breeder seminar, Auburn University

3/22/2026

Saturday, 3/21/26, I had the privilege of attending an intensive breeder seminar at Auburn University—a full day that meant 4.5 hours of driving and 7.5 hours of deeply focused lectures. It was absolutely worth it.

I’m incredibly grateful to the outstanding team of veterinarians, theriogenologists, neurologists, and other specialists who shared their expertise and time. Dedicated breeders traveled from many states to attend and the day was packed with cutting-edge information—from the latest health screening tools and reproductive infectious disease concerns (including CHV, brucellosis, and more), to advances in genetic science such as EBV, selection indices, heritability, and genome-based testing.

We explored how science can guide better breeding decisions—through pedigree analysis, GWAS studies, and genetic interpretation—as well as practical topics like progesterone timing, stud dog management, neonatal care in the critical first 48 hours, and comparing OFA and PennHIP evaluations.

Perhaps most importantly, the seminar emphasized that breeding healthier dogs is a complex, evolving responsibility—one that requires thoughtful consideration rather than one-size-fits-all answers. I left both inspired and challenged, with a renewed commitment to continual learning and to the long-term health and preservation of the breed.

Oh -- and on a very practical note for fellow breeders (and dog owners): when disinfecting, the solution must remain on the surface for a full 10 minutes before rinsing (whether mopping, wiping down, or otherwise.) This is not optional -- it's required for the disinfectant to actually work.

Of course, after the lecture on brucellosis -- and the thought of having to euthanize every single member of our grumble of pugs (I can't fathom this) -- I ordered new hazmat suits for all our pugs on Amazon.

It's good to be reminded of these things, though, and to take screening for brucellosis seriously as well as isolating the dam 3 weeks prior and 3 weeks after birth at minimum. Potty different places from other dogs, stay in separate room etc.

It is important to test everyone -- including outside studs -- and test regularly. Test BEFORE you bring a new dog (new purchase etc.) in to your home. This disease spreads easily through bodily fluids (even something as simple as environmental exposure), can be carried WITHOUT OBVIOUS SYMPTOMS, and is zoonotic. There is NO RELIABLE CURE, and infected dogs may continue to shed the bacteria even after treatment. Forever.

One sniff of urine (the wrong urine) at a dog show. Boom.

In breeding environments, an outbreak can be devastating -- often leading to euthanasia of infected dogs and, in worst case scenarios, LOSS OF AN ENTIRE PROGRAM.

The thought of losing an entire grumble is unthinkable… so yes, naturally, I coped by writing a tongue-in-cheek song . . . .

There were some great takeaways - and things I will be rethinking after the seminar . . . .
• No probiotics for neonates until at least 1 week old (we usually load all up pups and dam with benebac .. but then again, we are often dealing with antibiotics if a c-section))
•And, while on that subject, the vets at Auburn do NOT give antibiotics after routine c-section (unless complications - unique situation)
•Disinfectants must sit for 10 minutes before wiping
• Always ask for brucellosis test results—no exceptions

Female dogs every 6 months if breeding
Male dogs twice a year if breeding in a closed colony, but within month of cool shipping semen and at time of freezing semen (insist on this with any male you use as a stud!)
ALL NON-BREEDING DOGS in kennel ONCE A YEAR
Any new dog -- quarantine, test, and retest in 1 month

• Some good charts for APGAR scores etc. (included at end of this blog post)
• Stopwatches! (next time ) during whelping ... very easy to lose track of time. details needed for records

Neonatal Animal Feeding Safety Guidelines - Core Rules and Recommendations
Key Safety Rule: Avoid Unpasteurized Food for Neonates -
Neonates (e.g., newborn puppies) have underdeveloped immune systems and permeable guts, making them highly vulnerable to bacterial overgrowth. Their gut acts as the "shock organ," where most damage occurs, often leading to severe diarrhea.
Provide only **pasteurized products** (e.g., commercial milk replacers or colostrum made with pasteurized ingredients) to neonates. Unpasteurized items are strictly prohibited due to overwhelming bacterial loads that neonates cannot tolerate.

Raw Diet Restrictions -Raw diets are not recommended for pregnant or nursing animals. This restriction aligns with the need to protect both the mother and offspring from bacterial risks, as raw food may introduce pathogens harmful to their sensitive digestive systems.
Varying perspectives on raw feeding practices, though the safety guidelines for neonates and pregnant/nursing animals remain firm.

This guidance focuses on preventing bacterial harm to neonates and vulnerable animals by emphasizing pasteurized food sources and restricting raw diets during critical life stages (neonatal, pregnancy, nursing). The core logic flows from understanding neonates’ physiological vulnerabilities (permeable gut, underdeveloped immunity) to practical feeding recommendations, ensuring their health and reducing diarrhea-related complications.

Dangers of unpasteurized and raw foods for dam and pups: