What is a guardian program?
The guardian program allows us to grow our program and continue to better the breed without sacrificing any of our dogs happiness and need for love and attention. While we want to keep all of our dogs with us, we understand that they will be happier with more one-on-one attention than we can give them.
As a guardian home, you are the permanent home for one of our breeding dogs while they are in our program. Once they are retired (and spayed/neutered at our expense), full ownership transfers to the guardian family and they get to keep the dog forever.
Becoming a Guardian Home gives you the opportunity to have one of our puppies or young adults as a family pet while she remains in our program at no upfront cost to you!
By offering the guardian program, we are able to ensure that our dogs get to live the best possible lives in a loving, caring home where they receive as much one on one attention as possible.
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE REQUIREMENTS TO BECOME A GUARDIAN HOME?
Teach basic commands such as sit, stay, lay-down, “no”, quiet, and leave it as well as how to walk politely on a leash
Must be willing and able to train using positive reinforcement only
Potty train and crate train the dog if they are not already
Keep the dog as an indoor family pet and never allow them to live outside
Keep the dog off of the ground where other dogs frequent (dog parks, pet stores, etc) and away from unknown dogs until the dog is fully vaccinated (around 16 weeks)
Be willing and able to socialize the dog with other dogs as well as people
Provide adequate exercise and mental stimulation
Be able to bring the dog to and from the breeder within 24-36hr notice
Must be able to communicate, cooperate, and coordinate with the breeder effectively
Contact the breeder in the event of any serious illness or accident
You may not be a guardian home for a different breeder (with the same breeds) while participating in our program
Fenced in yard is preferred, but not required
WHAT EXPENSES ARE GUARDIAN FAMILIES RESPONSIBLE FOR?
Guardians are responsible for all “regular” dog care including providing food, treats, toys, etc. They are also responsible for normal vet care that is not breeding related. The dog must be kept UTD on all shots, flea and tick meds, and heartworm meds at guardians expense. Guardians are also required to pay for grooming unless they opt to do it themselves.
WHAT ABOUT TRANSPORTATION?
Guardians are responsible for all transportation to and from us. Depending on distances, we may agree to meet at the vet for things like the ultrasound and x-rays.
WHAT IS THE BREEDER RESPONSIBLE FOR?
Provide guardian family with a healthy dog at no cost
Pay for health testing
Pay for all breeding related expenses (ie progesterone testing, semen collection, etc)
Teaching the guardian family how to detect a heat cycle and how to care for a pregnant dog if they don’t already know
Pay for the spay/neuter upon retirement
Pay a monetary sum per litter
Provide lifetime support for the dog
Always be willing to take the dog back if the guardian family can no longer care for them
DOES IT CONFUSE OR NEGATIVELY IMPACT THE DOG GOING BACK AND FORTH?
Initially, they may be slightly confused wondering, “Where’s my family going?”, but typically within 1-2 hours they are settled in. We try extremely hard to make sure that they are as comfortable as possible at their “home away from home” by giving them a lot of extra attention. It is also why we keep our guardian dogs in our home with us, as part of the family! We even allow them to sleep in bedroom with us.
Please take into consideration that you may also play a role in how quickly your dog adjusts. The more relaxed she is, the less stressed out she will be.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I DECIDE I DON’T WANT MY DOG BRED?
Becoming a guardian home for one of our dogs is a huge commitment and a decision that should not be made lightly. Please keep in mind that we are retain full legal ownership of the dog until they are retired from our program and guardians have a legal obligation to follow the contract. Our dogs are very high quality and have been hand selected to benefit and improve our program further.
Becoming a guardian home is not for everyone! Please consider this commitment carefully.
DO WE HAVE TO FEED A SPECIFIC FOOD OR TREATS?
We do not require a specific food to be fed, however, we do require it be rated at least 3.5 stars on Dog Food Advisor. It is also required that they are not fed a grain free food.
We do prefer that our dogs stay on Purina Pro Plan. If she is on a different food, then we would need you to provide the food so shes not switching food during this time.
For treats, we do not have any specific requirements, but they should be high quality. For example, no “Ol Roy” or rawhide treats.
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. You will not be required to pay any fees, but you will be required to pay for spay/neuter at your expense. After that, full ownership will transfer over to you.
BENEFITS TO BEING A GUARDIAN HOME
You are getting a top quality dog at no up front cost
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
The breeder pays for spay or neuter
Guardians with females get to name the puppies in her litters (we do reserve the right to vote certain names)
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
QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF BEFORE CONSIDERING THE GUARDIAN PROGRAM
CAN YOU BE WITHOUT YOUR GIRL WHILE SHE IS WITH US FOR BREEDING AND WHELPING?
