how to build your dream team & why you need one!

Anyone that's preparing to welcome puppies needs a Dream Team. But do you know how to find yours?

When it comes to breeding, successfully welcoming puppies isn’t just about knowledge. It's about having the right people around you and knowing how to select them.

No two breedings are the same: no two pregnancies, no two litters. Even with the same girl and stud, the journey can change dramatically. Unexpected challenges are inevitable, but having the right team can turn a potential disaster into a manageable detour.

​Inside the Clubhouse, we recently gave a Spotlight Session (AKA a masterclass designed especially for our Brew Crew members to help them welcome puppies safely) called Building Your Dream Team, and we explored why having a strong, reliable breeding network is essential for navigating every litter's unique challenges.

Drawing on both our personal and professional experiences, we shared our fundamental method to identify, nurture, and grow your breeding team. We also introduced the 3B Model, a practical lens that considers the aspects ‘Brain, Breed, and Background’ - the model should be applied to help you evaluate everyone in your circle, from stud owners to vets, mentors to fertility clinics.

​Want to watch the whole Spotlight Session? Join the Clubhouse now for instant access to our bank of expert content. ​

​So, in this post we will share our top tips from the session so you can begin to build the right team too.

Why does it matter if you have a Dream Team?

Sara shared her traumatic experience of having to make a life-saving decision for her Bulldog, Patsy, at just 57 days gestation. It was a decision not fully supported by her vet. But Sara had a trusted breeding peer that made it possible! Without that support, Patsy would not have survived.

Similarly, I (Isobel) reflected on the importance of my breeding team when I was faced with a singleton pregnancy in my Dachshund. My normal vets were unsupportive and did not understand the risks. Had I not been equipped with the support from my fertility clinic and a secondary vet within my Dream Team - and instead, I had been a novice following the routine guidance of my regular vet alone - my singleton puppy would have died.
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In both our stories, the takeaway is clear. You need people in your corner, the right people, and not just in your circle! People who understand your breed, offer experienced, proactive support, and genuinely have your dog's best interests at heart - and guess what? We're here to help, inside the Clubhouse.

Step 1: ​Applying the 3B model

When looking to build your dream team, the 3B Model lies at the very heart.

Whenever you're evaluating someone within your support circle, or looking for the 'right' person to add in - you need to consider the following:
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• BRAIN - What knowledge, mindset, and critical thinking skills does this person bring?
• BREED - How well do they understand the breed you are working with?
• BACKGROUND - What experience and track record do they have? Are their motives aligned with yours?​

You need to apply this model to all your dream team members, including stud owners, mentors, vets, and fertility clinics. And yes - you should have multiple.

If they can't answer the vital questions, or don't align with your answers - they may not be the right fit. 

Our Top Tip: We also highlighted the biggest red flag to watch out for: oversimplification. If someone makes dog breeding sound easy, be cautious. True experts acknowledge the complexities and help you navigate them safely.

The right team evolves over time...

​As your breeding journey evolves, so will your dream team. People move away, retire from breeding, or are no longer the right fit. Breeding can be isolating, but being intentional about who you trust keeps you resilient, proactive, and prepared.
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When you find the right network, when your ethics, expectations, and experiences align, the journey becomes infinitely more rewarding and actually much easier too.

Want our help to build the right team?

Although you've missed out watching this Spotlight Session live, it's available to watch inside the Clubhouse! This is just a small taste of the vital breeding support and real-world resources we offer to our Brew Crew members.

Meet the Authors

Enjoy our personal guidance, inside the Clubhouse!

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