Guardian Homes

Daisy: Our First Guardian Home Dog

We are thrilled to introduce Daisy, our very first female in a Guardian Home program. Daisy is lovingly cared for by our good friends in our neighborhood, where she is growing up in a warm and nurturing environment. We are so excited to watch Daisy flourish and look forward to the day when she brings her first litter of beautiful puppies into the world. This partnership ensures Daisy enjoys a happy home life while also being an important part of the RVA Doodles family. Stay tuned for updates as Daisy continues to grow and prepare for her future as a mom!

We will be looking for more guardian homes in the future. A Guardian Home is a program utilized by dog breeders to provide their breeding dogs with loving, family environments while retaining breeding rights for a specified period. This arrangement benefits both the breeder and the guardian family, ensuring the dog enjoys a normal home life rather than being housed in a kennel.

Key Aspects of a Guardian Home:

• Living Arrangement: The dog resides permanently with the guardian family, receiving daily care, training, and socialization. The breeder maintains breeding rights until the dog retires from the breeding program. 

• Breeding Responsibilities: When the dog reaches appropriate breeding age, the breeder will arrange for health testing and breeding procedures. For females, this includes returning to the breeder for mating and whelping, typically lasting up to eight weeks.

• Financial Considerations: The breeder usually covers costs related to breeding and health testing, while the guardian family is responsible for routine care expenses such as food, regular veterinary visits, and grooming. 

• Transition to Full Ownership: After fulfilling the breeding agreement, the dog is spayed or neutered at the breeder’s expense, and full ownership transfers to the guardian family. 

Benefits:

• For the Dog: Enjoys a stable, loving home environment throughout its life.

• For the Guardian Family: Has the opportunity to own a high-quality dog, often the breeder’s top pick, without the initial purchase cost.

• For the Breeder: Ensures breeding dogs are well-cared for in family settings, promoting ethical breeding practices.

Considerations for Potential Guardian Families:

• Commitment: This arrangement requires a long-term commitment, often spanning several years, during which the family must adhere to the breeder’s guidelines.

• Location: Proximity to the breeder is often necessary to facilitate breeding activities and health checks.

• Lifestyle: The family’s lifestyle should accommodate the dog’s needs, including time for training, socialization, and care during breeding periods.

Becoming a guardian home is a significant responsibility but can be a rewarding experience for families prepared to meet the requirements. It’s essential to thoroughly understand the terms of the agreement and maintain open communication with the breeder to ensure a successful partnership.