AN INTRODUCTION TO GUARDIAN HOMES

"Red Teddy" w/ his Guardian Family

Most people don't feel comfortable buying a dog from a puppy mill or puppy store because of the parents' horrendous living conditions, forced breeding practices, and the fact that the puppy is not properly socialized before being purchased. The thought of breeders leaving theirs dogs in huge kennels has also lost its appeal to the majority of consumers. So, how do reputable breeders provide their breeding dogs with the best possible lives,  while also maintaining diversity and high standards for their breeding programs? One solution is the use of Guardian Homes. This post will explain more about what it means to be a Guardian Home and contains a link to apply to participate in our program. 
 
How do Guardian Homes work? A male or female dog that will be used for breeding is simply placed in a home owned by someone other than the breeder. This aids the breeder in achieving numerous objectives:

• Every dog receives the love they deserve.
• Dogs do not need to live in kennels & are well-socialized and adored family pets.
• Dogs that fail health screenings or are no longer breeding are not required to be relocated or retired to a new home. 
• Breeders can expand their breeding lines by allowing more dogs to stay in their program.
• Breeders avoid creating unintentional litters by keeping males and females in their separate homes.

 
What's in it for the Guardian Home? Guardian Families get a pick of the litter puppy without paying a dime. These programs frequently give retirees, those who can't afford the purebred pet of their dreams, or families who simply like puppies and are interested in breeding the opportunity to enjoy the benefits of breeding without the expenses, risks, and inconveniences associated with owning a kennel.

To be a Guardian Home, there are certain standards that most reputable breeders will expect you to meet, such as:

• You'll be responsible for covering regular dog ownership expenses like regular veterinary checkups, vaccinations and a healthy diet.
• Prior dog ownership is a plus, but the desire to train the dog is equally important. We want our breeding dogs to be on good behavior!
• A desire and willingness to assist with socializing puppies.
• Any other pets in the house (which are the opposite sex) must be spayed or neutered.
• Readiness to leave your dog with the breeder for several days or weeks at a time when it's time to whelp puppies.
• A willingness to let the breeder occasionally visit your home to check on the dog's health.
• Fundamental knowledge of the obligations associated with having an intact dog. 
• Reside within a specific distance of the breeder's residence (usually 1 hour or less).

 
We hope this blog post has provided more information about the use of Guardian Homes in breeding programs. If you live in the Charleston area and would like to be considered for our program, please fill out the online application here or send any questions you may have to JustALittleCavalier@gmail.com. 

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