Pure Dog Talk

Drop-Coated Dog Care: Grooming & Breeding Secrets with Pat Keen-Fernandes [caption id="attachment_16535" align="alignleft" width="183"] Pat Keen Fernandes judging the YTCA Top Twenty.[/caption] Host Laura Reeves sits down with legendary handler Pat Keen-Fernandes at the Yorkshire Terrier Club of America National Specialty to discuss the strict weekly bathing regimen required for drop-coated breeds, the genetics behind eliminating face staining and the crucial need for mentorship and pet trusts within the purebred dog community. Episode Highlights The Golden Rule of Drop Coats:Learn why a strict bathing regimenevery five to seven daysis the single most critical factor in achieving a beautiful, flowing coat.Choosing the Right Tools:Discover why a high-quality,forgiving pin brush with a flexible, squishy padis the ultimate tool for maintaining delicate coats without causing damage.Shih Tzu School & Mentorship:Pat shares how she is giving back to the sport by mentoring new exhibitors throughShih Tzu Schoolto help preserve the future of drop-coated breeds.Breeding for Health and Structure:Explore how selective breeding naturally prevents issues like tear-staining, and why evaluating dogs based on overall balance and proper shoulder placement is essential.Protecting Your Dogs with Pet Trusts:A sobering discussion on why every breeder and owner must establish written wills orpet truststo ensure their dogs are protected if they are left behind.

Postpartum Complications in Dogs: Dr. Marty’s Whelping Survival Guide Whelping doesn’t always end with a tidy pile of healthy puppies and a relaxed, glowing mama dog. Host Laura Reeves is joined by our favorite best friend in veterinary medicine, Dr. Marty Greer, to walk through the most common (and most dangerous) postpartum complications breeders face — from retained puppies and metritis to mastitis, eclampsia, and even the terrifying “SIPS” bleeding that shows up weeks later. If you’ve ever had a bitch crash after delivery… or you’re hoping you never will… this is the episode that helps you stay calm, prepared and ready to act fast. The conversation begins with one of the biggest preventable tragedies: retained puppies. Dr. Greer emphasizes the importance of a properly timed puppy-count x-ray (day 55–60) and shares practical tips for improving accuracy, including using digital x-ray equipment, taking two views, and ensuring the bitch has an empty stomach and colon before imaging. Her bottom line is simple: know your count — and don’t go to bed if you’re missing a puppy. From there, Marty and Laura tackle early postpartum red flags, including aggression toward puppies, which can be linked to low calcium. They discuss proactive tools like calcium gel during labor (not before), pheromone support collars, and the surprisingly effective trick of saving placental fluids after a C-section to help “switch on” maternal behavior once puppies get home. Next up: poor milk production, dehydration, and what to do when a bitch simply won’t lactate. Dr. Greer shares her go-to strategies — from metoclopramide and OxyMama to boosting fluid intake with creative options like starter mousse mixed into water. And yes… even bratwurst makes an appearance as a lactation hack that longtime breeders swear by. The episode also dives into the “big three” postpartum medical complications: metritis, mastitis, and eclampsia. Dr. Greer explains what to watch for, why fever is never something to ignore, and why antibiotics should always be vet-directed — not pulled from leftover bottles in the cabinet. Finally, Marty demystifies normal postpartum discharge (lochia) versus SIPS (sub-involution of placental sites), a dramatic but usually benign bleeding episode that can happen around eight weeks after delivery. If you breed dogs, this episode gives you the tools to recognize problems early — and save lives when it matters most.

Legendary Handler Andy Linton on Quality, Conditioning and Presentation [caption id="attachment_15022" align="alignleft" width="338"] Andy and Penny shine at the DPCA Top 20.[/caption] Host Laura Reeves sits down one-on-one with legendary professional handler Andy Linton for an in-depth conversation about a lifetime in the sport. From his beginnings as a Southern California teenager more interested in surfing than dog shows, to handling some of the most iconic Best in Show winners in history — including Indy winning BIS at Westminster Kennel Club — Andy shares the experiences, lessons and mindset that shaped his extraordinary career. Andy walks listeners through his early days showing a Doberman in the 1970s, learning the ropes by working for top handlers and absorbing invaluable lessons from mentors like Clay Coady, Tim Brazier, Bob and Jane Forsyth, and others. He reflects on the importance of watching, learning and stealing the best ideas — not just how handlers move dogs, but why certain techniques change balance, expression and overall picture in the ring. For Andy, success has never been accidental. It’s the result of dreaming big, setting clear goals and backing those dreams with relentless effort and self-reflection. Central to the conversation is Andy’s core philosophy of winning: quality, condition and presentation. He explains why even a modest dog can dramatically improve — or undermine — its chances depending on conditioning and handling, and why exhibitors should focus on improving their own skills rather than blaming judges or competition. Conditioning, Andy emphasizes, isn’t about one-size-fits-all roadwork, but tailoring fitness to each dog’s structure and needs while keeping them happy, healthy and enthusiastic about their job. The discussion also dives into Andy’s trademark quiet hands and free-stacking style, emphasizing trust, simplicity and making the ring feel as relaxed as a dog waiting for a sandwich in the kitchen. He shares practical insight into situational awareness, reading judges, selling a dog’s strengths with integrity, and mastering the small details that can make all the difference at high-pressure events like Westminster. Beyond the ring, Andy reflects on his role advising breeding programs, watching generational changes in breeds, and helping create great dogs behind the scenes. He also speaks candidly about mentorship, gratitude, and the dog show community, sharing heartfelt thoughts on kindness, legacy and staying engaged in the sport he loves. This episode is packed with timeless wisdom for breeders, owner-handlers and professionals who want to elevate their dogs — and themselves — in the world of purebred dogs.

