, and why understanding that distinction matters when supporting weak or vulnerable newborn puppies.

Good neonatal care starts with understanding what your products are actually designed to do. 🐾

27/05/2026

A quick discussion around folate, folic acid, and pre-breeding nutrition in female dogs.

In this video I explain why I personally prefer supporting folate naturally through diet during pregnancy preparation and discuss some considerations around synthetic folic acid supplementation in breeding females.

24/05/2026

A quick but important reminder for breeders during the current UK heatwave ☀️

Neonatal nurseries can become too warm very quickly, particularly when supplementary heat sources are already being used for young puppies.

In this video I discuss monitoring nursery temperatures safely, recognising behavioural signs of overheating, and why observation of the litter matters just as much as the thermometer.

22/05/2026

Anyone needing to brush up on their first aid skills check this out.

BARTON ON HUMBER

I'm really pleased to be able to announce two more sessions in Barton on Humber. The Team at The Doggy Paddle Club came to our recent workshop in Goxhill and loved it so much that they decided to host a couple of sessions too - one in July and one in August.

If you'd like to book a place (limited numbers) on either session, here are the links you need and, of course, feel free to share with your friends, colleagues and clients. We're sure to sell out quickly and have a lot of fun in the process sharing vital information that could well save the life of your furry companion whether you are a doggy professional or a member of the public.

July: https://rhodes2safety.com/event/barton-on-humber-k9-1st-aid-workshop/

August: https://rhodes2safety.com/event/barton-on-humber-k9-1st-aid-9-8-26/

22/05/2026

Bank Holiday offer now live on my digital breeder education book bundle!

Three practical guides covering:
• Pregnancy preparation
• Whelping & newborn care
• Post-whelp management & neonatal complications

Designed from real-world breeding, veterinary nursing, and canine reproduction experience to help breeders better understand monitoring, labour, intervention, neonatal care, and early problem recognition.

10% discount available for the Bank Holiday weekend only.

20/05/2026

Why I don’t believe in “Fading Puppy Syndrome”.

Puppies deteriorate for a reason — and better neonatal outcomes come from understanding the WHY behind the decline, not just reacting to the symptom.

Dog breeder education • neonatal puppy care • hypoglycaemia • dehydration • weak puppies • whelping support

📍Limited spaces still available for my CPD Accredited Breeder Workshop on 31st May covering late pregnancy, whelping & neonatal care.