GUARDIAN HOME PROGRAM
What is a Guardian Home?
A guardian home is a special arrangement where a family provides a loving, forever home to one of our breeding dogs while we retain breeding rights for a limited time. This allows our dogs to enjoy life as cherished pets rather than being raised in kennels. The guardian dog lives with their family full-time and only returns to us for a short period during breeding and whelping (for females) or occasional breeding appointments (for males). It’s a wonderful way for our dogs to thrive in a home environment while still contributing to our breeding program.
Responsibilities of a Guardian Family
As a guardian, your primary responsibility is to provide excellent care, attention, and training to your dog just like you would with any beloved family pet. This includes regular exercise, proper nutrition, vet visits, socialization, and grooming. You’ll also need to stay in communication with us for health updates and coordinate breeding-related appointments. For females, this involves allowing us to bring her back during heat cycles and whelping, while males may occasionally be needed for brief breeding visits. We cover all breeding-related costs; you cover typical pet ownership expenses.
Why Become a Guardian Home?
Being a guardian home is a rewarding experience that gives families the chance to raise a top-quality, fully health-tested dog at little to no upfront cost. You’ll be part of our extended Mustard Seed Puppies family, helping us continue a responsible and loving breeding program. Once a dog’s breeding career is complete, full ownership is signed over to you, and they remain with you forever. It’s a unique way to add a beautiful, well-bred dog to your home while making a meaningful impact in our program.
Guardian Home Requirements
- Location - You must reside within a 90-minute drive of Saluda, North Carolina.
- Be prepared for a home-visit and provide references prior to the dog/puppy being placed in your care.
- Veterinary Care - All veterinary services must be provided through the veterinarian selected by the breeder.
- Grooming - Dogs must be professionally groomed every 6 to 12 weeks on a regular schedule.
- Nutrition - Dogs must be fed the specific brand and type of food provided or approved by the breeder.
- Residency Stability - You must not plan to relocate outside the area for at least the next six (6) years.
- Training - Dogs must be taught and maintain basic obedience commands (sit, stay, come, leash manners, etc.).
- Heat Cycles - You must be able to recognize the signs of an upcoming heat cycle and notify the breeder promptly.
- Health Monitoring - The breeder must be contacted immediately if the dog shows any signs of illness, injury, or behavioral changes.
- Availability - Guardian families must be flexible and willing to bring the dog to the breeder as needed for breeding, vet visits, or other scheduled events.
- Indoor Living - This guardian dog must live indoors only. It is expected to be a fully integrated member of your household and not kept outside, in a garage, or in any form of outdoor-only shelter.
- Other Pets - Any other dogs in the household must be spayed or neutered. Any other animals in the home must be disclosed to the breeder prior to placement.
- Containment and Safety - Dogs must be kept in a securely fenced yard when outside. Dogs must always be on a leash when outside of a fenced area.