The World’s Epic National Dog Breeder Convention is back…
DATES
25th – 29th November 2024
WHERE
Virtual
HOW MUCH?
FREE
A squad of incredible experts join us for 2024’s National Dog Breeder Convention – and you’d be bananas to miss it! We kick off on National Dog Breeder Day for five days of unparalleled learning, insights and community building.
Save your seat & get over 7 hours of valuable CPD for FREE!
Proud to be partnered with Petplan
Inspiring Experts
Rebecca Norton-Childs: Your Host!
Rebecca’s dedication to education is at the heart of everything Pupstarts Breeders does. Her mission is to elevate the standards of dog breeding and arm breeders with the knowledge they need to breed responsibly and ethically.
As a qualified breeder and canine behaviourist, she understands both the joys and challenges of breeding. She’s curated this event to make sure that breeders leave equipped with actionable strategies to improve health, welfare and outcomes for dogs everywhere.
Don’t miss her kick-off session as she dives into why education is the foundation of ethical breeding.
Dinu Catilina: Immunity in Pregnancy
Breeders are the first line of defence when it comes to a puppy’s health. Understanding immunity during pregnancy can mean the difference between strong, thriving puppies and those who are vulnerable to illness.
Dinu will explain how immunity develops in utero and how it directly influences the health, welfare and vaccinations of each puppy you breed. This knowledge will empower you to make informed decisions on vaccination schedules for both your pregnant dogs and their litters, ensuring the long-term wellbeing of your puppies.
If you’re committed to raising healthier, stronger litters, this is an unmissable session.
Trevor Cooper: The Pet Abduction Bill (& what breeders MUST know)
The law has changed – and it’s vital that as breeders we understand the implications of new legislation that no longer deems dogs as property but as sentient beings. This shift could have far-reaching implications for breeders, especially concerning puppy sales contracts.
If you don’t understand the changes, you could inadvertently jeopardise your rights or the welfare of your puppies after they leave your care. Trevor Cooper, an expert in dog law, will break down the legal nuances of this new bill and explain exactly how it affects breeders.
Don’t risk being caught out – this session is crucial for staying compliant and protecting your puppies.
Ross McCarthy: Choosing the right breed
Too often, dogs end up in rescue because their breed was not suited to the family’s lifestyle. As a breeder, it’s your responsibility to ensure that your puppies go to homes where they will thrive, and that starts with understanding your breed inside and out.
Ross will help you make smarter decisions by teaching you how to evaluate your breed’s specific needs, traits, and temperaments. By choosing the right homes, you not only reduce the likelihood of returns and rehoming but also enhance your reputation as a responsible breeder.
This session is essential for breeders who care about the long-term happiness of their dogs and their new owners.
Christa Lafayette: Temperament testing via DNA
Imagine being able to predict a puppy’s temperament before they’re even born. With advances in DNA testing, this is becoming a reality.
Christa will introduce you to groundbreaking genetic testing that allows breeders to assess predispositions to traits like anxiety, aggression, or high performance. Understanding these genetic markers can help you make informed breeding decisions that prioritise both the wellbeing of your puppies and the needs of future owners.
This session offers a glimpse into the future of breeding, where science and ethics intersect to create better outcomes for dogs.
Justine Schuurmans: Families & Dogs (+ a simple method to follow)
Breeders often struggle with ensuring their puppies transition smoothly into homes with children and families. Justine, a specialist in dog behaviour and family dynamics, will reveal ‘The Dial Method,’ a practical, step-by-step approach for raising puppies in family environments.
As breeders, it’s vital to not only focus on the early socialisation of your puppies but to provide guidance to new owners on how to raise their puppy in a busy family home.
By attending this session, you’ll be equipped to offer better support to your puppy buyers, increasing the likelihood of successful, long-term placements.
Michael White: Breeder & Owner Comms – getting it right!
Clear communication between breeders and puppy buyers is key to a successful relationship.
Poor communication can lead to misunderstandings, unrealistic expectations, or even the return of a puppy. Michael will share how to set clear, professional boundaries with your buyers while ensuring they feel supported throughout their journey.
Whether it’s educating owners or navigating difficult conversations, effective communication is essential to maintaining your reputation and ensuring that your puppies are well-cared for in their new homes.
This session is a must for breeders looking to build lasting, positive relationships with their prospective puppy owners.
Save your seat now
All sessions will be recorded, so register now to catch up on demand (even if you can’t join live).
Help us spread the word about ethical breeding – share this page!
Plus bag yourself 10 hours of Professional Development Recognition.
What will you learn?
HEAPS! Every year, The National Dog Breeder Convention brings together a wide range of experts with different specialisms designed to get your breeder brain ticking, expanding and flooded with a-ha moments.
Whether you want to be a better breeder, are curious about breeding or want to get a new certificate to showcase your dedication to your puppy owners – this event will not disappoint!
National Dog Breeder Day – 25th November
The National Dog Breeder Convention kicks off on National Dog Breeder Day, a day founded by Pupstarts Breeders to celebrate ethical and responsible breeders everywhere.
Dog breeders have been hiding in the shadows long enough, feeling ashamed to declare who we are and what we do. As ethical and responsible dog breeders, we work incredibly hard and put our all into the dogs and puppies we share our lives with.
Public opinion of dog breeders may be tarnished with bad press about breeders who do not put their dogs and puppies’ well-being first. But we know there are a considerable number of breeders, dedicated to raising well-planned litters that are given top-notch care every step of the journey.
Ethical Dog Breeders Unite!
It is through highlighting and celebrating responsible dog breeders that we’ll raise the bar and reduce the number of dogs who end up in rescue.
Plus, we’ll educate the general public on what to look for in a good breeder, so they can make well-informed choices.
It is through highlighting and celebrating responsible dog breeders that we’ll raise the bar and reduce the number of dogs who end up in rescue.
Plus, we’ll educate the general public on what to look for in a good breeder, so they can make well-informed choices.
Are you qualified?
The course content was written by Rebecca Norton-Childs and you can register now to learn directly from her!
This is your opportunity to learn, develop your skills, connect with other responsible breeders, AND get qualified!
In a year or two from now, owners will be asking ‘are you qualified to breed?’
And that’ll be sweet music to our ears. Finally there is a way to get the knowledge you need and a hallmark of excellence to showcase your professionalism.