A tiny puppy appears at the kennel door and quickly scampers outside. His boisterous littermates dart out the door, happy to frolic in the early morning sunshine after a night of sweet dreams full of Mama’s milk.
Pawrade breeder partner Judy surveys the happy scene before tackling kennel chores. She runs a successful kennel on a beautiful 200-acre farm in the Ozark hills that has been in her family for nearly 70 years. As a child raised on the farm, Judy has developed an impeccable work ethic breeding smart, healthy little dogs. She has raised puppies for over 20 years inspired by her love of Yorkshire Terriers, Shih Tzus, and Shorkies. Around 10 years ago, Judy was able to begin pursuing her passion full-time, starting with breeding Yorkies. Even though she was doing exactly what she wanted to do, Judy says, “I ended up working harder than I ever had in my life. But they say you never work a day in your life if you’re doing something you enjoy.”
Judy's beautiful family farm
“A Typical Day? What’s That?”
Unlike a traditional 9-5 desk job with set duties, running a kennel is anything but a routine job. “When you get into breeding, there are so many things you have to know. I’ve dreamed of making a tee shirt that says ‘I’m a breeder’ on the front, and on the back, it would say, ‘janitor, marketer, grief counselor, accountant,’ etc. There are so many things involved in your day that you change hats every hour. It’s so important you love what you do because it can change so much within 24 hours,” explains Judy.
Judy is an early riser and hits the ground running. “I go right to the facility and check on every dog and puppy, making sure there are no issues. After chores, I spend the better part of my day going back and forth to make sure no one’s stressed, everyone’s clean and fed with fresh water available, and letting out the puppies, mommies, and daddies to exercise. It’s like running a daycare.” Judy also checks on the health of each puppy, giving vaccinations and dewormer to those who need it. She checks their stools because it serves as a “window into their tummies” to make sure their systems are developing properly.
Once the chores are done, it’s time to play. She says her puppies have the “best life ever” thanks to playing and taking a long mid-morning and afternoon nap in a nice, clean environment – who wouldn’t love that life? “I play with the puppies every day. I like to take out a few at a time to learn their temperaments and see who gets along,” says Judy. She gets them used to different toys and surfaces like floors and bedding. “I baby talk to them, get their eyes used to focusing on me. It’s fun to see them develop their little personalities. That’s the thing I love about them.” Playing with the puppies is just one more way Judy socializes them to get them ready for their new home environments. She gets the best picture updates for customers and marketing when they are having fun. “It takes a good hour and a half to get 15 fun, good pictures,” she says.
After she breaks for lunch, she tries to get some paperwork done while the puppies nap. After more play sessions and dinner, she puts them to bed, does a final check, and calls it a day. “My day could end as early as 3 pm other than bedtime or go as late as 9 pm,” Judy says. During an upcoming birth, she is always “on the clock” waiting for the big moment.
Documentation is Key
Part of running a successful kennel is to document, document, document! Judy keeps multiple forms of documentation for all aspects of her business and her parents’ and puppies’ health. “There are so many facets of breeding and documentation,” states Judy. She is in constant communication with the vet who recommends different courses of action and advises on any health concerns.
Documentation begins before litters are born, starting with the parents. “I always check microchip numbers to verify parents' identities and note the day they tied with each other,” says Judy. “You have to know the dam’s cycles, the correct timeframe to put her with the sire, and know when they are approaching the birthing day.” Judy says microchips are a great tool to keep track of the puppies’ activities, including vaccinations, deworming, and grooming, such as clipping nails, checking ears, giving baths, and other overall assessments of the puppies. She keeps a detailed daily journal to remind her of what’s taken place and what things need to be addressed in the future. “Some days I get to write all good things. I look out for any loose stools, allergies, or other problems to reach out to the vet to see what they say.”
Judy’s thorough notebook also helps with official inspections to show the puppies are making progress as they grow. “We are federally and state inspected. It holds you to a higher standard, and we’ve never had any issues from Day One. We all need to be accountable for what we’re doing,” says Judy. Her careful attention to detail has resulted in zero issues with inspections.
Judy’s favorite puppy milestones
Documenting puppies daily allows her to never miss an important milestone. While all moments are special when puppies reach different phases of development, some milestones stand out as Judy’s favorites. “I’m always excited when they open their little eyes. It’s a big day for me. I also love seeing glimpses of their personalities emerge at different weeks, some early and some later, just like children.”
