Building Successful Partnerships with Private Breeders for Working Dog Programs – Presented by Laura Edwards

The success of working dog programs across both government agencies and service dog organizations relies critically on accessing high-quality canines with specific traits and capabilities. This presentation examines the intersection of breeding partnerships that serve multiple sectors, from law enforcement and detection work to service and guide dog programs, offering valuable insights from diverse successful collaborations with private breeders across international markets.

Drawing from real-world examples from private breeders that supply dogs to government agencies (including police K9 units, conservation detection teams, and search and rescue operations) as well as established service dog organizations like Sunrise Service Dogs, we will explore how different sectors can adapt and apply proven partnership strategies. The discussion will highlight how successful breeding programs navigate varying requirements while maintaining consistent quality across different working dog disciplines.

Key Topics:

• Comparative selection criteria between government/detection work and service dog programs
• International case studies of breeders successfully serving multiple sectors
• Specialized health and temperament considerations for different working roles
• Cross-sector quality assurance protocols and standards
• Contractual frameworks that accommodate various program needs
• Expectations and reciprocal responsibilities in breeder-program partnerships

Coming soon.