Posts in Education
What Every Doodle Breeder Should Know About Inherited Eye Disorders

Most doodle breeders reference eye health testing, few actually understand what the science says, or where it falls short. The gold-standard ACVO Blue Book was written entirely for purebred dogs, which means applying it to designer breeds requires a fundamentally different conversation. Here's what hybrid vigor actually means for inherited eye disease, and where it doesn't protect your puppy at all.

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Preventing UTIs in Puppies: A Breeder’s Guide to Early Urinary Health, Routine Design, and Holistic Support

Most puppy UTIs don't happen by accident — they happen during a predictable window, triggered by a specific combination of routine, environment, and timing that most new owners never see coming. The frustrating part? Nearly all of them are preventable. This guide breaks down the exact system we use at Stokeshire to protect puppies through their most vulnerable transition.

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The Stokeshire Yard Protocol : A layered approach to flea and tick control that starts at the source

Most flea problems are yard problems, not dog problems. The Stokeshire Yard Protocol is a seven-step, layered approach that targets fleas where 95% of them actually live: in your yard. From beneficial nematodes to habitat modification, here's the system we built to reduce parasite pressure at the source.

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Flying with a Psychiatric Service Dog: Your Complete Guide

For many families, a dog is more than a pet—they’re a source of comfort, grounding, and steady companionship. But when a dog is trained to perform specific tasks that support a mental health disability, they become something even more profound: a Psychiatric Service Dog (PSD). With this designation comes life-changing support and important protections, especially when it comes to air travel.

At Stokeshire, we work with families seeking puppies with calm, intuitive, highly trainable temperaments—traits that make for exceptional service dogs. If you’re exploring whether a PSD is right for you, how to qualify, or what airlines require, this guide will help you navigate each step with confidence.

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Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) in Dogs: A Guide for Breeders and Owners

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a rare but aggressive cancer of the blood and bone marrow in dogs. While most breeders and families will never encounter it, knowing the early warning signs — such as sudden fatigue, pale gums, unexplained bruising, or persistent fevers — can help ensure prompt veterinary care. Because AML is usually a spontaneous, non-hereditary disease, responsible breeders focus on clear recordkeeping, open communication with puppy families, and compassionate support if a case ever arises.

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EducationJames StokesCancer
Everything You Need to Know About MDR1 for Australian Mountain Dogs & Doodles

At Stokeshire, we believe MDR1 awareness should give you confidence, not concern. The MDR1 gene simply affects how some dogs process a few specific medications—it’s easy to test for, simple to manage, and doesn’t limit your puppy’s ability to live a happy, active life. Learn what it means, how we keep your dog safe, and why you can relax knowing we’ve got it covered.

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