the Vondoodles
Guardian Program
What is a Guardian Home?
When choosing dogs for our breeding program we are committed to the entirety of their well-being! This means, we go through great strides to ensure that each dog is treated with love, respect and compassion. Whether the dog resides with VonDoodles or a guardian, nothing is spared when providing the daily health and welfare needs of our dogs! Why? Because they are a valued and cherished part of our family! In fact, it is common knowledge that puppies have stronger immune systems, better stress responses and a calmer disposition when the pregnant mom experiences a gentle environment free from high levels of stress. Actions, such as petting a dog, creates a neurological response in the brain and oxytocin, a feel-good chemical, is released. Both the dog and human benefit from this.
The purpose of a guardian is to continue this same principle of providing a committed and loving home for each breeding dog. By doing so, a strong community is built between guardians and myself as their breeder. We want to ensure that no dog is inhumanely treated, rehomed or placed in a shelter. Our guardian families are very important to us! We do our best to be in tune, not only to our breeding dog, but also to our guardians needs and desires. It’s truly a wonderful experience to watch family’s bond with their dog!
How Does it work?
Guardians will receive a “pick of the litter” puppy or in some cases a fully health tested older puppy or adult. The price of the dog is a deposit in the amount of $500. Upon each breeding, the guardian will receive a portion of this deposit back, not to exceed the amount of $500. VonDoodles retains full ownership and “breeding rights” of the dog until the end of the contract terms. VonDoodles will cover all breeding related expenses. Guardians are responsible for all other expenses such as routine wellness visits, vet care due to a injury or illness, heartworm and flea prevention, grooming, food and kennel to name a few.
Once the dog has completed its breeding career, they will be spayed at our expense and full ownership will be transferred to the guardian.
What is required to become a guardian?
Must live no more than 1 hour away from Vondoodles which is located in the greater Kansas City metro area.
Experience with owning a dog or puppy
Homeownership highly encouraged
Must have a secure fenced in yard
Provide professional obedience training/classes. It is very important that the dog masters basic commands such as sit, stay, down, leave-it, kenneling up and leash training. Classes can be as short or long as you deem necessary as long as each skill is fully mastered.
The dog must be raised as an indoor dog, never to dwell outside or unsupervised. When left at home safely contain the dog indoors never to be kenneled or confined for long periods of time
If raising a puppy, must have the flexibility or lifestyle to properly crate train and potty train (puppies under the age of 12 weeks will need to be let out every 2-3 hours maximum)
Should puppy be trained by “Puppy Culture”, we ask the guardian to continue these powerful training videos and resources. It can be purchased here.
Ability to promptly accommodate VonDoodles when the dog is needed for breeding purposes. Females that are of breeding age and have entered into a heat cycle, will need to be seen by a vet multiple times for progesterone testing. If other time sensitive procedures are required, the guardian must have the ability to respond in a timely matter. (Unique circumstances may require the guardian to aid in getting the dog to the vets office with only a 24hr notice. This is a rare instance, but possible.
Willingness to provide for the needs of a pregnant dog. Pregnant dogs require an increase in food and prenatal vitamins. Guardian must be willing to administer and purchase items recommended by VonDoodles
An understanding that a female will spend several weeks away from her guardian after a litter of puppies is born. Mom will come to us 1 week before the date she is expected to deliver. She will remain with us for the duration of 6-8 weeks. The number of litters a female will have is approximately 2-3 litters (4 being the maximum)
Feed high quality kibble and supplements recommended by VonDoodles.
Allow home visits 2 or more times a year so that there is a bond and familiarity between us and the dog. One of the ways to accomplish this is by boarding your dog with us during vacation or traveling. We offer all guardian families free boarding. Should we not have the capacity to board the dog, due to having young puppies, we can refer you to our personal pet sitter. She is an experienced dog lover with years of experience working with and training dogs of all ages!
Willingness to communicate with us on a regular basis, providing pictures, updates and any other necessary information.