This collection of questions and answers below are our best attempt to address all your questions about our Guardian Program. Hopefully, the information doesn't overwhelm you. It is a very simple program even though it may seem like it has a lot of details. The main thing to remember is, if we as a people truly reject the idea of puppy mills, we have to think outside the box when it comes to housing and caring for our breeding dogs. We value our dogs as cherished family members and we hope that you can see how this program benefits families and our four-legged friends!
What is a Guardian Home?
In order to give our breeding dogs the best life possible full of love and personal attention we need to limit how many adult dogs reside in our home full time. We also know that in order to breed the highest quality dogs we need to continually add quality bloodlines to our breeding program. How is this possible? For ODell's Doodles and for many quality in-home breeders like us, the answer is a Guardian Home Program.
Our Guardian Home Program allows us to expand our breeding program the right way, by keeping our dogs out of kennels and in homes where they live as cherished family members. A Doodle needs to be a part of the family to develop their full potential, and this is why we have the guardian program. We want the best for our dogs and they deserve forever families to love and spoil them. Essentially Guardian Dogs are our dogs to breed and yours to love!
Is there a cost involved to be a Guardian Home?
We have found that people tend to take better care of something they have spent their money on. We take a deposit when placing a puppy in a Guardian Home. This help ensures the family follows our safety protocols pertaining to hip development so that there isn’t an injury that would prevent us from breeding the dog.
After each litter of pups a portion of the deposit is returned to the guardian home. At the succession of the females final litters (3rd & possibly 4th) the guardian family is gifted a cash bonus as a thank you for their dedication to our program. If a fourth litter is decided, than you will receive an additional compensation.
What are the benefits of being a Guardian Home?
We view our Guardian Home Program as a true "win-win" situation. Our Guardian Families receive a "pick of the litter" quality puppy for free, after getting your deposit back at the completion of your contract and we have the satisfaction of knowing that our breeding dogs are living life as cherished family members.
What are the requirements to become a Guardian Home?
The most important aspect in being a Guardian Home is to provide love, care and attention for the guardian puppy. You are his/her family and forever home and accept the financial responsibilities for routine maintenance and medical care just as you would for any other pet you may own. This means general veterinary care for vaccines, deworming, accidents/injuries/illnesses, grooming, flea/tick prevention, regular exercise and training.
Guardian families must reside in a home with a fully fenced yard and are subject to a home visit prior to placement.
Guardian families must feed a high quality food with the best nutrients. We are advocates of feeding the best dog food we can and are passionate about feeding foods that will not cause health issues such as cancers, autoimmune issues, allergies, etc. This ensures not only good health during the breeding years, but far beyond. I want all O'Dell dogs to live long, happy lives.
O'Dells Doodles requires the Guardian Family to avoid all chemicals unless necessary, and to not give supplements or medicines unless approved by us. This includes flea, heartworm, or any other medication.
If the dog becomes sick or injured, we need the family to notify us right away so we are involved in all decisions regarding the treatment of the dog.
Guardian Families must practice safe handling of the dog. Some examples of safe handling practices are but not limited to: -Not leaving the unattended dog outside -Not allowing the dog to sit in the back of an open pickup -Always keeping the dog on a leash if not in a fenced area -Providing basic obedience training so the dog has good manners.
Guardian Homes must reside within a few hours of our home and be flexible for dropping off and picking up the dog for health testing, vet visits, breeding, and whelping puppies. The Guardian Family is responsible for the transportation of the dog to us when needed for breeding, litters, or health testing. This is the most inconvenient part of the guardian responsibilities. Please think through this carefully. We will not meet families or pick up dogs ourselves. This is the guardian home responsibility and part of how they earn the dog through the program.
All breeding related medical costs and health testing will be O'Dell's Doodles responsibility. All of our dogs are fully tested before entering our program and producing puppies.
Guardian Homes must not have an "in-tact" male dog in their home for the duration of the contract.
The Guardian Family of a female will need to learn the signs of a heat cycle and be willing to communicate, cooperate and coordinate with us to ensure a successful breeding. When the female comes into her first heat cycle we need to be notified immediately. She will be in heat for approx. 4 weeks and will need constant supervision so that other males do not breed her.