Preparing Puppies For Their New Homes
Judy works with her puppies daily to introduce experiences that will set them up for success when they arrive at their new homes. She exposes them to household sounds they’ll hear, such as loud music, radio, and TV. She’ll also wash bowls around them so they can hear metal clanging and banging.
One interesting thing Judy does is to talk to puppies constantly. She uses a sweet, loving baby talk style, speaking to them gently in a positive tone to let them know they are loved. She also will use a stern voice to teach boundaries. “I don’t want them to hear a stern voice for the first time later on when they get home,” Judy explains. Exposing puppies to various tones will help them learn how to listen to their owners.
Potty training the puppies
Judy keeps her puppies on clean, shredded paper and trains them to go in a designated spot, cleaning the area daily. As they get older, she encourages them to learn to go outside. “I don’t follow a strict potty training method. I let the owners set the puppy routine and teach them basic skills to go in the potty area,” says Judy. However, she does have a favorite puppy potty training method she shares with her customers. “I like the bell system, teaching them to go over and hit the bell when they need to potty outside. It’s a way for them to communicate with you.” She encourages all puppies to go outside as much as possible to relieve themselves as they get older.
Meet Judy’s Breeds: The Yorkshire Terrier, Shih Tzu, and Shorkie
Judy likes to breed small dogs, and all of Judy’s breeds make wonderful family companions to a variety of individuals and families, including first-time puppy owners, seniors, apartment dwellers, and families with children. Let’s learn more about what Judy loves about each of her breeds and information for potential pawrents to see if these breeds are a good match.
Yorkshire Terriers
As the smallest Toy breed, Yorkshire Terrier puppies have dainty legs, tiny paws, and an adorable face with a cute button nose. However, don’t tell them they’re so tiny because they think they are one of the big dogs! With their sassy, bold personalities, Yorkies make great watchdogs and like to let you know what’s going on with their vocalizations. They’re known for their stunning long, silky coats that will need to be cut or trimmed at a groomer every few weeks, but they are relatively low-maintenance dogs. Yorkie puppy owners appreciate their feisty, silly antics.
Judy says Yorkshire Terriers are smart little dogs that are loyal and devoted pets. Judy notes, “I have always loved Yorkies and have raised 5 little females and enjoyed them immensely.” She says a Yorkie is one of the most loyal, devoted breeds you’ll ever find. Judy tells a story about how bold and protective her beloved Yorkie Sweetie Pie was when faced with a large, mean red dog who wandered up to the house. Sweetie Pie was better than any huge Mastiff as a watchdog and protector. Even though she only weighed four pounds, she jumped off Judy’s lap to protect the kids and ran off the big dog, intimidating him. “She didn’t need me,” Judy says. “Sweetie Pie was watching and protecting the kids the whole time making sure they were cared for. She sounded the alarm.”
While Yorkies are amazing puppies, they can have their downside with their stubbornness. Judy says with a chuckle that when let out one last time before bed, Yorkies insist on sniffing every rock in the yard before going to the bathroom.
Shih Tzus
A Shih Tzu puppy is a perky, happy Toy breed that is a joy to be around. They have large eyes, short snouts, and silky hair. Shih Tzus are known for their funny, confident attitudes and loyal dispositions. They were originally bred as companion animals for the imperial families of the Ming and Qing dynasties. While they have expanded their popularity beyond palace doors, they still walk around with a regal air about them. Shih Tzus are adaptable to any lifestyle and can live up to 18 years, so they’ll be a steady presence for years as a member of the family.
Judy describes a Shih Tzu’s demeanor as always being happy-go-lucky. “Shih Tzus are hardy. No matter how many bad things get, they just enjoy the day. They like everybody instead of picking a particular special person. I don’t have anything negative about them. You can’t fault a dog like that because they’re too fun!” explains Judy.
Shorkies
If you think a Shorkie is a type of baby shark, you’d be partially correct when those little razor teeth start growing in and they become land sharks! A Shorkie is a combination of a Shih Tzu and a Yorkshire Terrier, a Shorkie to a parent breed, or 2 Shorkies. Both parent breeds have fun attitudes with a zest for life, so you can expect Shorkie puppies to be happy and eager to please their owners with their friendly dispositions. They’re small enough to be a portable companion, and they’ll enjoy the attention they attract with their cute faces and soft, silky hair.
Judy explains, “We had an accidental litter of Shorkies, and I’ve raised them ever since. They’re smart, loyal little dogs. They bring the best of both worlds together with their parents’ traits.”
