What is a Guardian Home?

The Guardian Program serves as a vital avenue for us to expand our program while maintaining the utmost well-being of our beloved dogs. We aim to provide them with the love and attention they deserve without compromise. Recognizing our limitations, we acknowledge that individualized care in a nurturing environment is essential for our dogs’ happiness. As a guardian home, you become the permanent family for one of our breeding dogs throughout their time in our program. Following their retirement and spaying/neutering, ownership is officially transferred to the guardian family, granting them a lifelong companion. Embracing the role of a Guardian Home affords you the chance to welcome one of our puppies or young adults into your family. Through the Guardian Program, we prioritize ensuring our dogs lead fulfilling lives in homes filled with affection, providing them with optimal one-on-one attention.

Does it Cost to Become a Guardian?

Yes. You can rest assured that you will receive a top-quality dog carefully hand-selected by our team to continue in our program. Your upfront cost is $1,000.

What About Transportation?

Guardians are accountable for all transportation arrangements to and from our facilities. In the case of a female, it is the guardian’s responsibility to ensure she is taken to the vet for an ultrasound if they are unable to bring her to us for the procedure.

What Expenses are Guardian Families Responsible for?

Guardians are entrusted with the complete care of their canine companions, which encompasses fulfilling their nutritional needs through the provision of food, treats, toys, and more. Additionally, they are tasked with ensuring the dog receives routine veterinary attention that is unrelated to breeding. This entails maintaining up-to-date vaccinations, administering flea and tick medications, as well as heartworm prevention, with all associated costs falling on the guardians. Moreover, guardians are obligated to cover grooming expenses unless they choose to undertake this task independently.

What are Some of the Requirements to Become a Guardian Home?

When taking on the responsibility of caring for a dog, it is important to commit to teaching basic commands such as sit, stay, lay down, “no”, quiet, and leave it.

Positive reinforcement should be the sole method used for training.

Potty training and crate training should ideally be completed by the time the dog reaches 9 months of age.

The dog should be kept indoors as a family pet and not be left to live outside.

Until fully vaccinated (usually around 16 weeks), the dog should be kept away from areas where other dogs congregate and should not interact with unfamiliar dogs.

Socializing the dog with both dogs and people is essential.

Adequate exercise and mental stimulation must be provided.

Transportation to and from the breeder should be feasible with a notice of 24-36 hours.

Effective communication and cooperation with the breeder are crucial.

In case of a serious illness or accident, the breeder should be contacted promptly.

Participation in another breeder’s guardian home program for the same breeds is not permitted while engaging with our program.

While a fenced yard is preferred, it is not mandatory.

What is the Breeder Responsible for?

After receipt of $1,000, provide guardian families with a healthy dog, covering expenses such as health testing, breeding-related costs (such as progesterone testing and semen collection), and the spay/neuter upon retirement.

Educate the guardians on detecting a heat cycle and caring for a pregnant dog if needed.

Additionally, offer financial support per litter, lifetime assistance for the dog, and a commitment to rehoming the dog if the guardian family is unable to provide care.

Does it Confuse or Negatively Impact the Dog Going Back and Forth?

Initially, pets often experience a moment of perplexity, questioning the sudden change and wondering about the whereabouts of their family. However, our team ensures that within 1-2 hours, the animals begin to settle in comfortably. We go to great lengths to provide them with a “home away from home” experience, showering them with ample attention. Our guardian dogs are an integral part of our family and share our living space, even opting to share our beds if they so desire. Remember, your demeanor during the transition can significantly impact your pet’s adjustment process. A calm disposition can help alleviate your furry companion’s anxiety, as they may mirror your emotions. Be mindful of your sentiments when bidding farewell, as your pet is likely to reflect your emotional state accordingly.

Are there Specific Grooming Requirements?

We do not require you to keep a specific groom or cut for your dog, but it is essential that the dog’s coat is well maintained to prevent matting. Regular brushing and grooming are necessary practices to uphold. During the time your dog spends with us, we hold the authority to provide grooming and bathing services to guarantee their cleanliness, particularly after giving birth. Our dogs play a crucial role as ambassadors for our breeding program; therefore, they should be maintained in top condition as we often capture images while they are under our care. We highly appreciate receiving updated pictures from our guardian families, as we enjoy sharing them with others who appreciate our breeding efforts.

What Happens if I Decide I Don’t Want my Dog Bred?

Becoming a guardian home for one of our dogs is a significant responsibility that necessitates careful consideration. It is crucial to understand that we maintain complete legal ownership of the dog until their retirement from our program, and guardians are obligated to adhere to the terms of the contract. Our dogs are meticulously chosen for their exceptional quality to enhance and advance our program. It is essential to remember that being a guardian home is a commitment that may not suit everyone. Prospective guardians are encouraged to contemplate this decision thoughtfully.

Do We Have to Feed a Specific Food or Treats?

We don’t mandate a certain brand of dog food, but we do insist that it’s rated a minimum of 3.5 stars on Dog Food Advisor. Additionally, please avoid grain-free options. Ideally, our dogs would be on Royal Canin or Blue Buffalo pet food or are given quality, home-cooked meals. Treats don’t have strict guidelines, but we prefer high-quality options, excluding items like “Ol Roy” or rawhide selections.

What Happens if My Dog isn’t Suitable for Breeding?

If your dog is deemed unsuitable for breeding by either us or one of our veterinarians, then the dog will be retired from our program. In such cases, you will not be required to pay any additional fees. However, you will need to cover the expenses for spaying or neutering. Following this, full ownership of the dog will be transferred to you.

What are the Benefits to Being a Guardian Home?

You are getting a top quality dog.

The dog will be health tested at the breeder’s expense.

Families are allowed to visit their female and her puppies.

Monetary compensation for each litter is provided.

The breeder pays for spay or neuter services.

Guardians with females get to name the puppies in her litters.

Once retired and spayed/neutered, full rights and ownership are transferred to you.

Knowing your canine companion is blessing families all over the country.

We consider all of our puppy/dog owners family, but when you become a guardian you are truly part of our team.