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© 2026 Breeders Brew: The Dog Breeding Podcast
Description
The Breeder’s Brew Podcast is for dog breeders who want to make informed, ethical decisions without feeling overwhelmed.
Hosted by Sara and Isobel, the Passionate Puppy Practitioners, this honest and supportive podcast unpacks the realities of dog breeding with clarity, compassion and practical know-how. Whether you’re breeding your first litter or looking to improve your current practices, each episode helps you navigate the journey with more confidence and less confusion.
Sara Lamont, the world’s first Canine Family Planner™, is a leading authority on home breeding. She brings decades of experience and a straight-talking, values-driven approach to helping breeders prepare, plan and parent each litter with care.
Isobel Barker, the Canine Nutrition Coach©, is the only breeding-focused nutritionist in the world. She offers holistic feeding and wellness advice by simplifying the science to empower breeders to raise strong, thriving pups through nutrition that makes sense.
Together, they bust myths, share heartfelt stories and answer the questions you didn’t know you had, all in a relaxed, relatable way that makes even complex topics feel manageable.
Need more than just a podcast?
Sara and Isobel have launched the Brew Crew, a mentorship programme for dog owners ready to take their breeding seriously. Brew Crew members get access to fortnightly Catchup Calls, focused Spotlight Sessions, in-depth Breeder Briefs and the Taproom, a private space filled with downloadable tools, real-time support and a like-minded community.
Join today and gain instant access at www.breedersbrew.com/brewcrew
40 Episodes
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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 pe...
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 y...
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 explai...
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 w...
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 ...
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, a...
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...
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 ...
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...
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 th...
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.&...
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 trait...
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 somet...
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, e...
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 ser...
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 ...
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’...
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 p...
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...
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 y...
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