The Good Breeder Spotlight Column: Kim
Good Breeder Kim Norcott believes that life isn't complete without the unconditional love of a dog. Learn how she pours that same love and devotion into her breeding program and the lasting relationships she builds with her puppy buyers.
Good Dog is on a mission to educate the public, support dog breeders, and promote canine health so we can give our dogs the world they deserve.
Good Dog is on a mission to educate the public, support dog breeders, and promote canine health so we can give our dogs the world they deserve.
The Good Breeder Spotlight Column is a place to share the stories that matter most...YOURS!
Each month, we’ll be spotlighting a new member of our Good Breeder community. We created this column to amplify your voices, recognize the incredible work and sacrifices you make for the dogs we love, and provide you with a safe space to share your unique breeding stories.
We’re so excited to introduce you to this month’s Good Breeder columnist, Kim Norcott of NoodleDoodles LLC!
Good Dog is on a mission to educate the public, support dog breeders, and promote canine health so we can give our dogs the world they deserve.
Kim Norcott, Good Breeder of Australian Labradoodles
Good Dog: Tell us a little bit about yourself and your background with dogs.
Kim Norcott: I grew up with dogs. My parents loved dogs and had many different breeds - from Dalmatians to your everyday all-American mutt! I struggled with severe anxiety as a child and my dogs were always there to comfort me and love me unconditionally. My husband never had pets and was not fond of dogs, but finally, I convinced him that our children would be missing out on many life lessons, and this tangible example of unconditional love without the companionship of a dog. Thus, my journey as a breeder began!
GD: What made you want to become a dog breeders?
KN: Our family had the opportunity and privilege to become a guardian home for a friend’s breeding dog. Not only was I able to love and train this dog, but my friend allowed me to be a part of the breeding process, from mating to whelping the pups. The experience was one of the greatest experiences of my life. I fell in love with every single puppy and letting them go to their forever homes almost broke my heart. But, because of the connections I made with the families, trainers and other breeders, I could not deny there was something very special about this community of dog lovers and breeders; more than just having puppies. Seeing the elderly smile and embrace a puppy like a child brought tears to my eyes, observing an autistic child pick up a puppy and cuddle with it using words like “I love you” filled my heart with joy. Breeding was so rewarding, and I knew this was what I wanted to do “when I grew-up!”
GD: Describe your program to us. What makes it special?
KN: I am a small hobby breeder, which means I only have one to two litters a year. I do this because I want to make sure that each puppy gets the undivided attention, socialization, training and care it deserves. To ensure that I invest everything I have in each puppy I breed and raise, I keep my program small, which also allows me to make multiple visits to nursing homes with my pups.
I start with healthy breeding dogs, which I confirm through blood tests, hip testing, cardiac testing etc. I personally groom each one of my breeding dogs to continue building my relationship with them. I have learned that any breeding program is only as successful and as healthy as their breeding dogs and the families who love them.
A big part of my program involves relationship building. Once pregnant, I send monthly updates to the families with the development of the pups, and at six weeks, they all get copies of the ultrasound picture. Throughout the 63 days of pregnancy, I am in constant contact with my potential puppy owners. I continue those relationships throughout the lifetime of the dog, and sometimes beyond. This journey for me is about the relationships built between me, the families and the dogs. We honestly all become family.
“Good Dog has allowed my program to be known, and I have met a lot of great people and families through Good Dog who are now a part of my NoodleDoodle family. ”
GD: What initially drew you to your breed, and what do you love about them?
KN: My husband was not fond of dogs and one reason for this was because he was born with terrible asthma. We did a lot of research on dogs, and found that dogs that have hair, like the Australian Labradoodle, are less likely to cause allergic responses in people with allergies and asthma. Some people like to say that Doodles are hypoallergenic, however, this isn't true. No dog is truly hypoallergenic, but these dogs have been proven to cause less reactions in people who struggle with allergies and asthma. The other reason I chose the Australian Labradoodle was because they were breed in Australia in the 1980’s for the specific purpose of being used as therapy dogs. They have established, multigenerational lines, and we have a breed standard according to the American Labradoodle Association of America. In addition to being a good match for people with allergies, they're highly intelligent, intuitive, outgoing, and very easy to train.
GD: How did you begin learning about breeding? What were some of your resources?
KN: The friend of mine who helped me begin my breeding journey introduced me to the basics, and then I became an avid learner and researcher. I took numerous online seminars with the American Kennel Club, Avidog, Good Dog, The American Labradoodle Association of America, renowned trainer Susan Garett (Shaped by Dog), and Alliance of Therapy Dogs. I began connecting with other breeders to learn what they do and how they care for their breeding dogs and puppies, and I have been blessed with a great mentor, who has been breeding of ALD for years. I continue my education through on the ongoing reading of materials published on breeding and whelping, because learning never stops.
GD: What brought you to Good Dog, and how has being a Good Breeder impacted your breeding program?
KN: I stumbled across Good Dog when I first began my breeding program, and loved what Good Dog stood for: the welfare of the dogs and the breeders. All breeders need to be responsible, and held responsible by organizations like Good Dog, for the lives they help bring into this world. Good Dog has allowed my program to be known, and I have met a lot of great people and families through Good Dog who are now a part of my the NoodleDoodle family.
GD: If there was one misconception you could clear up about dog breeders, what would it be?
KN: Good Breeders are not in it for money! Good Breeders don’t make a lot of money. They are constantly reinvesting into their program and into the health and well-being of their dogs and puppies. Good Breeders breed because they love their breed and their dogs; they want to help create and raise better dogs for future generations. Good Breeders care for, love and nurture each puppy as if they were their own child. Good Breeders are truly invested in each life they help to bring into this world, and would do anything to assure the well-being, longevity and happiness of both the dog and the family who adopts them.
GD: Looking to the future of breeding, what do you hope it looks like in 20 years?
KN: I hope breeding and breeders will be looked upon in a more favorable light and be accepted and esteemed. There is a place for good, ethical breeding, which will result in healthier, intelligent and compassionate canines. The goal of a Good Breeder is to get rid of the undesirable traits and mutations by understanding the genetics of each dog and selecting the best genetics possible for breeding purposes. This is ultimately a good thing for the future of canines and people alike. I hope in 20 years, people understand the importance of accepting Good Breeders.