Wanna be a Guardian?

At Sunday Doodles we take puppy placement very seriously.  We are not a hobby or “kennel breeder” so take our job caring for our dogs seriously as well.  We feel very strongly that all dogs deserve a permanent loving family of their own right from the start, and our breeding dogs are no different.   We don’t think it’s in anyones best interest (especially the dogs)  to “re-home” them once they retire from the program.  They work hard and are the best of the best and deserve a full time family that adores them!  

Because of that, we have put into place a guardianship program. We think this program is a win/win/win for all involved.  You, us and most importantly- our dogs!  All of our Labradoodle breeding dogs come from quality lines, so each puppy placed is carefully selected for its amazing temperament, genetic soundness and confirmation.  Becoming a Sunday Doodle Guardian Home gives you the opportunity to have one of our  “best of the best” Australian Labradoodle puppies as a family pet at no cost to you.  

So how does it work? 

Sunday Doodles Guardian families get the breeders “pick of the litter" at no cost, and just like the rest of the litter, as a puppy, you welcome your new family member into your home.  From there forward you invest in their health safety and happiness, and provide all day to day items associated with having a pet while Sunday Doodles retains all breeding rights and takes care of all associated costs including all health and genetic testing.   

Females start their career between approximately 16-24 months, depending on heat cycles. She will come to us for a few days for breeding and about 55 days later will return to us for whelping (birthing) her pups.  At around 6-7 weeks of age the pups will be weaned and The Guardian Family will be able to pick up their girl! After no more than 4 litters the commitment to Sunday Doodles has been fulfilled. We will have her spayed at our expense and full ownership will be turned over to the Guardian Family! 

We have less opportunity for male guardian homes, and the commitment is much different.  He will come to us for 3-4 days at a time as needed for the females we will pair him with.  His career will start around 12 months and continue to no later than 7 years of age at which time we will neuter him at our expense and full ownership will be turned over to the Guardian Family.  

We are so thankful for our Guardian Homes that give their puppies the care, love and affection that they deserve.  BUT- we know this isn’t for everyone.  For the safety and well being of each dog in our program, in addition to understanding and agreeing to the process of the guardianship program we require the following from each of our guardian families.   

• Live within 2 hours of Duck River, Tn

• Flexible to drop off and pick up the dog for health testing, vet visits, breeding and whelping puppies

• Own their own home (Desired, but not required) or proof that dogs are allowed in rental situations

• Complete house breaking and crate training so dog is comfortable in a crate when not supervised 

• Dog not left unattended for more than 6 hours/day (Preference given to people staying/working at home)

• Prior dog ownership experience preferred 

• Vet reference preferred

• Have a fully fenced yard or be willing to provide regular daily outside exercise. 

• Take puppy through at basic obedience teaching dog sit, stay, no and leave it. 

• Provide proper veterinary care, yearly exams, vaccinations and heart worm preventative

• Keep your dogs coat mat free and well groomed. Weekly brushing, and grooming approximately every 3 mosmonths as needed with your dogs particular coat.  

• Feed dog food of breeders choice

• Notifying breeder when female begins her heat cycle is a must

• Other than breeder approved males, never allow the female to be around “intact” males during heat cycle

• Never allow a male to be around or breed with other females without breeder permission

• No other “intact” dogs in the home 

• Ensure that the puppy continues to be well socialized with people and other dogs

• Be prepared for an interview at your home prior to being accepted as a Guardian Home. 

• No plans to relocate within 5 years of receiving puppy

I hope you feel like we do, and agree that this is the most healthy way to respect and honor our hard working breeding dogs, and continue to raise healthy happy puppies that go on to be amazing family members!  If so, and you think you will be a good fit for a Guardian Home, lets talk! Feel free to call or text me at 314-323-6265 with questions, or click the “apply” button below and let’s get started! 

Note~ We know that being a guardian home is not for everyone,  and unexpected things happen.  We reserve the right to cancel our guardianship program or retire the dog at any time at our discretion if we deem necessary.