Breeding Advice

[Mtk2505]

I was planning in breeding my baby (she's 2 by the way) at the start of next year, however I have a HUGE problem, and would love any advice with regards to the best way forward.

My baby has real problems with grown-ups!  She has no problems with children and will allow them to pull and nip her all day, but grown-up people are a different story.  Whenever she comes in to contact with an adult, be it in our home or in the street, she goes mental if they try and talk to her.  Granted she calms down quite quickly in the house, as we tell people to ignore her, but you don't have enough time to do that when you are out for a walk.  I've had the behaviourist in, but it doesn't seem to be working and I'm concerned that she will pass this trait on to her puppies and frighten all potential buyers away.  

Apart from this, she has a fantastic temperament and I just don't know what to do for the best?  Any advice, would be greatly appreciated.

[Tracey J]

I'm not a breeder so can only give my personal opinion on this.  I would NOT breed a dog that had any behavioural issues as I believe that dogs should only be bred to improve the breed.  However, your little girl's behaviour may have been 'learned' ie. she may have had a bad experience that now makes her act this way.  Maybe she just needs a little more time to relearn how to behave properly.  I would definately wait until she shows that she has changed before breeding her.

I'm sure someone will be along soon that has a lot more experience in these matters so I hope you get the answers that you're looking for.  Good luck.

[Cob-Web]

I am assuming you don't mean normal cocker "mental", but fear or aggression??

I'm not a breeder either, but I insisted on meeting the dame of puppies we viewed - and if I had been greeted by a bitch that showed fear, agression or unpredicatable behaviour when I approached her; or I was told by the breeder to ignore her - I would walk away    

I imagine she would get really stressed if she needed veterinary care during the pregancy - and don't dames get protective of their pups anyway? Being in pup may make her worse than she currently is  

I would expect you would find it difficult to find suitable homes for the puppies tbh, as anyone who had done their research would want to meet the dame - whether or not her behaviour is inherited or learnt; it would be to much of a risk to take IMO  

[Pammy]

Please have a look at our FAQ on this subject:

http://cockersonline.co.uk/forums/index.php?showtopic=3428

I presume your girl is not shown so how do you know she is a good enough example to be bred from. I tend to agree, in that if she has problems with adults then she should not be bred from as she is likely to pass this behaviour albeit learned behaviour onto her pups and they will then perpetaute the problem and perhaps be even worse.


Sorry this is probably not what you want to hear - but you do need to go into breeding with your eyes wide open. The FAQ is a really good starting point.

[silkstocking]

I'm afraid I have to agree with all the above......sorry   xx

[Gilly]

I'm sorry but I agree with the above too. I would like to commend you for asking the question, not alot of people would bother.

Temperament is above all one of the highest factors when breeding. One of my friends said to me that when prospective new owners met my bitch that they would want one of her puppies, because she has such a lovely nature   Naturally I would never have bred from her unless her temperament was 100% bombproof.

I suppose you also have to ask yourself your reasons for breeding. If it's for showing then you can buy a puppy from a reputable breeder, be prepared to go on a waiting list.

From what you've said you really could haev a potential nightmare on your hands as bitches can be VERY protective over their litter, some more than others. If this was the case, based on what you've already said this really could send her over the edge when prospective puppy owners come to see puppies.

[Mtk2505]

Thanks for all your advice, and to be quite honest, you only confirmed what I already thought.  

It is such a shame that she has developed this behaviour, which was as a result of a really bad phantom pregnancy, as all in all you couldn't ask for an easier dog to manage (based on previous canine history).  Your comments in relation to her becoming worse with regards to protecting her litter would support the fact that the behaviour developed as a result of a phantom pregnancy.

Thanks again!

[Annette]

Thanks for all your advice, and to be quite honest, you only confirmed what I already thought. 

It is such a shame that she has developed this behaviour, which was as a result of a really bad phantom pregnancy, as all in all you couldn't ask for an easier dog to manage (based on previous canine history).  Your comments in relation to her becoming worse with regards to protecting her litter would support the fact that the behaviour developed as a result of a phantom pregnancy.

Thanks again!

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I think it was very wise of you to ask the question, and very gracious of you to post this reply to all the responses.

thb I was expecting to see the much more usual "offence taken" reply, so was thrilled to see yours. I do think you have reached a good decision, and I can understand how disappointing that must be for you.

Do stay around on COL, it's a great site!