Guardian Home FAQs
Heinrichs German Shepherds, LLC
About
The idea of literally owning a “pack of dogs” is initially a romantic one. A quality breeding program means having a large enough gene pool to be very picky about which dogs to breed with whom and when. But the facility needed and the life the dogs live just isn’t what we want for our fur babies. Our dogs are family members. They go with us as much as possible, shopping, boating, hiking, camping, etc. We believe every dog deserves a family to live those life experiences with. Quality of Life! Especially those who produce litters of puppies. They are the cream de la cream of the breeding program and deserve the most.
We also realized that a dog’s temperament when they live with a pack in kennels is likely different than if they lived as a single dog underfoot inside the home. So when we were introduced to the system of “Guardian Homes” we were sold!
How can I become a guardian home?
Fill out these two forms
Guardianship Application
Guardian Contract
Already applied? If you haven’t been contacted within 2 business days please give us a call/email to confirm.
WHAT IS A “GUARDIAN HOME”?
A Guardian family is carefully interviewed and selected to own one of our Breeding dogs. The dog lives with this family for their entire life. We will always be the dog’s “home away from home” and their second family. But the family they permanently live with is called their Guardian family. There, the dog grows up, goes through training, and joins in on Christmas morning and vacations and family photos. They are a doted-upon family member, just as every dog deserves
DOES THE GUARDIAN RAISE PUPPIES?
No. We are a home away from home for our Guardian dogs and because they were either born here or brought here as puppies, they know us and our home routine well. They come in the door and are immediately at home. All things breeding related happens here whether that is a visiting male to have a date with one of our females or a female here to whelp and raise a litter of puppies. The dog returns to their family after breeding and/or after she naturally weans her litter.
WHAT DOES A GUARDIAN DOG COST?
There is no cost for a Guardian puppy. There are, however, several reasonable requirements and protocols. We pay for all things breeding-related including Genetic Testing of various types, Progesterone testing, ultrasounds, semen analysis, etc but Guardians cover all normal dog care expenses. This includes dog food, regular supplements, grooming, vaccines, parasite prevention, dog training, etc. We lay out a very clear regimen and protocol for our Guardians to follow to keep all of our breeding dogs in optimal physical and mental health.
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER THE DOGS ARE RETIRED?
Unlike many breeders who own several dogs and simply “rehome” their retired breeding dogs, our dogs don’t have to undergo such a tragic change. They remain with their Guardian family and full ownership is transferred to the family post-retirement.
HOW LONG ARE BREEDING DOGS BRED FOR?
This varies slightly by dog but on average, a male is used for three years beginning at the time of their first breeding, and a female is bred for five litters or less prior to retiring. If a guardian dog is not tolerating pregnancy/whelping well she is retired early. Again, happiness and health are very important to us.
HOW CAN I BECOME A GUARDIAN HOME?
STEP 1: If you are interested in becoming a guardian please fill out our application here.
STEP 2: You will also need to sign our Guardian Contract (Download Below).
STEP 3: We will contact you and set up a time to meet you!
Tribute Too
This Guardianship information was originally obtained by Oregon Bordoodles. Find their information here.