50. The ex-dog breeder shares his experiences

He saw the opportunity in the new microchip law effective from Sep 1, 2007. All Singapore dogs must be microchipped before they can obtain their licence. Otherwise a fine of $5,000 for not possessing a dog licence. Apparently all dogs 3 months and above. Spayed and neutered males are charged around $14.00. Intact ones pay around $75.00.

Now, the dilemma of the Singapore puppy owners is that they can't get the cheaper rate of $14.00 because the puppy is too young to be sterilised at 3 months of age. Maybe they can't find a vet who is willing to do it. So there must be some grumbles at the need to pay $75.00 in this case.

From what I hear from a pet shop operator, they now pay $14.00 from month 3 - 6, get the dog sterilised and extend the "validity" of the licence. Failing to sterilise means that they have to pay $75 at month 6. I don't know whether this is a new policy?

In any case, one ex-dog breeder sourced his microchips and got them approved by the regulatory authorities with letter of proof to show me. He dropped his price lower than his competitors. He went to all pet shops, vets and every relevant prospect.

I had a microchip scanner which could not read. I rushed out to NTUC Toa Payoh and bought a battery. The scanner could not work. The message said "powering down" after one successful scan.

I asked my man to look into it. He sent it to Funan computer centre and was told that the scanner needed to be sent to the U.S as there is no spare part.

The ex-dog breeder was willing to help. He took out his "Made in USA Energiser battery", 9V from his scanner which he also sells. His diagnosis was spot on. There was nothing wrong with the scanner!

"You bought a rechargeable battery," the ex-dog breeder patiently explained. Maybe it was not charged. Buy a 'Made in the U.S' battery similar to mine." A very helpful salesperson. He built a lot of goodwill and it was quite embarrassing.



He was a breeder of 50 dogs 8 years ago but his advices still remain relevant today. These are:

1. Hygiene is paramount. Weekly disinfection of the crates and the floors below because parvovirus are "air borne" in big breeding areas.

2. Crated dogs above ground level. So, easier to disinfect flooring below.

3. Vaccination must be done regularly. Many breeders forget after a while. So more viruses come in.

4. Good quality breeds. No point breeding Jack Russells. Maltese and Shih Tzus of good quality are in demand.

5. 24-hour or very close monitoring of breeding dams 58-60 days. Be available to help the dam not able to give birth. Every puppy lost is money down the drain.

6. "How do you control ticks?" I asked.
Use a brand (name given). Not toxic to dogs and puppies (that what the brand label stated). Wash dog frequently. So tick population reduced. So, less ticks.

7. Crates above floor level is one way to reduce tick population but regular check up is necessary.