CARLIE AND CO. GOLDENDOODLES
Guardian Homes
What is a guardian home
If you are interested in a high quality puppy and live within an hour of the Madisonville KY area, then the guardian program may be right for you. Our guardian program is where we place breeding prospect dogs/puppies in local families, at no upfront cost to the family and we retain the ownership and breeding rights on that specific dog. This is not for people who are interested in breeding dogs themselves but rather families who are interested in supporting our program and receiving a very high quality puppy without the high cost.
At Carlie and co. Goldendoodles we believe that dogs should be part of a family unit and in a loving home being doted on rather than being kenneled. Guardian homes are a way for us to grow our program without running a large kennel operation. A guardian family in essence provides a potentially permanent (forever) home for a dog, that is obtained at no cost to the guardian family, with the understanding and agreement that Carlie and Co. Goldendoodles will retain the ownership and breeding rights of the dog (for a certain number of litters for a female dog or retain use of the stud dog for a certain period of time). Guardian homes must live in the Madisonville, KY area. Guardian families generally are interested in a higher quality dog and understand the sacrifice and requirements until the breeding contract/agreement is fulfilled.
What are guardian homes responsible for?
Guardian homes are responsible for all “regular” pet parent costs including but not limited to: grooming, food, routine veterinary care and vaccinations, bedding, toys etc. Carlie and Co. Goldendoodles is responsible for all breeding related expenses and/or breeding related veterinary costs including but not limited to: progesterone tests, semen evaluation, genetic testing etc. Guardian homes assume responsibility for the care and maintenance of the guardian dog in terms of coat care, general health, and well-being. (Much like a foster home with the hope to adopt!)
Guardian homes must keep the guardian dog in good physical and mental condition and if they have a coated breed (Goldendoodle) the dog must be kept well maintained and groomed. The dog must be kept safe, contained, and free from injury or harm. Guardians are required to maintain a friendly, open, and agreeable relationship with us as well. If at any time the requirements of the contractual agreement cannot be fulfilled, there is any ill will toward the breeder or breeding program, or there is any dispute, the dog would be returned into immediate possession of Carlie and Co. Goldendoodles (soley at the breeders discretion) and the guardianship would revoked permanently. Guardian homes are not only meant to care for our breeding dogs as part of our program, but also to genuinely support our mission! Our goal is always that we have a great breeder/guardian working relationship we work together to raise an amazing, well bred, healthy, dog with an excellent temperament and to share those traits in puppies for future client families! We have been working with guardian home for more than 6 years and are very thankful for those successful relationships!
Female guardian dog owners must notify us at the onset of a heat cycle whether we are breeding the dog or not that cycle. We need to know how our guardian dogs are doing and we keep in touch regularly with our guardian homes. If you are planning on going out of town as well we need to be informed in advance. Arrangements would be made for us to have access to the dog or the dog would stay with us during the travel period. That way we could cover any breeding plans for the guardian dog at that time.
How do I become a guardian home?
We generally ask that people interested in being a guardian send us an email letting us know their interest. Please send us a detailed message and let us know that you are aware of our guardian program and are interested in being considered for our guardianship program. We will further schedule phone and/or video call interviews as one progresses through the guardian home interview process.
Guardian homes must have stable living conditions and be able to adequately care for an incoming puppy. All family members must be informed and happy to be guardians. Our guardian homes must live somewhere that dogs are allowed if they do not own their own home. (Written permission from a landlord).
What are some of the other requirements to being a guardian home?
Guardian homes should have some basic experience with dogs, willing to socialize, exercise and care for your puppy. We require families teach the dog basic manners/commands as well as agree to professional training. The dog must be an inside pet and never be left outside unattended. Guardian homes must only have other dogs that are altered (spayed or neutered). Guardian homes must have no intention of breeding or running a breeding program/business and must reside for the duration of the contract within the specified geographical area that they signed on for. This is not a good program for those who do not have plans to stay in one place for a while. The breeders must be able to visit the home of the guardian when/if necessary. Guardian homes must let the breeder know immediately in the event of any serious illness or injury to the dog.
Where are your guardian opportunities?
Within a reasonable radius of Madisonville, KY. Generally speaking we have a wider geographical range of availability for female guardian homes versus male guardian homes.
What is it like to have a male guardian versus a female guardian?
Female Guardian home opportunities are generally available more often than males. Female guardian homes are committed in the program for a specified number of litters, typically four or five successful litters in a female’s lifetime (A successful litter is considered two or more puppies). After the completion of the female guardian dog’s litters she is spayed by us, and be formally/contractually released fully to the guardian family. Guardian homes with female dogs must notify us when their dog comes in season (in heat). The female is away from the guardian home during the week prior to expected delivery and following the weaning of her puppies. Generally this process in total is around 8-9 weeks. The actual breeding of the female can occur while she is still at her guardian home or she may stay with us for the breeding portion as well. This is dependent on the flexibility of the guardian home and their physical distance from us as well.
Male Guardian home opportunities are generally available for those who are in a close physical proximity to us. Male guardian dogs will be kept at our home for a period of time. We do require close communication and a lot of flexibility from our male guardian home families. We may have females come into season more quickly or often than expected so we may need access to our guardian boys quite often. Male guardian dogs are typically transported to our home for a few hours and/or up to a few days and then picked up by their guardian home families. Male guardian home families are required to keep in close communication with us and be very flexible about access to him on short notice. Guardian home families are also required to transport the dog to the breeder. With animals and nature it is not always possible to give advanced notice. In the case of little or short notice the breeder will be flexible about picking up the male for the transport to Carlie and Co. Goldendoodles for his services.