WELCOME TO OUR PROGRAM
Our Guardian Homes are the backbone of our program. They allow each of our beloved dogs to be a pet first, while still providing purposefully bred Cavaliers and hybrids for those who are looking for one of these precious puppies. As an approved Guardian Home, you've been identified as someone who has the love, energy and enthusiasm to raise one of our Cavaliers, Bichons or Poodles that will ultimately participate in our breeding program. We compiled this page to try and address questions we are asked on a regular basis and to provide a permanent repository for links and information you might wish to refer to on a regular basis. If you know of a topic we've missed, please let us know so we can get it added!
BASIC PUPPY & DOG CARE (MALE OR FEMALE)
NUTRITION - We do not require that Guardian Homes feed a specific food. We do ask that Guardian Homes be diligent and specific in choosing high quality food for their dog. Proper nutrition will improve and increase the life of your dog, reduce veterinarian expenses and reduce nutrition related issues that can make training and breeding more challenging. We have written two blog posts on nutrition based on the age of your dog (3-12 months should read PUPPY, 12+ months should read DOG). We also want to mention that we have become a PawTree partner. After sampling their products for nine months, we have noticed healthier coats, less dry skin, significantly less poop and overall better health. If you would like to see the products we are using for our personal dogs, please click here. If you have an interest in feeding PawTree, please let me know so that I can send you a discount code. Our current feeding protocol involves both PawTree and Ollie. Please see below for more information on feeding during pregnancy.
PRESCRIPTION MEDICATIONS (HEART-WORM, FLEA & TICK SOLUTIONS) - We want to educate, but not scare, our Guardian Homes with regards to the use of chemicals on your puppies and dogs. Please educate yourselves on the pros and cons of both vaccinations (below) and medications offered for heart-worms, fleas and ticks. Due to our climate, we must protect our dogs from heart-worms but can do so with the lowest dose and safest medication. Please also make sure your vet always remembers that your puppy / dog is a breeding animal. Many of the medications (specifically topical and multi-purpose medications) have not been tested on breeding animals and assumes the dog has been altered. this is specifically important immediately prior to and during a breeding season for your dog as any chemical offered to a dog can be passed on to their puppies. Please read this post and discuss with your vet and us any questions at all about prevention.
TRAINING - We suggest early training for your puppy / dog. A well behaved dog leads a better life because he/she has more opportunities to join their family in public. We recommend this training book before bringing your puppy home. Once your puppy is home and acclimated to his/her new environment we suggest two other resources. For in person training, please consider Charleston Dog Training Club or a similar training club in your community. These clubs are superior to pet store training classes. For at home training once your puppy is 6+ months, we can't stop talking about the new MasterClass on Dog Training by Brandon McMillan.
VETERINARIANS AND VET RECORDS - When you are given custody of your puppy (or dog), you will be provided a vet record that should be given to the Veterinarian of your choice. We will also let you know when the dog is due for their next visit. We do not require that you use a specific vet for regular care. We do ask that you put my contact information (Tiffany Provence, 1215 Fifteen Mile Landing Road, Awendaw, SC 29429 (843)200-6587) as a secondary contact or second owner on your dog's file. This will allow me to transfer records between the Canine Reproductive Specialist and the heart/eye/hip testing centers back and forth between vets. As a reminder from your contract, Guardian Homes are responsible for regular vet care, vaccinations and standard medications (such as flea, tick and heart-worm) as well as any illness. LierChonPoo will be providing all vet care related to breeding including OFA testing based on breed, reproductive testing and any care needed before or after breeding.
VACCINATIONS - We ask Guardian Homes to consider a minimal vaccination protocol for multiple reasons. First, many Cavaliers (and other toy breeds) are sensitive to vaccinations and as a result of our research we've realized that many veterinarians recommend heavy doses of unnecessary vaccines. Please have a candid discussion with your veterinarian about what vaccinations your puppy (or dog) needs and make sure they know this is a breeding dog. While less important with males, it is incredibly important that vets know when females are in a breeding program as they may recommend and time vaccinations differently (we never vaccinate a pregnant animal). If you would like to know what vaccination protocol we follow, please refer to Dr. Dodd's Protocol.
