Guardian Program...
What is a guardian home? A guardian receives the breeder's choice puppy, usually between 8 and 12 weeks of age (at a greatly reduced price) from the breeder. The guardian raises the puppy in their home as the beloved family pet, and is then made available to the breeder for breeding until the age of 5.
Why? We want each of our goldens to be raised as beloved family pets and receive plenty of attention, and also give back to their people in a meaningful way. Since our mamas retire at age 5 and still have long beautiful lives to live, you can understand the math and logistics of this becomes challenging. We are not equipped, nor do we want to have more dogs than we can care for at the standard we believe is best.
More details... Between the age of 1 and 2 years, the breeder will arrange for health tests and screenings, and upon the 2nd heat cycle (and after the age of 2), the dog is made available to the breeder for breeding and whelping. The mama dog is often back with her guardian home by the time the litter of pups is 4-6 weeks age. The average number of litters for a dog in a guardian home is 3, but the decision to breed is carefully considered each time. At the age of 5, (or sometimes before), the full ownership of the dog is released to the guardian, and the dog is spayed.
Cost of a guardian puppy? The cost of a guardian puppy is significantly discounted from a regular price of a puppy. Please inquire.
Other commitments? We have a guardian agreement contract that specifies some details such as expectations for quality food, quality care, pet insurance, etc...
What if the breeder decides not to breed the dog? No matter the reason, if this happens, the full ownership of the dog is transferred to the guardian with no financial compensation.
Can a guardian 'buy out' the agreement? No, being a guardian is a commitment to participate in our program. We count on our guardian dogs to be available to continue our lines. We do NOT have dozens of dogs in the wings, just waiting. We are a very small program, on average, just 1- 1 1/2 litters per year.
How long is the dog away from the guardian home?
**For health testing appointments, the dog might spend one night with the breeder, but not necessarily. Testing should be complete with 3-4 appointments, some of which may be combined.
**During a breeding heat cycle, the dog may stay with the breeder for about 2 weeks. However, it is possible for the dog to remain with the guardian, if the guardian participates in progesterone testing appointments (about 10 minutes or less, every other day). **During breeding time, the dog will stay with the breeder for a couple of days at most, and then returns home to the guardian. **About 8- 8 1/2 weeks after the breeding, the mama dog goes to the breeder to have pups and remains for about 5-6 weeks.
How long between litters? Usually about 8-10 months.
How long is a dog pregnant? About 9 weeks
What is a guardian home? A guardian receives the breeder's choice puppy, usually between 8 and 12 weeks of age (at a greatly reduced price) from the breeder. The guardian raises the puppy in their home as the beloved family pet, and is then made available to the breeder for breeding until the age of 5.
Why? We want each of our goldens to be raised as beloved family pets and receive plenty of attention, and also give back to their people in a meaningful way. Since our mamas retire at age 5 and still have long beautiful lives to live, you can understand the math and logistics of this becomes challenging. We are not equipped, nor do we want to have more dogs than we can care for at the standard we believe is best.
More details... Between the age of 1 and 2 years, the breeder will arrange for health tests and screenings, and upon the 2nd heat cycle (and after the age of 2), the dog is made available to the breeder for breeding and whelping. The mama dog is often back with her guardian home by the time the litter of pups is 4-6 weeks age. The average number of litters for a dog in a guardian home is 3, but the decision to breed is carefully considered each time. At the age of 5, (or sometimes before), the full ownership of the dog is released to the guardian, and the dog is spayed.
Cost of a guardian puppy? The cost of a guardian puppy is significantly discounted from a regular price of a puppy. Please inquire.
Other commitments? We have a guardian agreement contract that specifies some details such as expectations for quality food, quality care, pet insurance, etc...
What if the breeder decides not to breed the dog? No matter the reason, if this happens, the full ownership of the dog is transferred to the guardian with no financial compensation.
Can a guardian 'buy out' the agreement? No, being a guardian is a commitment to participate in our program. We count on our guardian dogs to be available to continue our lines. We do NOT have dozens of dogs in the wings, just waiting. We are a very small program, on average, just 1- 1 1/2 litters per year.
How long is the dog away from the guardian home?
**For health testing appointments, the dog might spend one night with the breeder, but not necessarily. Testing should be complete with 3-4 appointments, some of which may be combined.
**During a breeding heat cycle, the dog may stay with the breeder for about 2 weeks. However, it is possible for the dog to remain with the guardian, if the guardian participates in progesterone testing appointments (about 10 minutes or less, every other day). **During breeding time, the dog will stay with the breeder for a couple of days at most, and then returns home to the guardian. **About 8- 8 1/2 weeks after the breeding, the mama dog goes to the breeder to have pups and remains for about 5-6 weeks.
How long between litters? Usually about 8-10 months.
How long is a dog pregnant? About 9 weeks