Females will be generally be with us about a week during the breeding cycle, then again for about 8-9 weeks when they have puppies. This may happen up to two times a year.
ARE YOU PLANNING ON STAYING IN THE AREA?
As mentioned above, if you already know that you may be moving within the next few years, then the guardian program may not be the right fit for you.
CAN YOU PUT IN THE TIME AND COMMITMENT TO TRAINING YOUR DOG?
One thing that separates us from many breeders is that we try our best to treat our guardian dogs as part of the family. This means that they will live in our home while they’re with us.
To be able to do this, all dogs must have obedience training. At a minimum they should know how to sit, stay, lay-down, “no”, quiet, and leave it. Along with other basic manners (ie no jumping up, proper door etiquette (not bolting out), no counter surfing, etc).
They must also be housebroke and crate trained.
FAQ's
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN SHE GOES INTO HEAT?
As a guardian, you would be required to notify us immediately when she comes into heat, no matter the age. While we will not breed before 24 months old it does help give me an idea of when her next heat cycle is.
After 24 months, and heat begins we like to go in for the first progesterone test around day 3 of being notified, in case she is further along in her cycle than expected, however, this may vary.
It is EXTREMELY important to keep her away from any unaltered males during her cycle and to keep a close eye on her when she is outside. This can be around a 2-3 week period.
HOW LONG DOES SHE STAY WHILE IN HEAT?
This question depends greatly on both breeder and guardians schedules. As well as where the guardian is located. We typically do 2-4 progesterone tests depending on how quickly her levels are climbing.
If you are local to us and have a flexible schedule and are able to bring her to and from us, then she may not need to stay with us for her heat cycle, though she always can.
If you are further away or don’t have a flexible schedule, then she will need to stay with us (typically 5-7 days).
AT WHAT AGE WILL SHE START BREEDING?
Once she has completed all her certifications she is eligible to start breeding. The soonest she would begin would be her second heat cycle but might be her third.
HOW LONG ARE DOGS PREGNANT?
The typical gestation period for a dog is 63 days (give or take up to 4 days).
WHAT HAPPENS DURING PREGNANCY?
In general, pregnancy is relatively easy!
In the beginning, you will likely only notice minor changes. She may seem more tired at first and eat less. It may be necessary to add in something more appealing such as chicken or a high quality canned food to make sure she’s getting enough nutrients. Some girls may also have morning sickness the first few weeks as well. During the first half, her normal activity and exercise may be continued.
During the second half she should not be allowed to engage in rigorous activity, though it is still good for her to get more leisure exercise such as going for walks. Her appetite should also increase and it is important to increase her food intake. If she is picky, then you can continue to add mix-ins to her food. However, she should not be given any foods that are rich in calcium (ie cottage cheese, yogurt, etc).
While your dog is pregnant, she should not receive any vaccines, medications that are not approved by us, heartworm meds, or flea and tick meds.
HOW LONG DOES SHE STAY WHEN SHE HAS A LITTER?
We require our momma’s to come back 5-7 days prior to her expected whelping date. This gives her time to adjust being back in our home with us and also allows us to start monitoring her temperature so we have a better idea of when she may go into labor.
Once the puppies are born, she will need to stay with us about 7-8 weeks depending on how the weaning process is going. Puppies will stay the full 8 weeks, but we do have several dogs that are great in helping the puppies socialize so that mommas can return to their families.
CAN WE VISIT WHEN SHE HAS PUPPIES?
After the first 5-7 days, we do allow families to come visit up to once a week, if they would like. However, if we feel that it is confusing her or making it harder on her, then we may ask that you limit visits to every other week.
We stay very busy with our puppies and adult dogs and may not be available at certain times. Please be sure to schedule any visits ahead of time to make sure that we’re available!
HOW MANY LITTERS DO THEY HAVE BEFORE RETIRING?
Our females can have multiple litters per our contract. We do access each individual female and decide based on them. If they have difficulty delivering, have complications, aren’t attentive (ie no interest in puppies), or if our vet recommends that they should not have any more litters; then we will retire them from our program.
Our dogs health is always top priority over them whelping and raising puppies.
IS THERE ANY MONETARY COMPENSATION?
We understand how hard it can be to give your dog up for several weeks at a time. So as a “thank you” for working with us, we do offer compensation after each litter goes home.
As long as there are 5 or more puppies in the litter we will give $500 per litter.