BLOG POSTS THAT MAY BE OF GENERAL INTEREST:
TIPS AND PRODUCTS FOR KEEPING YOUR PUPPY OCCUPIED
LEARN HOW TO STUFF A KONG
DEALING WITH A PICKY EATER
PRESCRIPTION MEDICATIONS (HEART-WORM, FLEA & TICK SOLUTIONS) - We want to educate, but not scare, our Guardian Homes with regards to the use of chemicals on your puppies and dogs. Please educate yourselves on the pros and cons of both vaccinations (below) and medications offered for heart-worms, fleas and ticks. Due to our climate, we must protect our dogs from heart-worms but can do so with the lowest dose and safest medication. Please also make sure your vet always remembers that your puppy / dog is a breeding animal. Many of the medications (specifically topical and multi-purpose medications) have not been tested on breeding animals and assumes the dog has been altered. this is specifically important immediately prior to and during a breeding season for your dog as any chemical offered to a dog can be passed on to their puppies. Please read this post and discuss with your vet and us any questions at all about prevention.
TRAINING - We suggest early training for your puppy / dog. A well behaved dog leads a better life because he/she has more opportunities to join their family in public. We recommend this training book before bringing your puppy home. Once your puppy is home and acclimated to his/her new environment we suggest two other resources. For in person training, please consider Charleston Dog Training Club or a similar training club in your community. These clubs are superior to pet store training classes. For at home training once your puppy is 6+ months, we can't stop talking about the new MasterClass on Dog Training by Brandon McMillan.
VETERINARIANS AND VET RECORDS - When you are given custody of your puppy (or dog), you will be provided a vet record that should be given to the Veterinarian of your choice. We will also let you know when the dog is due for their next visit. We do not require that you use a specific vet for regular care. We do ask that you put my contact information (Tiffany Provence, 1215 Fifteen Mile Landing Road, Awendaw, SC 29429 (843)200-6587) as a secondary contact or second owner on your dog's file. This will allow me to transfer records between the Canine Reproductive Specialist and the heart/eye/hip testing centers back and forth between vets. As a reminder from your contract, Guardian Homes are responsible for regular vet care, vaccinations and standard medications (such as flea, tick and heart-worm) as well as any illness. LierChonPoo will be providing all vet care related to breeding including OFA testing based on breed, reproductive testing and any care needed before or after breeding.
VACCINATIONS - We ask Guardian Homes to consider a minimal vaccination protocol for multiple reasons. First, many Cavaliers (and other toy breeds) are sensitive to vaccinations and as a result of our research we've realized that many veterinarians recommend heavy doses of unnecessary vaccines. Please have a candid discussion with your veterinarian about what vaccinations your puppy (or dog) needs and make sure they know this is a breeding dog. While less important with males, it is incredibly important that vets know when females are in a breeding program as they may recommend and time vaccinations differently (we never vaccinate a pregnant animal). If you would like to know what vaccination protocol we follow, please refer to Dr. Dodd's Protocol.
BLOG POSTS THAT MAY BE OF GENERAL INTEREST:
TIPS AND PRODUCTS FOR KEEPING YOUR PUPPY OCCUPIED
LEARN HOW TO STUFF A KONG
DEALING WITH A PICKY EATER
BREEDING FEMALES
BREEDING AGE - When we breed a particular female will depend on many factors including 1) when her heat cycles began 2) her breed 3) her health 4) the need for her puppies in our program and 5) the recommendations of our reproductive vet based on her testing (see below). That being said, we know many of our families are curious as to what to expect. In general, if the health of a female is solid and her heat cycles are normal, she will be bred on her third (3rd) heat cycle; however, if she started her heat cycles early and is less than 18 months old at the time of 3rd heat breeding will be delayed. Third heat has been determined by significant research to be the start of her prime time in terms of fertility. Her body and support system are fully ready to go through the hardships of pregnancy and nursing. While she may still be your "baby" at this time, it's important to note that she is the equivalent of a 23+ year old female. You can always confirm her genetic age on her Embark panel.