Keeping Up With Past Customers
Judy loves hearing from people who have adopted her puppies. “I have past customers and even repeat customers. I enjoy hearing from them,” she says. Judy has some incredible stories of how her dogs have touched people’s lives in profound ways. Many of her puppies become therapy and emotional support dogs, making a difference in people’s lives.
While puppies leaving the kennel is always bittersweet, Judy knows she will continue a relationship with past customers. “People ask, ‘Don’t you hate to see them go?’ There was a time early on, but now I don’t. I laugh because they’re like grandkids: I can’t wait for them to get here, and I can’t wait for them to leave!” Judy jokes. “I’ve learned over the years to not let myself get too attached to them because they will form that bond with their new families.”
Judy is confident that her puppies will go on to lead wonderful lives with their new families and keeps the communication lines open. “Customers have my number, and I’m always available. I want them to keep in touch. It’s always a gift when I’m having a bad day, open my phone, and see a picture from a little guy who is now 5-6 years old.” Judy receives messages with new puppy updates, first birthday pictures, and even 10-year-old birthday pictures!
A few special moments have stood out to Judy. She notes a time when a teenager and a mother were at odds and having issues communicating. She was asked her opinion about having a puppy to bridge the gap. “Having a puppy is a middle ground. No matter how mad you get at someone, when that puppy does something cute, it becomes an open door for communication and begins a healing process as well, making great progress,” says Judy.
Judy also received a phone call from a woman whose husband had passed away. They had adopted a Shorkie from Judy years ago, and sadly, the Shorkie passed away as well. She wanted to get another puppy. “These little dogs bring so much joy to our world, especially in the chaotic world we live in,” notes Judy about the healing power of puppy companionship.
A puppy is a lifelong commitment
Judy knows how important it is for potential puppy parents to be responsible dog owners. “I want to remind potential customers that when you get a puppy, that’s a lifetime commitment. You’re looking at hopefully a 12-14+ year commitment through good times and bad times. The good times will outweigh the bad. The best part is you’re getting a best friend who will love you through thick and thin. Take on the responsibility to see it through,” Judy says.
How Pawrade Gives the Gift of Time To Breeders Like Judy
There are many avenues to sell puppies, whether they are reputable or unregulated. “I sold to a broker and did not like that at all,” says Judy. “I have a responsibility to know my puppies are landing in a good home. Pawrade vets that my puppies go to good homes. I appreciate that Pawrade holds our feet to the fire and makes sure we do it the right way. It’s a win-win for everyone, and I am thankful for the opportunity.”
Selling puppies independently is much more difficult when trying to do it on her own. “Selling on the internet is very time-consuming,” Judy explains. She notes that puppy scams are on the rise. By partnering with Pawrade, “I don’t have to worry about trying to convince a customer for two hours that we’re not a scam. There are so many scams out there, and customers want to know who to trust.” Judy says, “Pawrade ensures the customer can enjoy the process and not have in the back of their mind, ‘Oh my gosh, did I just send money to someone and I’m never going to get a puppy?’ They know they can trust you, they can trust me.” Pawrade will answer questions, help customers in any way, and relay pictures for Judy and our breeder partners.
Judy also notes a partnership with Pawrade comes with broad marketing and advertising. “It’s exciting to see my puppies online when they scroll across the bottom of the screen. I can’t afford to do that on my own in such a widespread area,” notes Judy. “Marketing takes a lot of time. Working with Pawrade is like having a gift to have that time back. It takes so much responsibility off you of always being available on the phone, getting distracted while doing what needs to be done, taking a big chunk out of your day, especially when you can’t predict what the day will look like,” explains Judy.
Pawrade’s Network of Reputable Breeders
Judy is part of an extensive Pawrade family of trustworthy breeders we screen and hand-select so you can focus on finding your dream puppy while we take care of the rest. Pawrade has created a seamless, scam-free puppy adoption experience facilitated by a secure transaction management system that also serves as a communication hub. Each puppy adopted through Pawrade comes with a comprehensive 3-year health guarantee, a health certificate, vaccination records, and 30 days of MetLife Insurance. We are with you every step of the way throughout your puppy adoption journey, answering any questions you may have, arranging communication with your breeder after the sale, and keeping you informed of their progress and next steps.
See the difference between finding a puppy on your own and tapping into our network of pre-screened breeders like Judy who take a puppy-first approach to raising happy, healthy puppies for sale. We can’t wait to work with you, so contact us today to find your new four-legged best friend!