The guardian program allows us to grow our program and continue to better the breed without sacrificing any of our dogs happiness and need for love and attention. While we want to keep all of our dogs with us, we understand that they will be happier with more one-on-one attention than we can give them.
As a guardian home, you are the permanent home for one of our breeding dogs while they are in our program. Once they are retired (and spayed/neutered at our expense), full ownership transfers to the guardian family and they get to keep the dog forever.
Becoming a Guardian Home gives you the opportunity to have one of our puppies or young adults as a family pet while she remains in our program at no upfront cost to you!
By offering the guardian program, we are able to ensure that our dogs get to live the best possible lives in a loving, caring home where they receive as much one on one attention as possible.
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE REQUIREMENTS TO BECOME A GUARDIAN HOME?
Teach basic commands such as sit, stay, lay-down, “no”, quiet, and leave it as well as how to walk politely on a leash
Must be willing and able to train using positive reinforcement only
Potty train and crate train the dog if they are not already
Keep the dog as an indoor family pet and never allow them to live outside
Keep the dog off of the ground where other dogs frequent (dog parks, pet stores, etc) and away from unknown dogs until the dog is fully vaccinated (around 16 weeks)
Be willing and able to socialize the dog with other dogs as well as people
Provide adequate exercise and mental stimulation
Be able to bring the dog to and from the breeder within 24-36hr notice
Must be able to communicate, cooperate, and coordinate with the breeder effectively
Contact the breeder in the event of any serious illness or accident
You may not be a guardian home for a different breeder (with the same breeds) while participating in our program
Fenced in yard is preferred, but not required
WHAT EXPENSES ARE GUARDIAN FAMILIES RESPONSIBLE FOR?
Guardians are responsible for all “regular” dog care including providing food, treats, toys, etc. They are also responsible for normal vet care that is not breeding related. The dog must be kept UTD on all shots, flea and tick meds, and heartworm meds at guardians expense. Guardians are also required to pay for grooming unless they opt to do it themselves.
WHAT ABOUT TRANSPORTATION?
Guardians are responsible for all transportation to and from us. Depending on distances, we may agree to meet at the vet for things like the ultrasound and x-rays.
WHAT IS THE BREEDER RESPONSIBLE FOR?
Provide guardian family with a healthy dog at no cost
Pay for health testing
Pay for all breeding related expenses (ie progesterone testing, semen collection, etc)
Teaching the guardian family how to detect a heat cycle and how to care for a pregnant dog if they don’t already know
Pay for the spay/neuter upon retirement
Pay a monetary sum per litter
Provide lifetime support for the dog
Always be willing to take the dog back if the guardian family can no longer care for them
DOES IT CONFUSE OR NEGATIVELY IMPACT THE DOG GOING BACK AND FORTH?
Initially, they may be slightly confused wondering, “Where’s my family going?”, but typically within 1-2 hours they are settled in. We try extremely hard to make sure that they are as comfortable as possible at their “home away from home” by giving them a lot of extra attention. It is also why we keep our guardian dogs in our home with us, as part of the family! We even allow them to sleep in bedroom with us.
Please take into consideration that you may also play a role in how quickly your dog adjusts. The more relaxed she is, the less stressed out she will be.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I DECIDE I DON’T WANT MY DOG BRED?
Becoming a guardian home for one of our dogs is a huge commitment and a decision that should not be made lightly. Please keep in mind that we are retain full legal ownership of the dog until they are retired from our program and guardians have a legal obligation to follow the contract. Our dogs are very high quality and have been hand selected to benefit and improve our program further.
Becoming a guardian home is not for everyone! Please consider this commitment carefully.
DO WE HAVE TO FEED A SPECIFIC FOOD OR TREATS?
We do not require a specific food to be fed, however, we do require it be rated at least 3.5 stars on Dog Food Advisor. It is also required that they are not fed a grain free food.
We do prefer that our dogs stay on Purina Pro Plan. If she is on a different food, then we would need you to provide the food so shes not switching food during this time.
For treats, we do not have any specific requirements, but they should be high quality. For example, no “Ol Roy” or rawhide treats.
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. You will not be required to pay any fees, but you will be required to pay for spay/neuter at your expense. After that, full ownership will transfer over to you.
BENEFITS TO BEING A GUARDIAN HOME
You are getting a top quality dog at no up front cost
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
The breeder pays for spay or neuter
Guardians with females get to name the puppies in her litters (we do reserve the right to vote certain names)
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
QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF BEFORE CONSIDERING THE GUARDIAN PROGRAM
CAN YOU BE WITHOUT YOUR GIRL WHILE SHE IS WITH US FOR BREEDING AND WHELPING?
