RUNNING A SAFE AND SUCCESSFUL DOG KENNEL
PITTSBURGH, March 27, 2009 - It takes plenty of thought, time and money to operate even the smallest part-time dog kennel. Excellent management and good sanitation procedures are key factors for the efficient operation of any kennel.
Most people may think running a kennel is as simple as breeding two dogs that will have dozens of puppies and end up making you thousands of dollars. The behind-the-scenes is what people need to see – the feedings, watering, trips to the vet, buying supplies and food, maintaining a Web site, talking with or emailing potential customers, raising and socializing the puppies, making arrangements to ship the puppies to its new owners, buying puppies or adult dogs for your breeding program, etc. All this while working a full-time job and in some cases, raising a family. Here are some tips on how to run a safe, responsible and successful dog kennel from Jack DeLeonibus, owner and operator of Strictly Bulldogs.
To become a responsible breeder, buy puppies that come from good stock. “I put a lot of thought into my upcoming breedings because I want to produce a central look but for most a healthy, functional dog,” says Jack, who owns a small-scale kennel with anywhere from 8-10 dogs at a time.
Prepare to invest your personal time and money in the beginning. “Once you get set up with your puppies then the journey begins,” he says. “Breeding is not for everyone. It takes up a lot of your time and if you think you are going to make a quick buck, you’re wrong.” Jack uses the profits from his puppy sales into improving his breeding program, including installing closed-in kennels, whelping room, work room for supplies and a bathing station.
Keep your kennels clean.Give your dogs and puppies premium dog food, vitamins and fresh water daily. Also, make sure to clean up after them daily. Clean your kennels thoroughly weekly and disinfect them monthly.
Be patient. “Not everything you want to happen is going to happen overnight,” says Jack. “I have been breeding Olde Bulldogges for 5 years and I’m learning new things everyday.” The daily expense gets to be expensive – food, water, vitamins, vet bills, advertising. Unless you are a backyard breeder and do not care.
Place your puppies with great people.“You want to make sure your puppies are going into a good agreement,” says Jack. “Buyers need to understand that it is a 7-day a week job that you need to be prepared for.”
Take care of your customers. Take your breeding program seriously and make your customers happy. A happy customer is a repeat customer. “When I sell a pup, I go far and beyond to make the customer happy. As a breeder, I will help customers long-term,” says Jack. “I try to help them pick a pup that will fit right in with the family. I stand behind my dogs 100 percent. These pups get the shots and wormed by the vet.”
For more information, visit www.strictlybulldogs.com.
ABOUT STRICTLY BULLDOGS
Jack DeLeonibus, owner of Strictly Bulldogs, breeds Olde English Bulldogge which is a reconstruction of the now extinct original bulldogge from the 18th and 19th century. They are healthy, athletic, courageous, protective, and loyal guard dogs, but most of all they are friendly, family companions. Males are 17-18 1/2 inches and weigh 65-80 lbs. Females are 17-18 1/2 inches and weight 65-80 lbs. Oldes make great family pets because of their good temperament. As a result, they are friendly with your children and your other pets. They are also extremely alert and will protect you and your family if necessary.
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TIPS FOR PURCHASING A BULLDOG DURING THE HOLIDAYS
PITTSBURGH, PA, Dec. 10, 2008– This Christmas, before deciding whether to purchase a dog for your family, there are some important tips to keep in mind, says a local bulldogge breeder.
The first thing you have to look at is whether or not you can make a long term commitment to raising a dog, says Jack DeLeonibus of Strictly Bulldogs. “Too many dogs end up in an animal shelter because people don’t realize everything that’s involved in taking care of a pup.”
Secondly, decide what kind of breed is right for you. “Ask yourself ‘what are you looking for in a dog?’” says Jack “Is it for protection, hunting, retrieving, for show or companionship? Once you decide, find a good breeder.”
The Items that you will need after purchasing a puppy are: a crate, food dishes, a collar, a leash, food, toys, rawhide and puppy shampoo.
“I recommend a crate because you have to remember that you and your family will be busy, especially during the holidays,” says Jack. “And if you’re not careful, the pup will get into things that are dangerous, like Christmas lights.”
He adds, “Some people think it’s cruel, but it is secure place and a quiet time for the pup to relax.”
Jack suggests stainless steel dishes for the pups because they are dishwasher safe and also because the pups won’t chew on them.
As for the collar and leash, Jack says it’s important to get the puppy acclimated to them. “A puppy is not used to something being tied around its neck. It’s wise to put the leash and the collar on the pup and just let it drag the leash around the house so it gets used to it.”
Fresh food and water at all times is critical. After every feeding, clean with warm soapy water and let dry, Jack recommends. “Even if they are not dirty, bacteria can still form and this may lead into some type of illness.”
Dogs need to have their fun too. Recommended toys for use in the kennel are Kong balls, Kong rubber toy and a thick tug rope. “All of these are durable and easy to clean,” says Jack.
To strengthen your puppy’s teeth, rawhides are important. Jack recommends rawhides such as cow tendons, pig ears and horse/cow hooves. “Not only will they help strengthen your puppy’s teeth, it’s hard for the puppy to bite a big chunk off and get it lodges in his throat,” he says.
As far as hygiene goes, Jack suggests purchasing tearless dog shampoo, just in case the pup gets some in its eyes. This will prevent irritation.
Finally, Jack highly recommends that all of the above should be purchased in a pet store instead of a supermarket.
“Dogs, especially bulldogs, make wonderful family pets,” says Jack. “However, before you go out and purchase a puppy, please make sure that this is something you plan to commit to. It takes a lot of work, love and care to properly own a dog.”
For more information, visit www.strictlybulldogs.com.
ABOUT STRICTLY BULLDOGS
Jack DeLeonibus, owner of Strictly Bulldogs, breeds Olde English Bulldogge which is a reconstruction of the now extinct original bulldogge from the 18th and 19th century. They are healthy, athletic, courageous, protective, and loyal guard dogs, but most of all they are friendly, family companions. Males are 17-18 1/2 inches and weigh 65-80 lbs. Females are 17-18 1/2 inches and weight 65-80 lbs. Oldes make great family pets because of their good temperament. As a result, they are friendly with your children and your other pets. They are also extremely alert and will protect you and your family if necessary.
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