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Dog Breeding Reform Group

@dogbrg

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A Voice For Dogs
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Have you seen the latest episode of The Dog's Voice?! Episode 8: Are Crossbred Dogs Healthier? 🐶 Designer dogs and poodle crosses have become hugely popular, but are crossbred dogs actually healthier than pedigree dogs? In this episode, Ben the Vet is joined by Dr Rowena Packer from the Royal Veterinary College to explore the science behind crossbreeding and what it means for dog health and welfare. They discuss: • Why crossbred and “designer” dogs have become so popular • Genetic diversity and hybrid vigour • Whether crossbreeding automatically means better health • How intentional outcrossing could help address some inherited health problems • The challenges of breeding dogs with extreme conformation • Why poodle crosses aren't necessarily a guarantee of better health • How owners' preferences and perceptions influence dog breeding • Whether breeding healthier versions of existing breeds could be part of the future It’s a fascinating conversation about genetics, health, breed identity and what we really mean when we say a dog is “healthier.” Listen via the link in our bio or visit the DBRG website. The Dog Breeding Reform Group recommends choosing breeders who fully health test both parents before breeding. Recommended tests vary by breed and may include DNA testing, hip, elbow and heart screening, eye examinations and other veterinary health checks. Find breed-specific health testing information: dbrg.uk/breed-health-information/ #TheDogsVoice #DogBreedingReformGroup #DBRG #CrossbredDogs #DesignerDogs #DoodleDogs #DogHealth #DogBreeding #ResponsibleBreeding #DogWelfare #HybridVigour #GeneticDiversity #PoodleCross #HealthyDogs by @dogbrg
2
16 days ago
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Between 3 and about 16 weeks of age, a puppy’s brain undergoes a critical developmental period: the socialisation window. Daisy is already 16 weeks of age so heading towards the end of this window! During this brief window of time, puppies do a lot of learning about what is safe, what is normal, and how to navigate our complex human world with confidence - so it’s important to expose them to as many sights and sounds as possible. But it’s important to do it in a positive way and avoid overwhelming them! 5 weeks or so of this period is spent in whatever environment your puppy is bred in. Which is why being raised in a puppy farm has long term negative consequences for a dogs emotional happiness and behaviour. And also why, if you are getting a puppy, finding a breeder who cares about your puppy and their development as an individual, and raises them in a home environment is SO important. To learn more listen to the latest episode of The Dog’s Voice podcast where I am joined by Rebecca Norton-Childs from @pupstartsbreeders to talk all about puppy socialisation - and share with anyone you know who may find it helpful. Click the link in my bio or search for The Dog’s Voice podcast to listen! #puppy #dogsvoice #dogstagram #veterinary by @dogbrg
17
a month ago
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Episode 6: Raising a Happy Puppy What makes the difference between a puppy who simply grows up and one who grows into a confident, happy family dog? In this episode, Ben the Vet is joined by Rebecca Norton-Childs, founder of Pupstarts, licensed breeder and dog trainer, to explore why those first few months matter so much. They discuss: • Why behaviour problems can have such a serious impact on dogs • The crucial socialisation window • What responsible breeders can do during a puppy's first 8 weeks • How puppy buyers can continue socialisation safely at home • Understanding breed instincts and giving dogs appropriate outlets • How breeders and owners can work together to set puppies up for success Whether you're planning to buy a puppy, have a young dog already, or are a breeder, there are plenty of practical ideas to take away from this episode. Listen to Episode 6: Raising a Happy Puppy of The Dog’s Voice now. Listen via the the DBRG website, or your chosen streaming platform! #TheDogsVoice #DogBreedingReformGroup #DBRG #PuppyAdvice #PuppySocialisation #PuppyTraining #ResponsibleBreeding #DogWelfare #DogBehaviour #PuppyOwner #DogBreeder #HealthyPuppies #BenTheVet by @dogbrg
0
a month ago
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Episode 5: The Fight for Healthier Dogs This week, Ben the Vet is joined by Carol Fowler, founder of the Dog Breeding Reform Group, for a very personal conversation about her journey campaigning for healthier dogs. Carol has spent decades working to improve canine health and welfare, including being involved in the landmark Pedigree Dogs Exposed documentary in 2008. In this episode, they discuss: • What first inspired Carol to campaign for dog welfare • Why some breeds are more affected by inherited health problems • The impact of Pedigree Dogs Exposed and what changed afterwards • Carol's experience of living with a Cavalier affected by inherited disease • Whether health testing alone can solve the problems facing pedigree dogs • What makes a responsible breeder • How puppy buyers can improve their chances of finding a healthy puppy • What still needs to change to improve the health and welfare of dogs 18 years after Pedigree Dogs Exposed, how much has really changed? And what still needs to be done? Listen to Episode 5 of The Dog's Voice now, wherever you get your podcasts. A huge thank you to Carol Fowler for sharing her story and to Ben the Vet for hosting another important conversation. The Dog Breeding Reform Group recommends choosing breeders who fully health test both parents before breeding. Recommended tests vary by breed and may include DNA testing, hip, elbow and heart screening, eye examinations and other veterinary health checks. Find breed-specific health testing recommendations at dbrg.uk/breed-health-information #TheDogsVoice #DogBreeding #DogHealth #DogWelfare #ResponsibleBreeding #PuppyBuying #PedigreeDogs #DogBreedingReform #Veterinary #DogLovers by @dogbrg
0
2 months ago
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DBRG is built on care, compassion, and a belief that dogs deserve better. We create free resources, promote responsible breeding, and support research that leads to real change. If you’d like to help us continue this work, you can donate via the QR code, every bit of support helps us do more for dogs. Thank you for supporting us. Link below: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=E262F7X7VH9LC&ssrt=1786518964812 by @dogbrg
1
2 months ago
