WHAT IS A GUARDIAN HOME?

Bichon Layla And Her Guardian "Granny Jean" Drop By

Consumers have become increasingly aware that the best puppies come from reputable breeders whose dogs are part of the family. Most people are not morally comfortable purchasing a dog from a puppy mill or puppy store, not only because the puppy is not properly socialized before purchase, but also because of the deplorable breedings and health conditions in which the parents are forced to live. Similarly, the idea of dogs left alone in large kennels has become unattractive. This leaves reputable breeders in a predicament as to how to make sure their animals have the best possible lives while also maintaining diversity and high standards for their breeding program. One solution many breeders rely on is the use of Guardian Homes.

Simply put, a Guardian Home is the placement of a male or female dog that will be used to breed in the home of someone other than the breeder. This helps the breeder accomplish several goals:

• Each dog gets the individual love and attention they deserve.
• Dogs are not required to live in kennels and are properly socialized and well loved family pets.
• Dogs that don't pass health testing or are no longer breeding don't have to be moved to a new home.
• Breeders can diversify their breeding lines by allowing more dogs to stay in their program.
• Breeders don't have accidental litters by having males and females in their own home.

For Guardian Families, this is a great way to enjoy a pick of the litter puppy without the price. These programs often offer retirees, those who can't afford the purebred dog of their dreams or families who just love puppies a chance to experience the joys of breeding without all of the costs, liabilities and hassles of puppy sales. Think you might make a good Guardian Home? Here are some requirements most reputable breeders will have:

• You will be required to pay the everyday costs of dog ownership such as routine vet visits and proper nutrition.
• Previous dog experience and the willingness to train in basic commands.
• Willingness and desire to help socialize puppies.
• Any other dogs of the opposite sex in the home must be spayed/neutered.
• Willingness to drop your dog off for days or weeks at a time to be bred or when it's time to whelp puppies.
• Willingness to allow the breeder to visit your home on occasion to check on the dog's wellbeing.
• A basic understanding of the responsibilities of owning a dog who is intact.
• Live within a certain radius of the breeders home (usually 1 hour or less).

Another reminder, if you are in love with hybrids then a Guardian Home program will likely not be an option. Many people forget that to breed F1 hybrids the breeder owns the purebred parents and sells the hybrids. For example, as much as we LOVE LOVE LOVE our Cavachons we don't keep them in our breeding program - only purebred Cavaliers and purebred Bichons are used in our program and therefore those are the types of dogs placed in Guardian Homes.

We hope this post has explained more about the opportunity to serve as a Guardian Home. If you have an interest in learning more about our Charleston based Guardian Home program, please complete the online application.

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