How many litters will a Guardian Female produce?
The health and happiness of our dogs is always our priority! We typically contract 3 litters for females. This will always be O'Dell's Doodles decision and on a case by case basis. We are concerned for the well-being of our program dogs. If it is determined at the dog has problems with deliveries or it would be unhealthy for them to breed again, we will stop the breeding program with her and she will be yours. Once we have decided to retire the dog, the dog will be spayed and full ownership will be signed over to the Guardian Family. If O'Dell's Doodles decides to have a 4th litter,
keep in mind 3 litters repays the initial deposit (the dog is free) and anything beyond that is financially compensated.
What happens during pregnancy and what do I have to do differently?
Pregnancy is actually very easy. Once the “magic happens'“ the dog returns to her Guardian Family for her pregnancy. She will go home with “Pregnant Momma Notes” to help ease your initial concerns. The dog may act a little more tired, or not eat normally for a few weeks. The last couple weeks of pregnancy she is usually becoming more hungry and sleeps more as time progresses. Otherwise, normal activity is typical and it is important to continue with walking the dog right up to the end. This helps during delivery. Being in shape is always best. Normal play and romping and running during the first half of pregnancy is great. After that, we limit activity to walks on a leash and no ball chasing type of activities. We do ask that no chemicals are given during pregnancy. We have to be notified immediately of any illness or injury so we can be involved in determining how she is treated.
How long is she with you when you breed?
As soon as the family is aware the dog is in heat we will have them arrange to bring the dog to us by day 5 - 7 of the heat cycle. She will remain with us for about one week, and then they can pick her up and take her back home.
How long is a dog pregnant?
Dogs are pregnant for 63 days.
How long is she with you when she has a litter?
She will come to us about a week before she is due with her litter. This gives her time to settle into our house and get used to seeing the whelping box before the babies arrive. She will go home after puppies are weaned. This will be between 6 and 7 weeks of age.
Does this negatively affect the dog emotionally to go from the Guardian Home to the Breeder's home?
No. We are the dog’s second family and they enjoy being spoiled by us. They sleep in our bed before the babies arrive, get lots of special food and treats, and tons of attention. Many of our Guardian dogs were born in our home and are happy and comfortable here.
What happens if the dog gets sick or injured while in the Guardian Home's care?
While the dog is in guardian's care and home, any illness or injury that happens is their financial responsibility. We must be involved in treatment plans and know what is going on and determining medications, but the family is responsible for those expenses. Health insurance is recommended during the breeding years/contract period. This insurance is for your protection because these dogs are extremely valuable as breeders.
What are the grooming requirements?
We ask that Guardian Families keep the dog in a breed appropriate cut (Goldendoodle, Poodle, Golden Retriever, Bernedoodle or Bernese Mtn. Dog). We require that the dog be kept groomed and matt free. If you are unable to keep the coat in good shape yourself, you are required to use a groomer to do so. If the dog is brought to us with a matted coat, or a coat that is in bad shape, we have the right to take them in to our own groomer and have them shaved down or worked on, but you will be responsible to reimburse us for that expense before the dog returns to you. Guardian dogs are ambassadors for our program. It is important that they are kept in pristine condition.
What about the boys?
I need my boys close. If you live in Madera or Fresno County and would like to be considered for a male Guardian puppy please send us an email. Please keep in mind that the travel is a bit more intense with a male and sometimes there is not a lot of notice (when a female is ovulating, we need the male). Sometimes it takes weeks into a heat cycle for a female to ovulate, other times it happens in days and catches us all off guard.
What is the most important aspect of being a Guardian Home?
This is the best question anyone has ever asked me. The answer is communication and trust! Communication is the key to this relationship being happy and harmonious for all parties involved. Good communication lays the foundation for a relationship built on trust.
What are the next steps?
Please review our guardian contract below. If you would like to move forward, send us a message to let us know you are interested. We will then set up a time for an in-person interview. We will let you know what puppies we have coming into our program and to your home and lifestyle.
Here at O'Dell's Doodles, we strive for excellence. Please do not hesitate to email for any questions!
