✅ 1) Feed for Fertility (and don’t unbalance it)

Heavy breeding demand is hard work metabolically, and Marty stresses that nutrition is the foundation of semen quality.

• Feed a proven, research-backed diet (she recommendsPurina Pro Plan Sport 30/20orRoyal Canin HT-42D).

• Avoid “helpful” add-ins that actually disrupt hormones — especiallyflaxseed, because it containsphytoestrogens.

• Don’t over-supplement. Most fertility supplements havelittle science behind them, and people often unintentionally unbalance an already complete diet.

Bottom line: a balanced, consistent diet supports semen volume, motility, and longevity.

✅ 2) Manage stress + temperature + rest

Stud dogs working hard often experience:

• stress

• loss of appetite

• environmental impacts on sperm quality

Marty notes semen quality is affected by:

• being toohot or cold

• overexertion / too much stimulation

• stress from being surrounded by bitches in heat

So:

• keep him comfortable (climate control matters)

• make sure he’ssleeping

• if he won’t eat,tempt him(chicken in the bowl is fine — the goal is calories and nutrients)

Bottom line: a stud dog can’t produce quality semen if he’s not eating, resting and staying comfortable.

✅ 3) Use smart scheduling: timing beats frequency

Instead of multiple breedings “because she’s standing,” Marty recommends:

• Require progesterone timingso breedings are targeted

• Useone breeding(maybe two), at the correct time

• Avoid exhausting the dog with daily/every-other-day breedingsbefore ovulation even happens

She emphasizes:

• ovulation typically aroundprogesterone 4–10

• peak fertility is abouttwo days after ovulation

Bottom line: progesterone timing protects the stud dog, improves pregnancy success, and prevents “emptying the tank.”