What is a Guardian
Home?
Guardian
Homes are a great
opportunity for the right pet owners. We use guardian homes to further
our breeding program, without having too many dogs in our own
home.
Guardianships enable pick-of-the-litter breeding dogs to live
one-on-one with their
forever family.
As
a Guardian home, the
dog stays with you as your family dog, while we retain breeding
rights. You are responsible for training your dog--it should
pass
its Canine Good Citizen by 18 months of age. We want people
to
meet our dogs and want one just like that, not be put off by poor
behavior. You are also responsible for the
dog’s
regular health maintenance: heartworm preventative, annual
exams, booster shots,
food, etc. We pay for any genetic health testing required for
our
breeding, and all breeding expenses. Once the dog
has passed initial health testing (usually prior to his/her
first birthday), he/she
returns to Doodle Around for relatively short periods of time
for
breeding and/or whelping. When the dog is older and completes his/her
breeding
obligations, we pay for spay/neuter and your
dog comes home to enjoy the wonderful life you have provided
for him/her since
puppyhood. Males are typically neutered between 8-9 years of
age. Females in
guardian homes may have up to four litters (minimum of three) prior to
being
spayed, usually by their 4th birthday.
There are
many things that Guardian
families
need to consider. Guardians of females sometimes have to deal
with several heat
cycles and keeping their girl protected from unwanted males and rogue
litters. The Guardian
family will need to learn the signs of a heat cycle and
communicate,
cooperate and coordinate with us to ensure a successful breeding.
Guardians of
males will need to be comfortable with "macho” behavior as
well as protect him from "getting around." Because of canine
venerial diseases, your male can only mate with approved females chosen
by Doodle
Around.
Guardian
dogs are placed with a
$500 fee, which is refunded with litters produced ($500 paid
to guardian of female for
every litter produced, $100 to the guardian of a stud). Why the cost?
If
a
puppy doesn't meet our high testing
standards, the Guardian contract reverts to a pet
contract. If we decide not to use the dog as a breeder, you
are
responsible for neutering/spaying (as you would with a pet)
and
you retain ownership under a Pet contract. Our health
warranty remains the same for any dog whelped at Doodle Around, whether
it is in a Guardian home or a Pet
home.
Benefits
for the
Guardian Home:
Benefits
for the
Guardian Dog:
The
most important requirement is that you love this bundle of joy as a
cherished
member of your family!
If
you need more
information or are
interested in becoming a Guardian home, please fill out our puppy
application.