How The Program Works

BREEDING CYCLE

The breeding girls are placed with their guardian from 8 weeks of age and live with them for the first 12 months of their life. They will have their first heat at around 6 -9 months. During their first heat they are not joined as they are too young. It is important that the guardian closely supervises their dog during this time to ensure that she does not encounter any entire (i.e. non-desexed) male dogs. A typical heat cycle lasts around 3 weeks. While she is in heat, she will draw a lot of attention from other dogs (male, female, desexed, and entire…all dogs!) which can be very annoying. During this time, we recommend keeping her on a lead when taking her out and avoiding areas where there are a lot of other dogs.

At 12 months they return to the farm for hip Xrays, vaccination and health check. If a dog fails the 12 month exam they will be desexed and rehomed – with their guardian if they choose.

They will come into heat for a second time at around 15 months. At this time, they will return to the farm to be joined, and will remain at the farm throughout their first pregnancy, until their puppies are weaned – around 15 weeks in total. This is to ensure that their first pregnancy goes smoothly and that they are settled and comfortable when their puppies come. We understand that this is a long separation for guardians and can be a challenge.

After their first litter, the girls are returned to living with their guardian until their third heat – approximately 4 months later. They will return to the farm while on heat – for approximately 3 weeks. During their subsequent pregnancies, the guardian has the option of looking after the dog while she is pregnant. She will return to the kennels 10 days before her due date.

She will have a maximum of litters and will retire at around 4 to 4 ½ years of age. She will then be desexed by Kate and her ownership is transferred to their guardian if they choose to keep her. Guardians are free to pull out of the program at any time and return the dog to us. Below is an outline of the breeding cycle.

TRANSPORT

The transport of the dogs to and from O’Connell (3 hours drive west of Sydney) will be primarily your responsibility, whenever possible. She will need to travel to and from the kennels 4 times during her 8-month cycle – when she comes on heat, when she comes off heat, 10 days before her due date and then when her puppies are weaned.

Transport is a flexible arrangement and can be coordinated with puppy deliveries or other people travelling to and from Sydney or Wollongong. You will be kept in communication through a guardian WhatsApp group and email. If you are unable to make the trip to O’Connell, please let us know so that we can arrange transport.

RESPONSIBILITIES OF KATE’S FAMILY PETS

While she is our dog, we take some responsibility for her medical and dietary needs. We will provide the following.

MEDICAL TREATMENT

Vaccination. Vaccination records will be provided. The puppy will require a 12-week C5 vaccination. If you are unable to return to O’Connell at this time, you will need to get this done at your local vet. You can then email the bill and your bank details to KFP and you will be reimbursed. The dog will receive her 12-month vaccination when she returns to the farm for her first litter.

Additional vaccines and a 16 week vaccination may be recommended. These vaccination will not covered by Kate’s Family Pets

Microchip. Your dog will have a microchip and will be registered under Kate’s name until she is retired, and registration is transferred to her new owner.
Unexpected illness or injury. If your dog becomes sick or is injured, you will be responsible for veterinary expenses and you may wish to take out health insurance to cover this. We will provide 4 weeks free insurance with Knose insurance.

If you contact Kate she can advise whether veterinary attention is required and can often provide medical advice over the phone.

Desexing. Once she is retired from breeding, the dog will be desexed.

DOGFOOD

Your puppy will be provided with food for the first few days. you can feed your dog on a commercial ration of your choice but we routinely use Scratch – a grain free product which can be delivered to you. Kate will provide comprehensive advice regarding feeding and you will be expected to keep your dog in a healthy weight range and avoid them becoming overweight during their adolescence.

PET SUPPLIES

– A puppy collar and lead
– A harness for travelling in the car
– A PDF of Kate’s puppy manual which provides useful information on health, diet, housing, training, and dog behaviour.
– training treats
– odour neutraliser

RECOMMENDED PURCHASES

– A tag with your dog’s name and your phone number engraved onto it
– A dog bed
– Any chew toys you might like
– A collar and lead for when she grows out of her puppy collar and lead

SIGNS OF HEAT

Her vulva will become swollen with a bloody discharge which may not be obvious but can be seen if you swab her vulva with a tissue
She may lick her vulva and may urinate more frequently
You may notice behavioural changes – she may seem “clingy” or anxious or snitchy” with other dogs

YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES AS GUARDIAN

– Providing a safe and comfortable home for the dog and giving her basic training
– Administering Nexgard or similar worm and flea treatment monthly.
– Immediately contacting KFP if the dog becomes sick or injured.
– Monitoring signs of heat and reporting them to the Guardian Manager as soon as possible (and within 24 hours of first signs of heat) and facilitating the return of the dog to O’Connell within a maximum of four days.
– Ensuring she is not joined to any other dogs while she is in your care. This is especially important to keep in mind for her first heat at around 6-9 months, as she will remain in your care at this time.
– Whenever possible, it will be your responsibility to drive the dog to the kennels, however if you’re unable to make the trip, we can arrange to have her picked up or delivered back to you.
– Informing the Guardian Manager of any change to your contact details.