Some say it is old news but at the height of the pandemic, the puppy market was booming. At Tricymoedd never had we seen such a demand, and that demand not only saw a significant increase in puppies being bred but also a significant increase in the prices being charged for them. I am sure you have read articles on the unethical and irresponsible breeding practices that took place during the pandemic, there are plenty of stories of ill-educated pet owners and the immoral deciding to make a few quid from their pet dog and cashing in. But what is the position now?  Well, as a wise man once s ..read more

How do you feel when someone hops on your puppy waitlist or gets in touch to enquire about buying one of your little bundles of joy?  When that person has kids, does anything change for you?  It does for me. And this blog is going to delve deep into why it’s critical that we go the extra mile when we’re selling puppies to families with kids.  We have to shift perspectives One of my biggest motivators for starting Pupstarts Breeders was education. Because I believe that education will make the biggest difference to reducing the numbers of dogs who wind up in rescue or who are dev ..read more

Health testing for dogs isn’t a nice to have or an afterthought. It’s a fundamental step that should underpin whether you even decide to breed from a sire or dam…. Or not! As reputable, responsible dog breeders, health testing is essential.  We want to be certain that the dogs we choose to breed from are clear of health conditions that could affect their future pups. And certain that we’re choosing dog’s of sound temperament for the roles their puppies will grow into.  Health testing takes care of the first piece of that puzzle.  So let’s get under the hood of WHY it’s so import ..read more

Make your busy breeder life a whole lot easier  As a breeder, you’re spinning an enormous number of plates and none more so than when you have a litter on the ground.  You’re working flat out to make sure you’re doing everything right, from planning your matings through to whelping, jabs and beyond.  A responsible breeder has a lot of information to keep track of.  Dates to keep in your head (or on a print out somewhere – where is it again?!) and follow ups to remember – it’s no wonder you may often have a nagging feeling that you’ve forgotten something!  Let me introd ..read more

In an age where technology plays an integral role in our lives, it’s no surprise that even our beloved dogs are not exempt from its influence.  It’s incredible the impact a small microchip can have on the wellbeing and safety of our dogs. This tiny device provides peace of mind and a reliable means of identifying a puppy/dog should they ever become lost. In this blog, we’ll explore dog microchipping laws, logistics and look at the process to qualify to administer microchips to your own litters of puppies.    Dog Microchipping Law UK In the UK, the law of pet microchipping p ..read more

Nutrition plays a huge part in the development, health and wellbeing of your dogs and your puppies. As a breeder, we set the stage for what our pups are weaned onto, but it goes beyond that.  As a dog breeder, your new puppy owners will look to you for guidance on the best food to feed their puppies, so it’s important to think carefully about which food you choose and not just be led by which dog food company gives you the best free puppy packs!  My 100% go-to for my own dogs, my puppies and what I recommend to my new puppy owners is Fish4Dogs. It’s packed with vitamins, nutritionall ..read more

After breeding my first litter of guide dog puppies, it got me thinking about the reasons why people want dogs, the role they play in our lives, and whether we as dog breeders are getting things right.  As dog breeders, it’s imperative that we understand what motivates people to get a dog, so that we can ensure we are thoughtfully breeding dogs that are fit for their roles in a human world.  Because if we don’t, they end up being relinquished to rescue and we are part of the problem.  So let’s explore why people want a dog and what we as breeders can do to ensure we’re breeding ..read more

Guide dogs play an incredibly important role in society, performing life saving tasks that gift their humans freedom, independence, confidence and companionship.  Dogs suited to this role don’t happen by chance. Breeding guide dogs with the right qualities takes careful consideration, attention to detail, and meticulous planning.  I’d like to share a story with you, about two gundogs and their humans, who worked together to deliver a surprise litter of little lifechangers. And how following progressive breeding practices made it all happen.  Meet Yrpes & Keale – Two Labrador ..read more

You have reached that puppy raising milestone! It is time for your new puppy to have their first groom! However, have you thought about the steps you need to have in place to prepare your pupster for the groomers? Early socialisation experiences can shape a puppies future behaviour, so how do we get this bit right? Read Fido’s story, and get my five top tips to make sure your little Fido is groomer ready! Fido is ready to have his first trim! You have selected your groomer, booked the appointment and he is going to return home looking fresh and smelling like candy floss… scrummy puppy! Fido ho ..read more

Fading Puppy Syndrome is a terrifying and worrying experience for any dog breeder. In this dog breeder’s guide, we will explore the signs and symptoms, along with the actions to take to stop the spread.  What is Fading Puppy Syndrome? Fading puppy syndrome (FPS) is a term used to describe puppies that are apparently normal at birth, but gradually fade and die.  This normally occurs within the first two weeks of life. Puppy death statistics show that up to thirty percent (30%) die, with about half of these deaths occurring within the first week of life. Why do puppies develop Fading P ..read more