Bernedoodle Guardian Home Program
Bernedoodle Guardian Home Program in San Diego
Our Guardian Home Program allows carefully selected families in San Diego County to welcome one of our exceptional, health-tested breeding dogs into their home at no cost. The dog lives with the Guardian Family as their beloved family companion while remaining part of the Shady Oak Doodles breeding program until retirement. Once the dog retires from our breeding program, full ownership is transferred to the Guardian Family, and the dog remains with them permanently.
Our Guardian Program allows our breeding dogs to enjoy life in a loving family home while helping us continue the carefully planned breeding program we have developed at Shady Oak Doodles. Because Guardian dogs remain part of our breeding program, families must live within our required distance of our San Diego County location and be able to follow the breeding, veterinary and care requirements outlined in our Guardian agreement.
What Shady Oak Doodles Provides
Shady Oak Doodles is responsible for breeding-related veterinary care and expenses throughout the dog’s time in our program. This includes reproductive and breeding-related care as well as the health testing required for our breeding dogs, including:
- Genetic health testing
- OFA health testing and evaluations
- CAER eye examinations
- Breeding and reproductive veterinary care
- Breeding-related vitamins or supplements when needed
Guardian Family Responsibilities
Guardian Families provide the loving, stable home and everyday care that every dog deserves. Families are responsible for:
- Feeding our approved high-quality diet
- Toys, bedding and everyday supplies
- Routine professional grooming
- Non-breeding-related veterinary care through our approved veterinarian
- Flea and tick prevention as needed
- Following all requirements of the Shady Oak Doodles Guardian Home agreement
Our Guardian Home Program is a unique opportunity for local families to raise and enjoy one of our breeding dogs while playing an important role in the future of Shady Oak Doodles. Guardian Families become an important part of our extended program, and our goal is to create a relationship that is positive for the family, for us, and—most importantly—for the dog.
Benefits of the Guardian Home Program
Welcome a carefully selected Shady Oak Doodles puppy or dog into your family at no cost.
Your Guardian dog becomes officially yours when they retire from our breeding program.
Complimentary professional grooming during whelping stays.
Breeding-related veterinary care and health testing are covered by Shady Oak Doodles.
Ongoing support and guidance from our experienced team.
The opportunity to be an important part of our responsible Bernedoodle breeding program.
How Our Guardian Home Program Works
How Our Guardian Home Program Works
For Females:
When a female is ready to be bred, she will return to Shady Oak Doodles for approximately 1–7 days for breeding.
During her pregnancy, she remains at home with her Guardian Family and continues her normal routine.
During the 8th week of pregnancy, she returns to us to prepare for delivery. She remains in our care for approximately 6–7 weeks while she gives birth, nurses, and raises her puppies.
Guardian Families must be comfortable recognizing heat cycles and keeping their female completely separated from intact male dogs while she is in season.
Females typically retire from our breeding program between 4–6 years of age. At retirement, she is spayed by our veterinarian, full ownership is transferred to her Guardian Family, and she remains their forever dog.
For Males:
When a male is needed for breeding, we will arrange for collection at our canine reproductive facility or have him stay with us for approximately 1–7 days.
Guardian Families must keep males separated from intact females outside of our breeding program to prevent accidental breedings.
Males typically retire from our breeding program between 4–6 years of age. At retirement, he is neutered by our veterinarian, full ownership is transferred to his Guardian Family, and he remains their forever dog.
Guardian Home Requirements
To ensure the best care for our dogs and a successful experience for everyone involved, families interested in the Shady Oak Doodles Guardian Home Program must meet the following requirements:
• Home Ownership — Guardian Families must own their home and have no plans to move out of the area for at least 5 years.
• Children — Guardian Homes may not have children under 10 years of age.
• For Males — Guardian Families must live within 30 miles of ZIP code 91917 and be available for pick-up and drop-off in Dulzura, California, as needed.
• For Females — Guardian Families must live within 75 miles of ZIP code 91917 and be available for pick-up and drop-off in Dulzura, California, as needed.
• Other Intact Dogs — Guardian Homes may not have intact male dogs. Additional requirements regarding intact dogs may apply depending on the Guardian Dog being placed.
• Grooming — Regular professional grooming every 6–8 weeks is required to maintain a healthy coat. Guardian Families must use our trusted professional groomer located in El Cajon, California.
• Veterinary Care — Guardian Dogs receive veterinary care through our veterinary clinic in El Cajon, California, as required by the Guardian Program. Guardian Families must be willing to travel there for applicable veterinary appointments.
• Program Participation — We may occasionally need your Guardian Dog for breeding-related veterinary appointments, photoshoots, or website and social media content.
Ready to Become a Guardian Family?
Intrested in becoming a Guardian Family for one of our Shady Oak Doodles Bernedoodles? We would love to hear from you. Our Guardian Home Program is available to approved families in the San Diego area who meet our requirements and are excited to provide one of our dogs with a loving, permanent home.
If you believe you may be a good fit for our guardian home program, please contact Becca at 619-471-5183 to learn more about current Guardian Home opportunities and the application process.
