To anyone with any knowledge on this subject,

I have an 18 month old K.C. registered Black Cocker bought from a great breeder. He is well behaved and of a good temperament kept only as a pet. I'd like to consider studding him primarily to get one or two puppies for my retiring parents who love him like a grandchild. Obviously though even at a discount from breeders prices there is a bit of money to be made for further "appointments"

Do private studding arrangements take place regionally and if so what is the best way to meet bitch owners?

Guest you need to have any health tests applicable to the breed done before considering it ethical to use him at stud. You also need to have him proved as a good example of his breed either working or show. You need to find an owner of a bitch willing to risk their bitches reputation on an unproven dog and you need to make provision for the visiting bitches. A kennel well away from the place the dog is housed, a spare room for the bitches handler and as a novice someone who will organise the mating process for you.

To be fair with you it would be easier to buy your parents a dog from your dogs breeder and keep your dog as a family pet. It may all go well but it is possible that your dogs character will change to make him difficult to have within the home or he could be injured.

You should also be aware that being used at stud could alter your boys temperament.Hi could become dominant and may also start to mark his territory...i.e. urinate IN your house.
You must also be aware that you are responsible for all of the puppies for all of their lives.If one is unwanted by its new owners at 6 months old because it chews and is not house trained this IS YOUR problem.
A stud dog owner is also responsible for the mating.You would have to be willing to assist the stud in his duties.This can mean physical intervention in helping the dog enter the bitch...do you have the expertise for this?
Archer

Do you really want your great pet to develop into a dog whose prime interest is inspecting the rear end of every dog he meets.  If you think the cursory sniff he probably gives most dogs now is embarassing, just wait until he's had a bitch!  He'll zoom in on every dog or bitch he sees, practically lifting them off their legs.  If a bitch in season has passed his way, he may then see every male in the immediate area as competition to be got rid of.  Just a whiff in the grass or in the air of a bitch in season and the words "well-behaved" will be a distant memory!

What he has never had, he won't miss.  You bought him as a pet, and he is obviously doing that job very well.  His family is his main focus in life, that is why he is such a good pet.  Don't alter that focus.   Leave the breeding to people who are set up to deal with it.

I won't reiterate what the pthers have said, but for your and other peoples information a dog is not put out at stud.  It is the owners of bitches that decide which is the best mate for their girls in order to improve and consolidate theri virtues.  In order to satisfy theor owners yoru dog will need to be outstanding, not judt nice.  for this to be the case he will need to have a good track record in the showring or field, and the bitch owners will have needed to see him, as no one will know otherwise that he even exists :D

To be honest the only say that the stud owner has is twhether to accept or to refuse a bitch if he/she thinks the match is not good.

Agree Brainless, as I have found in the past you are either saying your bitch is not compatable or the dog is not good enough.

In addition to the good advice given so far, you might also find this article useful

Jane

well thought out piece Jane