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Next Episode Now Live!! Episode 4: The Law and Your Dog What legal responsibilities come with owning a dog? What should every puppy buyer know before bringing a puppy home? And how can the law help improve the health and welfare of future generations of dogs? This week, Ben the Vet is joined by Vanessa Barnes, animal welfare lawyer and legal adviser to the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Animal Welfare (APGAW), for a fascinating discussion on the legal side of dog ownership and breeding. Together they discuss: • The legal responsibilities every dog owner should know. • Buying a puppy from a licensed breeder. • Animal welfare law and responsible breeding. • Extreme conformations and what the law says about breeding dogs with predictable health problems. • The Innate Health Assessment (IHA) and the facts behind some of the myths circulating on social media. • What the future of dog breeding regulation could look like. Whether you're thinking about getting a puppy, already own a dog, or simply care about improving canine welfare, this episode offers valuable insights into how the law protects dogs, and where there's still work to be done. Listen now wherever you get your podcasts. by @dogbrg
4
2 months ago
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Where does a puppy REALLY come from? That "happy photo" online, the home visit, the emotional pull... behind some puppy adverts lies a very different reality. In this episode, Ben sits down with Lauren Bennett from the RSPCA to talk puppy farming, illegal imports, puppy smuggling, and the rise of "petfishing" We cover: • What puppy farming really means • How criminal breeding operations work • The impact of Lucy's Law • The truth about smuggled/imported puppies • Why it's so hard to walk away from a bad situation • How YOU can spot a responsible breeder If you're thinking about getting a puppy, don't skip this one. Listen now to make sure you're informed, not exploited. Breed-specific health testing info: dbrg.uk/breed-health-information #DogBreedingReformGroup #PuppyFarming #LucysLaw #ResponsibleBreeding #RSPCA #TheDogsVoice #PuppyBuyers #DogWelfare by @dogbrg
0
3 months ago
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New episode of The Dog's Voice is out now! Episode 2: What Makes a Healthy Dog? What does a healthy dog actually look like? Many of the features we've come to think of as "normal" in certain breeds can have a real impact on a dog's health and welfare. But how did we get here, and what can we do to improve things? This week, Ben the Vet is joined by Professor Dan O'Neill from the Royal Veterinary College to discuss: • How modern dog breeds developed. • When a breed characteristic becomes a welfare problem. • Why health testing alone isn't always enough. • The Innate Health Assessment (IHA) and how it can help puppy buyers and breeders. • How we can breed healthier dogs without losing what makes each breed special. Whether you're thinking about getting a puppy, already own a dog, or breed dogs yourself, this episode explores one of the most important questions we can ask: What does a healthy dog really look like? You can listen now wherever you get your podcasts. by @dogbrg
1
3 months ago
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If you follow me and find the kind of stuff I post about interesting and want to hear more, if you know anyone considering getting a dog… or you work with dogs… or you just like dogs… listen up! I am now hosting a podcast, The Dog’s Voice, which is now LIVE! (LINK IN MY BIO) 🎧 I’ve developed the podcast along with the team at the Dog Breeding Reform Group @dogbrg , where we are passionate about making life happier and healthier for dogs! We will have new episodes every fortnight, each with a different expert guest. For the first episode I’m joined by fabulous Cat the Vet! We will be exploring how social media has fundamentally changed the way people choose dogs, and share some of our combined wisdom of having met thousands of new puppy owners and their families over our careers. Find it on all major podcast platforms, link is in my bio. Please like it, share it, comment, and send us feedback and requests for topics and guests for future episodes! #dogs #puppy #podcast #brandnew #vet by @dogbrg
16
4 months ago
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The Dog’s Voice has arrived!! Episode 1: Likes, Algorithms and the Designer Dog Social media has changed the way we choose dogs. From viral breeds and designer crossbreeds to dog influencers and online advice, platforms like Instagram and TikTok increasingly shape what puppies people buy and what owners expect from dog ownership. In our very first episode, I’m joined by Cat the Vet to discuss: • What social media has done well for dogs. •Why some breeds suddenly become fashionable. • The realities behind designer dogs. • What vets wish people knew before buying a puppy. • The hidden costs of popular breeds. • How to identify responsible breeders online. Between us, we've seen how online trends can influence the health and welfare of entire breeds. This episode is about helping future puppy owners make informed choices and giving dogs a stronger voice. Listen now on your favourite podcast platform. The Dog Breeding Reform Group recommends choosing breeders who have bred from fully health test parents. Breed-specific health information can be found at https://dbrg.uk/breed-health-information/ #TheDogsVoice #DogBreeding #PuppyBuying #DogHealth #ResponsibleBreeding #DogWelfare by @dogbrg
0
4 months ago
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We’re launching a new podcast series all about the journey of finding a responsibly bred puppy. And we want your input. If you could ask one question about the UK puppy market, anything from choosing a breeder to bringing your puppy home, what would it be? So… what do you really want to know? Drop your question below by @dogbrg
0
6 months ago
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Tails are more than just a wag A dog’s tail plays an important role in both health and communication. Long, thin tails can be prone to injuries like “happy tail,” caused by repeated impact when wagging. On the other hand, very short or tightly curled (screw) tails, seen in some breeds, can be linked to spinal abnormalities and may increase the risk of skin infections due to deep folds. Tails are also a key part of how dogs communicate. Position and movement help signal mood, confidence, and intent. Dogs with very short or no tails may struggle to send clear signals, which can sometimes lead to misunderstandings with other dogs. Prioritising functional conformation means considering how a dog’s body supports both health and natural behaviour. #FunctionalConformation #DogHealth #DogWelfare #ResponsibleBreeding #DogBreedingReform by @dogbrg
0
6 months ago
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