our guardian program

---

 I work with  a variety of non-profit service dog programs and also work with the Guardian dog home program.  Not all the parent dogs of my litters live with me. Some are co-owned by me and other families who believe in the program.

As a Guardian home, you get a free puppy and the dog stays with you as your family dog for the life of the dog.  In exchange, we retain breeding rights for a certain amount of litters starting at sexual maturity and ending once the female has whelped a set amount of litters. Each guardian dog contract is unique, but it’s usually between 1 and 4 litters depending on what we’re trying to accomplish with that particular female and how well she reacts to being a mother.

Our guardians are responsible for the dog’s regular health maintenance, including annual exams, vaccines and food. We pay for genetic health testing required for breeding, and all breeding- related expenses. Once the dog has passed his/her genetic health testing, she/he is added to our breeding program. We decide when and to whom dogs will be bred, and pregnant females  stay with their guardian family during pregnancy (63 days). At least a week before the dog's due date, Guardian dog owners return the dog to us and then is returned to us at least a week before her due date. We care for the dog during the whelping of the litter, and keep her for 8 weeks so she can care for her puppies and recover. After that, she goes back home to her Guardian family.

We provide our Guardian families with a stipend when their female produces a litter. (This only applies to females.)

When the dog is older and has completed his/her breeding obligations, we pay for the dog's spaying/neutering, and your dog comes home to enjoy the wonderful life you have provided for him/her since puppyhood. 

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. The Guardian family 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. Because of canine venereal diseases,  male guardian dogs can only mate with approved females.

Looking for Local Families

We’re looking for local families with dog experience who live within one hour of our home in Millville, Minnesota. 

We only add one or two puppies a year to our breeding program.

Qualifying to be a Guardian Home: 

ust have previous dog experienceGuardians must own and live in a home with a fully fenced yardGuardians must keep the dog on a leash or in a fenced areaGuardians must be willing to train the dog the very basic obedience commands (off, down, sit, back, leave it, crate)Guardians must ensure the puppy is socialized to adults, children and other animals – SUPER IMPORTANTGuardians must provide appropriate veterinary or emergency care when neededGuardians must feed the dog a diet approved by the breeder . Guardians must be able and willing to identify and notify us immediately when a female begins her heat cycle. Guardians must not allow a female in heat near intact malesGuardians must not allow a male guardian to breed with unapproved femalesGuardians must live within a reasonable driving distance Millville Minnesota  guardians must communicate, cooperate and coordinate with the breeder regarding testing, mating, whelping, and other breeding related activitiesIn closing…

The Guardian Home program is actually a very simple program even though it may seem like there are a lot of details. The main thing to remember is, if we as humans truly reject the idea of puppy mills, then to me there is a better way its the guardian home program to help reputable breeders continue to breed dogs in a humane and loving environment.  in order to continue to produce HAPPY and HEALTHY puppies for families who are looking for a forever pet or are in need of a service dog we have adopted this wonderful program and it has worked very well for us and the families involved.