HEAT CYCLES - Small breeds generally have their first heat cycle on or around 6-7 months of age but as early as 5 months or as late as 11 months is not uncommon and is also not cause for concern. We do not seek veterinarian consultations unless a female is delayed beyond 12 months. Although heat cycles are a perfectly normal part of aging, we do want our Guardian Homes to be prepared. We recommend reviewing this link when your female is about 5 months old and stocking up with the necessary supplies.
PREGNANCY NUTRITION - Many dog moms (and dads) worry about their dog's nutrition during her pregnancy and nutrition does play a very important role in healthy pregnancy and whelping. First, we would like to encourage you to make sure your dog is being fed top quality food significantly before her pregnancy (see nutrition above). It's not great to stress a dog by changing her diet during pregnancy so making sure she's on the best possible food PRIOR to breeding. Here are other important tips:
SUPPLEMENTS - We will be providing nutritional supplements for our breeding dogs during heat, pregnancy and after whelping puppies. While these may change based on vet recommendations, you can expect your dog will be provided the following: OxyMate during heat and pregnancy and OxyMomma during whelping and nursing. We will also be offering several post whelping supplements based on any issues she has during birth or nursing. These will be offered in our home or delivered to you if you are whelping in your home.
TESTING - All females in our program (regardless of breed) will receive the following tests: Full DNA Embark panel, OFA heart testing, OFA eye testing, OFA hip or patella (or both based on vet recommendations) and a pre-breeding wellness screen. These tests will begin at approximately 12 months of age but may be sooner or later based on clinic schedules or when your female started her first heat cycle. LierChonPoo covers all of these expenses. Females will also receive progesterone testing multiple times (2-3) during her first breeding cycle and then as needed after that time. This testing tells us when she ovulates during her cycle. All of the test listed above are non-invasive and are great indicators of overall health. Tests will be repeated as recommended every year to 18 months.
WHELPING - Your dog will be brought to our home at the first signs of whelping. Signs include panting, nesting, change in temperature and general restlessness. Due to progesterone testing, ultrasounds and x-rays performed during pregnancy, we will be able to give you an estimated delivery date +/- one day. If you have decided to whelp the puppies in your home, we need to be notified no later than fourteen (14) days in advance of the due date so that we can make appropriate arrangements. You can expect your female to stay with us a minimum of 6+ weeks after birth of the puppies. During this time you are welcome to visit her and her puppies as often as possible.
HEAT CYCLES - Small breeds generally have their first heat cycle on or around 6-7 months of age but as early as 5 months or as late as 11 months is not uncommon and is also not cause for concern. We do not seek veterinarian consultations unless a female is delayed beyond 12 months. Although heat cycles are a perfectly normal part of aging, we do want our Guardian Homes to be prepared. We recommend reviewing this link when your female is about 5 months old and stocking up with the necessary supplies.
PREGNANCY NUTRITION - Many dog moms (and dads) worry about their dog's nutrition during her pregnancy and nutrition does play a very important role in healthy pregnancy and whelping. First, we would like to encourage you to make sure your dog is being fed top quality food significantly before her pregnancy (see nutrition above). It's not great to stress a dog by changing her diet during pregnancy so making sure she's on the best possible food PRIOR to breeding. Here are other important tips:
- Exercise is important for your dog both before and during pregnancy. Please make sure she's getting plenty of exercise before and after she is bred. Avoid strenuous jumping after pregnancy confirmation but plenty of walking is helpful in improving her appetite and making sure she's healthy for whelping.
- Dogs do not need additional nutrition the first month of pregnancy. Increased calories prematurely can actually lead to unhealthy weight gain. During this period we will be providing a pregnancy supplement (see below). We may also recommend you provide additional home cooked options (such as scrambled or boiled eggs) if she begins to exhibit picky eating during the pregnancy.
