In the aftermath of Crufts various people around the web have been attacking dog breeders once again, highlighting some of the problems that Jemima Harrison’s provocative documentary Pedigree Dogs Exposed raised.
As someone involved in dog breeding I know just how important it is to breed healthy, happy dogs. You can’t put success in the show ring ahead of that.
Still, there isn’t a very nuanced discussion going on at the moment. Too many voices are attacking breeders without actually foregrounding the good work that some breeders are doing.
Unfortunately, the disreputable breeders have tainted us all with their brush.
This is where blogging and crisis management comes in.
It doesn’t matter what your business is, whether it’s dogs or dinning tables. When someone starts to attack you in public you need to use the information you’ve got to protect your (online) reputation.
If you’re a dog breeder, for example, why not include a blog as part of your kennel website. Discuss the health tests you put your dogs through on your site. Clearly state that your dogs are not inbreed to such a high degree as some breeders, if that’s the case. Show their pedigrees so people can see this.
This kind of strategy can be applied to your business, no matter what industry you work in. Crisis management means getting involved. Silence isn’t an option anymore because people will blog or tweet on without you.
By getting involved you’re telling your side of the story. You’re not just letting the likes of Jemima Harrison have their say.
If you’re a dog breeder and want to know more about how to use a blog to promote your kennel and healthy dogs, you’re very welcome to contact me. I’m happy to help get you started.
Image: Flickr CC
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Jon,
What’s your breed, is it Standard Poodles? We used to breed Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. We’ve retired from showing and breeding but still have a house full of dogs. Great pro-active post!
I’m a basset hound breeder. I currently have a house full of four adults and a couple of pups left over from a litter of 8 born in January.
I go to shows to keep in touch with the breed but I’m very wary of the show scene. I think it’s better to breed a litter of healthy pups by outcrossing rather than line-breeding (inbreeding) for one or two “special” show types.