Breeder Education 

A heartfelt thank you to the Mid Atlantic Leonberger Club for their incredible generosity! We’re thrilled to present the seniors' videos. Our sincere appreciation goes out to the Mid Atlantic Leonberger Club for their kindness in allowing us to utilize them.


Session 1:

Mr. Matthew Townsend
Ms. Sarah Janne

  Choosing a Foundation Dam:

  • Foundation Stock and the Bitch Line,
  • Genotype and Phenotype,
  • Genetic Variation,
  • Individual and Bitch Line Conformation,
  • Reproductive Suitability,
  • Temperament,
  • Health,
  • Your Vision & Goals



Session 2:

Mrs. Agi Hejja
Mrs. Kathy Ringering

Evaluation, Care, and Health Testing of Potential Dams

  • Basics of Care
  • Body & Muscle Condition
  • Diet & Nutrition
  • Physical & Mental Health
  • Temperament
  • Reproductive Health
  • Conformation Merit
  • Health & Health Testing


Session 3:

Mrs. Susan Townsend
Mrs. Elizabeth M. Volz


Stud Dog Selection 

  • Inheritance of Genes and Traits
  • Chromosomes, DNA, Genes, and Alleles
  • Basic Models of Inheritance of Traits
  • Important Stud Dog Qualities to Evaluate
  • Aspects Reproductive Health
  • Reproductive Gravity and Genetic Diversity
  • Resources and Methods Useful in Searches
  • Stud Selection Tools & Resources
  • Basic Strategies of Purposeful Preservation Breeding


Session 4:

Dr. Julia Brady
Ms. Julie Schaffert

Timing, Methods, & Plans

  • Hormone Cycling in the Dam
  • Determining the Fertile Window
  • Overview of Semen Quality
  • Advantages of Natural Breeding
  • Review of AI Methods
  • Basic Strategies Used in Planning
  • Q&A


Session 5:

Mrs. Agi Hejja
Dr. Robert Dove


Common Complications of Pregnancy & Whelp

  • Overview of the Reproductive Tract
  • Pyometra/Metritis
  • Absorption/Abortion
  • Dystocia/Retained Placenta
  • Uterine Rupture
  • Agalactia
  • Mastitis
  • Eclampsia
  • Herpesvirus
  • Q&A


Session 6:

Ms. Alida Greendyk
Mrs. Jane Lindquist

Dam Care: Pregnancy Through Whelping

  • Overview of Pregnancy
  • Development of Egg/Zygote/Fetus/Puppy
  • Diagnosing and Monitoring Pregnancy
  • Dietary & Supplement Considerations
  • Managing Morning Sickness
  • Maximizing Mental/Physical Wellbeing
  • Managing Maternal Behaviors
  • Whelping Box Considerations
  • Preventing Worm Burden & Midline Defects
  • Making Delivery Plans
  • Understanding Delivery Timin


Session 7:

Mrs. Agi Hejja
Ms. Meg DeFore


Whelping

  • Reproductive Anatomy
  • Preparation for Whelping
  • Stages of Labor
  • Post-Whelp Procedures
  • Intensive Care Essentials
  • Calcium & Oxytocin
  • Labor Interventions
  • C-Sections
  • Complications Management
  • Improving Neonate Survival


Session 8:

Mr. Matthew Townsend
Mrs. Laura Rader

Raising Neonates

  • Neonates Defined
  • The Seven Deadly H's
  • An Ounce of Prevention
  • Care of SGA (Small for Gestational Age) Newborns
  • Tub Feeding
  • Overview of the "Ins & Outs' of Distress and Intervention
  • Conformation Assessment
  • Dewclaws
  • Early Neurological Stimulation
  • The "Sacred Chores"
  • Breeder Discussion



Session 9:

Mr. Harry Austin
Mrs. Stacey Hathaway


Stud Dog Management & Development

  • Preliminary determination of a stud dog candidate
  • Practical realities of maintaining a stud dog
  • Importance of health testing
  • Getting your stud seen
  • Finding a good reproductive vet
  • Understanding the dam's heat cycle
  • Methods of insemination
  • Discussion


Session 10:

Mrs. Susan Townsend
Mrs. Brittany Cipriotti

Thriving Puppies: From Weaning to Winning

  • Neonate/Puppy Development
  • Socialization Practices
  • Potty Training
  • Immune Support & Permanent ID
  • Preventing Parasitic Infection
  • Weaning & Nutrition
  • AKC Registration Matters
  • AKC Breeder of Merit Program


Session 11:

Mr. Arvind DeBraganca
Ms. Laura Reeves
Ms. Laura Rader


Breeders Roundtable

Topics From Previous Sessions with Seasoned Experts

  • Choosing a Foundation Dam
  • Stud Dog Matters
  • Breeding Methods and Timing
  • Whelping a Litter
  • Raising a Litter
  • Litter Evaluation
  • Breeding Philosophy


Session 12:

Mrs. Patty Smith
Mr. Dean Burwell

Breeding Philosphy

Who are we? What do we aspire to be?

  • Definition of breeding philosophy
  • Fundamental breeding questions
  • Diversity in breeding approaches
  • Key breeding motivations
  • Breed standards and structure
  • Health testing importance
  • Character development
  • Performance capabilities
  • Personal philosophy evolution
  • Community challenges and involvement


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