What is a guardian home?

A guardian home is when a breeder places a dog/ puppy into the lives of a forever family to be cared for and loved by them. The dog is a part of their family forever but essentially is still property of the breeder to be used in their breeding program for future litters- so the dog remains unaltered until the dog has had 3-4 litters, at which time the breeder will pay to have her spayed. This arrangement allows for the breeding program to expand their lines but keeps their breeding dogs out of kennels and in the homes of loving families as normal house pets. A loving family that the dog will remain with for the entirety of its life.

The Guardian must agree to:

1. Feed the dog good quality and nutritious food.
2. Keep the dog up to date with all vaccinations and dewormings. The cost of this is the responsibility of the guardian home. As well as keep up with her grooming needs. Sheepadoodles require consistent brushing to ensure their coat does not matt.
3. Ensure the dog is properly trained, and notify me (the breeder) immediately if you notice any signs of aggression or unfavorable behaviors in your dog.
4. Ensure that the dog is safely confined in an enclosed area at all times (i.e. your house or backyard). Please do not allow your dog to run off-leash in an area that is not enclosed by a fence or in an area where it could get injured (i.e. with motor vehicles, wildlife, etc).
5. Avoid accidental breeding by ensuring that: Females are kept away from any intact males during heat OR intact males are kept away from any females in heat. Amazon makes great doggie “diapers” for females to wear while they are in heat, which keeps things much more manageable when your dog is indoors during their season.
6. Ensure your dog is well socialized with other dogs as well as people/kids of all ages
7. Exercise your dog daily and regularly. Also ensure your dog does not jump off high areas during the first 1-2 years of life (ie truck boxes, big stairs, etc). Significant research shows that hip dysplasia is not so much genetics but more often how we take care of our dog’s hips when they are in their growing years. If we exercise our dogs daily (but not over-exercise), keep them at the optimal weight (a very important aspect to prevent hip dysplasia), and do not allow them to jump from high places, hip dysplasia will be rare and often nonexistent in the dog.
8. Ensure open communication between you and myself the breeder.
9.  Ensure you inform me at the first signs of your dog coming into heat. I will then, when the dog is of age, take your dog to my home for a few days to be bred.
10. Ensure you are okay with the dog going to my home while she is in season to be bred, as well as her going to my home one week prior to giving birth, and remaining with me at my home until her pups are fully weaned (around 6 weeks).
11. Update me periodically on how the dog is doing and with up to date photos.
12. Live in Lethbridge (or surrounding area) and have no plans to move to a new city for 5 years after the dog is placed with you.

Why is being a guardian home so awesome?

Because you get a high quality, expensive “cream of the crop” dog for no cost. Once the dog has had 3-4 litters, then I will cover the costs of the spay and the dog will be yours forever with no more strings attached to myself the breeder.

Why do I prefer guardian homes over “retirement homes”?

Because I believe it is very hard on a dog to live with a family (the breeder and the breeder’s other dogs) for 5-ish years, and then have to be placed in an entirely new home and have to adjust to this new home when the dog is older in age. I want my dogs to be in their forever family homes immediately as puppies, as I believe this is the best quality of life we can give these animals.

**I am NOT giving this dog away! If you are looking for a cheap dog, keep looking. I am looking for a family who is committed to being a guardian home, and who is financially secure, is able to care for her lifelong needs, and willing to be in partnership with me, the breeder, for approximately 5 years.