What is a Guardian Home?
A guardian home allows us, as breeders, to continue our breeding program, bettering the breed, whilst still providing our dogs with a loving home where they receive more of that one-on-one attention. Whilst we would absolutely love to keep all our dogs here with us, it is not always feasible, or in the dogs best interest, as such we want them to have a home where they receive all the love and attention they deserve.
As a guardian home, you are the permanent forever home for one of our breeding dogs, whilst they remain in our program. Once they retire (spayed/desexed at our expense), you will receive full ownership and keep the dog into retirement and old age.
Becoming a guardian home gives you the opportunity to have one of our puppies or young adult dogs as a family pet whilst they remain in our program. The guardian program is a great opportunity for everyone with benefits on both ends and best of all the dog is in a loving, caring family environement from the beginning.
Benefits to becoming a Guardian Home
You are getting a top quality dog, the pick of the litter, in both temperament and aesthetics.
The dog will be health tested (hips and elbows, DNA, eyes, etc.) at the breeder’s expense.
Families are allowed to visit their female and her puppies, which means you get that puppy exposure and lots of cuddles.
You will receive monetary compensation for each litter.
Once the dog retires from the breeding program we will pay for the dog to be desexed/spayed/neutered.
Once the dog retires from the breeding program ownership will be transferred to you and you will receive full rights.
Knowing your canine companion is producing wonderful pups and blessing families with their companions 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 which means we will help you as much as we can with any needs you may have (boarding, training, health, etc.).
Guardian Home Requirements
First and foremost what you should know is that our guardian dogs are part of the family, as such if you can ever not keep the dog any longer they will always be welcome back by us.
Below are some important requirements for a guardian home. Most of these are simply part of being a good dog owner but then there are of course a few extras in order to ensure the partnership works well on both ends.
Live within a reasonable distance from the breeder, or willing to meet half way for drop offs and pick ups.
Good communication skills, guardian homes work the best if the home and breeder are in regular communication and work well together. This includes coordinating breeding schedules and drop offs and pick ups.
Teach the dog basic manners and commands such as sit, stay, lie down, no, leave it, drop it, etc. Also, the dog should walk well on a loose leash.
Toilet and crate train the dog.
Have the time to socialise the dog with other dogs and people.
Dog lives inside with their family.
Must be up to date with annual vaccinations.
Provide regular exercise and mental stimulation.
Keep the dog lean and not allow them to become overweight.
Contact the breeder if there are any health issues so decisions can be made together, that will benefit the dog.
The Breeders Responsibility to the Guardian Home
Provide the guardian family with a health dog, pick of the litter.
Pay for health testing (hips, elbows, DNA, eyes, etc.).
Pay for any and all breeding related expenses (progesterone tests, ultrasounds, x-rays, semen collection and analysis, etc.).
Teaching the guardian family about breeding. This will include how to detect a heat cycle, how to care for a pregnant female, how to care for a male, etc.
Pay for desexing/spay/neutering once the dog retires from the breeding program.
Guardian homes who have a female will receive monetary compensation for each litter.
Provide lifetime support for the guardian family and their dog.
FAQ
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You will pay the initial cost of the puppy when you buy it. However, with each litter your female gives birth to, you receive monetary compensation as a thank you and to help you support your dog. No monetary compensation is provided for the males as the process is a lot simpler.
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If the guardian home is relatively close then the breeder is responsible for all transportation. For guardian homes located some distance away, transport will be a combined effort, meeting half way.
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Guardians are responsible for all “regular” dog care. This includes providing food, treats, toys, etc. You are also responsible for normal vet care, anything that is not breeding related. The dog must be kept up to date with annual vaccinations, flea and tick, and heartworm meds.
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Initially, they may be slightly confused wondering, “Where’s my family going?”, but typically within 1-2 hours they are settled in. What you have to remember is that they will have spent the first 8-weeks of their lives here with us, that means all the smells and sounds are imprinted and will be very familiar. We also make sure that they are as comfortable as possible by giving them a lot of extra attention.
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Becoming a guardian home for one of our dogs is a huge commitment and a decision that should not be made lightly. We will carefully vet each person and ensure they are comfortable being a guardian before taking a puppy home. Please keep in mind that the breeder retains full legal ownership of the dog until they are retired from our program. This means that guardians have a legal obligation. Our dogs are very high quality and have been hand selected to benefit and improve our program.
You need to consider this commitment carefully before entering into it. Becoming a guardian home is not for everyone!
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When the dog is 1 year of age they will undergo all their health checks. If your dog is deemed unsuitable for breeding by the breeder or veterinarian, then the dog will be retired from our program immediately and full ownership will transfer over to the guardian home.
Male VS Female
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Male
A male in a guardian home means that he needs to be kept in tact for most of his live as males retire quite late. He needs to be available for ‘stud duties’ whenever required. Sometimes that may be on relative short (a few days) notice. Males are fairly easy, they come and stay with the breeder for a few days to perform the mating and then return to their guardian home.
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Female
A female in a guardian home is a bit more involved but also very rewarding. The guardian needs to inform the breeder when the female has come into season. Then the mating is organised. The guardian home keeps the female for the first 7-weeks of her pregnancy. At 4-weeks post mating the guardian or breeder will take the female to the vet to confirm pregnancy. A week or two before the female is due to give birth she comes and stays with the breeder and remains there until the puppies leave for their homes at which time the female returns to her guardian. Each female as a maximum of 3-4 litters in her lifetime, though we never like to give definite numbers as it depends on how each pregnancy and birth is on her health.