09/21/2025
JUST SO YOU KNOW (we also have personal lives)
A dog breeder's day is physically demanding and revolves around constant care for the dogs and puppies, including frequent cleaning, feeding, health checks, and socialization. Beyond the hands-on tasks, a breeder also handles business operations like managing expenses, social media, and planning breeding programs, all while prioritizing the health and well-being of the dogs to ensure ethical breeding practices.
Morning Routine
Cleaning: The day begins with thorough cleaning of the nursery areas, including changing mats, cleaning trays, and mopping floors to maintain a hygienic environment.
Feeding: Dogs are fed based on their individual needs, with puppies receiving mush or solid food and adult dogs getting their regular meals, sometimes supplemented with ingredients like cottage cheese or pumpkin.
Puppy Care: Young puppies may receive their first solid foods, get their first shots, or be introduced to their new play area, which includes tunnels, climbing structures, and different surfaces.
Maternal Care: Mother dogs, particularly those with new litters, are given special attention, including health checks, assistance with nursing, and ensuring they have their own space to care for their pups.
Throughout the Day
Socialization & Play: Puppies get regular opportunities to play outside, socialize with other dogs, and encounter new sounds and textures to prepare them for their future homes.
Health & Veterinary Care: Breeders monitor the dogs' health closely, administer dewormers, and handle vet checkups, which can involve paperwork, scheduling, and managing expenses.
Record Keeping: Detailed records are kept on a whiteboard or similar system to track tasks completed, puppy growth, and other crucial information related to breeding and health.
Business Management: The business aspects of breeding are ongoing!
Afternoon/Evening
Continued Cleaning & Laundry: The cleaning routine continues, with laundry being a constant task due to soiled bedding and puppy pads.
Individual Attention: One-on-one time is given to puppies to foster good manners and build individual bonds.
Preparation for the Next Day: As the day ends, breeders might prepare for the next day by setting up equipment or organizing the next day's tasks.