Females will be generally be with us about a week during the breeding cycle, then again for about 8-9 weeks when they have puppies. This may happen up to two times a year.
ARE YOU PLANNING ON STAYING IN THE AREA?
As mentioned above, if you already know that you may be moving within the next few years, then the guardian program may not be the right fit for you.
CAN YOU PUT IN THE TIME AND COMMITMENT TO TRAINING YOUR DOG?
One thing that separates us from many breeders is that we try our best to treat our guardian dogs as part of the family. This means that they will live in our home while they’re with us.
To be able to do this, all dogs must have obedience training. At a minimum they should know how to sit, stay, lay-down, “no”, quiet, and leave it. Along with other basic manners (ie no jumping up, proper door etiquette (not bolting out), no counter surfing, etc).
They must also be housebroke and crate trained.
FAQ's
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN SHE GOES INTO HEAT?
As a guardian, you would be required to notify us immediately when she comes into heat, no matter the age. While we will not breed before 24 months old it does help give me an idea of when her next heat cycle is.
After 24 months, and heat begins we like to go in for the first progesterone test around day 3 of being notified, in case she is further along in her cycle than expected, however, this may vary.
It is EXTREMELY important to keep her away from any unaltered males during her cycle and to keep a close eye on her when she is outside. This can be around a 2-3 week period.
HOW LONG DOES SHE STAY WHILE IN HEAT?
This question depends greatly on both breeder and guardians schedules. As well as where the guardian is located. We typically do 2-4 progesterone tests depending on how quickly her levels are climbing.
If you are local to us and have a flexible schedule and are able to bring her to and from us, then she may not need to stay with us for her heat cycle, though she always can.
If you are further away or don’t have a flexible schedule, then she will need to stay with us (typically 5-7 days).
AT WHAT AGE WILL SHE START BREEDING?
Once she has completed all her certifications she is eligible to start breeding. The soonest she would begin would be her second heat cycle but might be her third.
HOW LONG ARE DOGS PREGNANT?
The typical gestation period for a dog is 63 days (give or take up to 4 days).
WHAT HAPPENS DURING PREGNANCY?
In general, pregnancy is relatively easy!
In the beginning, you will likely only notice minor changes. She may seem more tired at first and eat less. It may be necessary to add in something more appealing such as chicken or a high quality canned food to make sure she’s getting enough nutrients. Some girls may also have morning sickness the first few weeks as well. During the first half, her normal activity and exercise may be continued.
During the second half she should not be allowed to engage in rigorous activity, though it is still good for her to get more leisure exercise such as going for walks. Her appetite should also increase and it is important to increase her food intake. If she is picky, then you can continue to add mix-ins to her food. However, she should not be given any foods that are rich in calcium (ie cottage cheese, yogurt, etc).
While your dog is pregnant, she should not receive any vaccines, medications that are not approved by us, heartworm meds, or flea and tick meds.
HOW LONG DOES SHE STAY WHEN SHE HAS A LITTER?
We require our momma’s to come back 5-7 days prior to her expected whelping date. This gives her time to adjust being back in our home with us and also allows us to start monitoring her temperature so we have a better idea of when she may go into labor.
Once the puppies are born, she will need to stay with us about 7-8 weeks depending on how the weaning process is going. Puppies will stay the full 8 weeks, but we do have several dogs that are great in helping the puppies socialize so that mommas can return to their families.
CAN WE VISIT WHEN SHE HAS PUPPIES?
After the first 5-7 days, we do allow families to come visit up to once a week, if they would like. However, if we feel that it is confusing her or making it harder on her, then we may ask that you limit visits to every other week.
We stay very busy with our puppies and adult dogs and may not be available at certain times. Please be sure to schedule any visits ahead of time to make sure that we’re available!
HOW MANY LITTERS DO THEY HAVE BEFORE RETIRING?
Our females can have multiple litters per our contract. We do access each individual female and decide based on them. If they have difficulty delivering, have complications, aren’t attentive (ie no interest in puppies), or if our vet recommends that they should not have any more litters; then we will retire them from our program.
Our dogs health is always top priority over them whelping and raising puppies.
IS THERE ANY MONETARY COMPENSATION?
We understand how hard it can be to give your dog up for several weeks at a time. So as a “thank you” for working with us, we do offer compensation after each litter goes home.
As long as there are 5 or more puppies in the litter we will give $500 per litter.
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