NEWS & OPINIONS

Should I Mate My Dog? Debunking Five Myths about Dog Breeding!

Thinking about mating your dog? Dog breeding is a profound science that requires careful consideration. Dog expert Yashaswi debunks five common myths about dog breeding.
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Birds do it, bees do it- and so do dogs! But does that mean it is necessary to mate our pet dogs? And how does mating or the lack of it affect their temperament and physical health? As pet parents, we often find ourselves in a state of confusion over this subject.
While reproduction is a natural instinct, dogs do not need to mate! Ethical and responsible dog breeding is a profound science. From the selection and matching of the two dogs based on their genetics, medical history and temperament to the mating process to pregnancy care to post-pregnancy care of the mother and socialization of the puppies in the first months- there are so many intricacies to the dog breeding process.

While the ultimate choice of whether to mate or not mate a dog may lie with the dog’s owner, it is important to make an informed and educated decision as it can impact our dogs’ well-being. In this article, let’s debunk five common myths about dog mating and breeding.

Myth #1: Your dog should mate at least once in its life.

Fortunately, dogs do not associate the same emotions as humans do towards these biological behaviours. They are capable of leading happy and fulfilling lives without mating. Our focus should always be on the well-being of our pet dogs and responsible ownership.

Myth #2: Dog mating can cure aggression and other behavioural issues.

While some people believe that allowing a dog to mate, especially as they hit puberty, can alleviate aggression or reactivity issues, there is no scientific evidence to support this claim. Your dog’s temperament is primarily influenced by age, genetics, early socialization and training, as well as the environment they were raised in. It is critical to figure out the root cause of the behavioural issues and work on it with a canine behaviourist.

Myth #3: Any two, healthy dogs of the opposite gender can be bred.

Ethical and responsible dog breeding is a science that involves careful considerations including genetic testing, temperament tests, and medical history of both the sire and dame. The myth that any two dogs of the opposite sex can mate as long as both are healthy is misleading and can contribute to irresponsible dog breeding practices.

Myth #4: Dog mating holds several benefits for my dog’s health & well-being.

There is not enough scientific data or studies that can back this claim. On the contrary, dog breeding carried out without enough expertise can pose potential health problems for your dog, including complications during pregnancy, birth as well as the transmission of sexually transmitted diseases.

Myth #5: As a dog owner, I can mate my dog if I want to.

According to Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Rules, 2016,  one needs to be an ethical, certified breeder to breed dogs or house dogs for mating purposes. The process of being certified as an ethical breeder can be rigorous and involves specific requirements such as facility inspections, record-keeping, and adherence to dog breeding standards.
The decision to breed our dogs is a responsibility that requires careful consideration and meticulous work and planning. Responsible dog breeding requires time, money, effort, resources, and education on the subject. Engaging in breeding practices without any of these is unkind to our dogs. While the idea of adorable puppies can be enticing, ultimately the well-being of our dogs should always come first. Being a responsible dog owner involves making choices that prioritize the health and happiness of our furry companions, even if it means foregoing some of our own beliefs.    
Happy Pet Parenting!
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