All About Ex-Breeding Dogs

These dogs are retired from breeding for various reasons, such as reaching a certain age, health issues, or the breeder's decision to no longer breed from that particular dog. 

Once retired, we believe ex-breeding dogs deserve to experience life in new homes and be adopted into loving families as companion animals. 

It's important to note that ex-breeding dogs may require special care and attention, as they may have specific physical or emotional needs resulting from their previous breeding experiences.

Their past

Ex-breeding dogs often (but not always) come from environments with limited socialisation, minimal veterinary care, and poor living conditions. They may have spent most of their lives confined to the same area, without much human interaction or exposure to the outside world.

Behaviour

Ex-breeding dogs commonly face various emotional and behavioural challenges due to their past experiences. They may be fearful, anxious, or lack basic social skills with humans, however they tend to thrive in the company of other dogs and rely very much on their dog friends. They have often never lived in a home environment, experienced house training, lead walking or been exposed to common household sights and sounds.

Health issues

Female ex-breeding dogs may have endured multiple pregnancies, which can take a toll on their physical health. Female ex-breeders often suffer from hormonal hair loss which soon grows back once they are spayed. Both male and female ex-breeders often have dental issues and may have other medical conditions. At Many Tears our vet conducts a thorough veterinary examination to address any health concerns and we provide necessary treatment, and carry out spaying or neutering.

Resident dog

Most ex-breeding dogs require a kind and confident resident dog in their forever homes. They may take time to adjust to their new surroundings, trust humans, and will often learn how to navigate life as a companion animal by watching the resident dog. Building trust and providing consistent, positive experiences can help them develop confidence and overcome their anxiety.

Training

Ex-breeding dogs benefit from socialisation and training to help them adjust to new experiences and build positive associations. Gradual exposure to different environments, people, and other animals, along with positive reinforcement training techniques, can help them gain confidence.

The home environment

Providing a calm and structured environment is crucial for ex-breeding dogs. Establishing routines, creating safe spaces, and offering gentle and patient interactions can help them feel secure and gradually adapt to their new surroundings.
Ex-breeding dogs thrive on love, patience, and understanding. They may require extra time and attention to adjust to a home environment and trust their adopters. Building a bond based on trust, respect, and kindness is essential for their rehabilitation.

Extra help

At Many Tears we are very experienced with ex-breeding dogs and offer ongoing support to adopters who need it. We have a behaviourist experienced in working with ex-breeding dogs who will offer help and advice over the phone. They can provide guidance, support, training plans to help address specific behavioural challenges and facilitate the transition into a loving home. If you adopt from a foster home our fosterers are often more than happy to help with any questions you have.

Can you give an ex-breeding dog the life it deserves?

Adopting an ex-breeding dog can be a rewarding experience, but it often requires dedication, patience, and commitment. Providing a nurturing and supportive environment can help these dogs overcome their past experiences and flourish as beloved family members. It is an extremely rewarding experience to see these dogs blossom into happy healthy dogs under your care.