- During the last 3 weeks of pregnancy, your female's calorie requirements can double or even triple. During this time many people choose to free feed their high quality kibble (we recommend PawTree Chicken & Sweet Potato due to it's high caloric volume, significant DHA % and low poop production).
- If you would like to offer your dog some special treats during pregnancy, we recommend eggs (no more than 2-3 per week) or single ingredient treats added to her food. Please avoid the temptation to feed unhealthy table scraps during this time.
SUPPLEMENTS - We will be providing nutritional supplements for our breeding dogs during heat, pregnancy and after whelping puppies. While these may change based on vet recommendations, you can expect your dog will be provided the following: OxyMate during heat and pregnancy and OxyMomma during whelping and nursing. We will also be offering several post whelping supplements based on any issues she has during birth or nursing. These will be offered in our home or delivered to you if you are whelping in your home.
TESTING - All females in our program (regardless of breed) will receive the following tests: Full DNA Embark panel, OFA heart testing, OFA eye testing, OFA hip or patella (or both based on vet recommendations) and a pre-breeding wellness screen. These tests will begin at approximately 12 months of age but may be sooner or later based on clinic schedules or when your female started her first heat cycle. LierChonPoo covers all of these expenses. Females will also receive progesterone testing multiple times (2-3) during her first breeding cycle and then as needed after that time. This testing tells us when she ovulates during her cycle. All of the test listed above are non-invasive and are great indicators of overall health. Tests will be repeated as recommended every year to 18 months.
WHELPING - Your dog will be brought to our home at the first signs of whelping. Signs include panting, nesting, change in temperature and general restlessness. Due to progesterone testing, ultrasounds and x-rays performed during pregnancy, we will be able to give you an estimated delivery date +/- one day. If you have decided to whelp the puppies in your home, we need to be notified no later than fourteen (14) days in advance of the due date so that we can make appropriate arrangements. You can expect your female to stay with us a minimum of 6+ weeks after birth of the puppies. During this time you are welcome to visit her and her puppies as often as possible.
BREEDING MALES
BREEDING AGE - Males can be bred as early as one year of age; however, we base our breeding age on 1) sexual maturity 2) breed protocol 3) the completion of health testing and 4) the recommendations of our reproductive vet. Most of our males enter our breeding program around eighteen (18) months but will be tested (below) before that time.
BREEDING NUTRITION AND SUPPLEMENTS - Many dog moms (and dads) worry about their dog's nutrition during breeding. For males, you simply need to make sure your male is on the best possible food PRIOR to breeding. Here are other important tips:
TESTING - All males in our program (regardless of breed) will receive the following tests: Full DNA Embark panel, OFA heart testing, OFA eye testing, OFA hip or patella (or both based on vet recommendations) and a pre-breeding wellness screen including a sperm test. These tests will begin at approximately 12 months of age but may be sooner or later based on clinic schedules and when we anticipate using your male in our program. LierChonPoo covers all of these expenses. Tests will be repeated as recommended every year to 18 months.
BREEDING NUTRITION AND SUPPLEMENTS - Many dog moms (and dads) worry about their dog's nutrition during breeding. For males, you simply need to make sure your male is on the best possible food PRIOR to breeding. Here are other important tips:
- Exercise is always important for your dog. Please make sure he's getting plenty of exercise before and after being bred.
- Male dogs do not need additional nutrition during breeding.
- When we anticipate breeding your dog, we will be providing nutritional supplements based on vet recommendations. The most common supplement is OxyStud, which increases vigor and endurance as well as sperm count. This comes in the form of a beef flavored chewable that most dogs enjoy and has no negative side effects.
TESTING - All males in our program (regardless of breed) will receive the following tests: Full DNA Embark panel, OFA heart testing, OFA eye testing, OFA hip or patella (or both based on vet recommendations) and a pre-breeding wellness screen including a sperm test. These tests will begin at approximately 12 months of age but may be sooner or later based on clinic schedules and when we anticipate using your male in our program. LierChonPoo covers all of these expenses. Tests will be repeated as recommended every year to 18 months.