FIDO: Nancy Martin and the Power of Keeping Pets in Homes Host Laura Reeves is joined by longtime friend and icon of the dog world, Nancy Martin—legendary breeder, professional handler and now visionary founder of FIDO: Friends Involved Dog Outreach. This episode is a powerful reminder of what our community can accomplish when passion meets purpose. After decades of success in the show ring, Nancy’s retirement from handling didn’t slow her down—it redirected her energy. What began as a simple act of compassion through a veterinary clinic grew into a groundbreaking mission: addressing pet food insecurity as a way to keep dogs out of shelters and in the homes that love them. From that idea, FIDO was born, along with the National Pet Assistance Network and No Pet Hungry America. Nancy shares how food insecurity is a household issue that directly impacts pets, why “wraparound services” matter more than blame, and how keeping families fed can prevent surrender before crisis hits. The results are staggering: over 6,000 households supported and more than 1.2 million meals provided in a single year. This conversation also dives into Nancy’s national recognition—including the Oregon Humane Society’s Diamond Collar Award and a Community Hero Award from the Oregon Ducks—and why those honors represent a shift in how purebred dog people can be seen as part of the solution. From mentoring future veterinarians to challenging long-held narratives about breeders and rescue, Nancy Martin is redefining advocacy in dogs. This episode is a must-listen for anyone who cares about the future of purebred dogs, community responsibility and meaningful, practical change. 👉 Get involved! FIDO and No Pet Hungry America.

Stud Dog Marathon: How Often Is Too Often? Laura Reeves is joined by canine reproduction expert Dr. Marty Greer to answer a listener’s question: how frequently can you breed a stud dog before semen quality starts to decline? Marty breaks down basic stud dog anatomy, what impacts semen production and why timing matters more than sheer frequency. You’ll learn the ideal collection schedule for peak semen quality, how overuse can show up in a semen evaluation, and why progesterone timing is essential when multiple bitches are lined up. Marty also shares practical tips for supporting your stud dog through heavy breeding demand, plus smart strategies for semen collection, shipping, and long-term genetic preservation. ✅ 1) Feed for Fertility (and don’t unbalance it) Heavy breeding demand is hard work metabolically, and Marty stresses that nutrition is the foundation of semen quality. Feed a proven, research-backed diet (she recommendsPurina Pro Plan Sport 30/20orRoyal Canin HT-42D).Avoid “helpful” add-ins that actually disrupt hormones — especiallyflaxseed, because it containsphytoestrogens.Don’t over-supplement. Most fertility supplements havelittle science behind them, and people often unintentionally unbalance an already complete diet. Bottom line: a balanced, consistent diet supports semen volume, motility, and longevity. ✅ 2) Manage stress + temperature + rest Stud dogs working hard often experience: stressloss of appetiteenvironmental impacts on sperm quality Marty notes semen quality is affected by: being toohot or coldoverexertion / too much stimulationstress from being surrounded by bitches in heat So: keep him comfortable (climate control matters)make sure he’ssleepingif he won’t eat,tempt him(chicken in the bowl is fine — the goal is calories and nutrients) Bottom line: a stud dog can’t produce quality semen if he’s not eating, resting and staying comfortable. ✅ 3) Use smart scheduling: timing beats frequency Instead of multiple breedings “because she’s standing,” Marty recommends: Require progesterone timingso breedings are targetedUseone breeding(maybe two), at the correct timeAvoid exhausting the dog with daily/every-other-day breedingsbefore ovulation even happens She emphasizes: ovulation typically aroundprogesterone 4–10peak fertility is abouttwo days after ovulation Bottom line: progesterone timing protects the stud dog, improves pregnancy success, and prevents “emptying the tank.”