Kennel stress affects dogs in many ways. If steps are taken early when signs first appear, problems can be averted before they become serious. On the other hand, prolonged severe stress can compromise immune function and put an entire kennel at risk.

Spring is a great time to give your kennel a refresh. Get tips for spring cleaning your kennel, from a fresh coat of paint to caulking tubs, here.

NOURISHES GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT

Artificial insemination (AI) gives breeders an opportunity to breed dogs that otherwise might not be possible due to geographical location, behavior incompatibilities or other factors.

Shimmer Ring Standard Poodle breeder Valerie Wilmot of Euless, Texas, believes in breeding dogs that are beautiful and healthy. Her dedication to the breed spans more than 25 years so when she introduced a sire to her breeding program a few years ago that was later diagnosed with Addison’s disease, she was crushed. 

Breeder Lorraine Effa of Loriben Yorkies in Abbotsford, British Columbia, practices careful breeding by studying pedigrees and putting a great deal of thought into choosing breeding partners. Not surprisingly, she had high expectations that a particularly promising 6-month-old male, Loriben's Strike Up the Band ("Archie"), could easily become a finished conformation champion.

A healthy, active Golden Retriever who recently retired from agility competition, "Daphne," at age 8 ½, has earned many titles, including Master Agility Champion, to prove her success: MACH Pine Run A L'il Daph'll DoYa, WC, AAD, OD, ADHF, OF.

Labrador Retrievers, like all breeds of dog, are susceptible to hereditary eye diseases that potentially can cause blindness. Breeders who take advantage of genetic testing and annual eye examinations are helping to prevent eye diseases.

Co-owners Dave Berrey of Toronto, Ontario, Canada, and Jay Serion of Seattle, who handled Decker in shows, consider it important to continue the health testing begun by the breeders. The winningest male Bulldog in the past 20 years, Decker, who earned 18 Bests in Show, is passing on his handsome phenotype and healthy genotype as a stud dog, having currently sired 15 litters.