Brood Volunteer Frequently Asked Questions

Brood volunteer FAQs

Deciding to become a Brood volunteer for Canine Partners is not a decision to be made lightly as it takes time, effort and commitment to ensure both brood and puppies can be given the care and attention they require.

Below are some of the most frequently asked questions we receive from those wishing to become a Dog Breeding Volunteer, or are unsure if the opportunity is quite right for their lifestyle.

If you have any other questions, please contact us using the form below.

How old will be the Brood be when she comes to live with us?

The brood will be around 16 – 18 months old.

Which breeds of dogs do you use on your breeding programme?

We mainly use Labradors, Golden Retrievers and crosses of these two breeds.

Can I take the Brood to work with me if I work part time?

This can be possible, but will depend on the environment you work in. However, once the bitch has birthed the litter, she must stay at home to care for the puppies.

Can we have a Brood if we have young children?

As with all of our Brood volunteers, you will need to go through an application process which will include a home visit to assess the suitability. However, many people that have young families take on a Brood with no problems.

Am I able to have other dogs at home?

Brood can live happily with other dogs, although this will be assessed on a case by case basis. We would not place a Brood with an entire male dog.

Can I have a Brood Bitch if I’ve never kept a dog before?

Yes – our breeding team will provide you with all the advice and guidance you need for looking after both brood and puppies.

Where are the puppies born?

Puppies will be born in your home. You will need to have a suitable space within the home for the birth and puppy rearing. We will provide you with the requirements so that we can ensure there is sufficient space.

How many puppies will there be in a litter?

This can depend. On average, a bitch will birth 6-7 puppies but it can be up to 10-12.

How long is a ‘season’?

Seasons usually last for around 21 days.

> Return to Brood volunteer information

Any other questions?

If your question remains unanswered, please fill in the form and a member of our breeding team will be in touch.

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