Guardian Homes
What is a Guardian Home?
At Brookside Doodles, our dogs are always our top priority. We believe every dog deserves to be raised in a loving home where they are first and foremost a cherished family member. Because of this, we intentionally keep a limited number of dogs in our home so each one receives the time, attention, and love they deserve.
Our guardian home program allows us to do just that—while also giving wonderful families the opportunity to welcome an exceptional dog into their lives. From time to time, we place select puppies or adult dogs with approved guardian families at no upfront cost, under a signed agreement that outlines the responsibilities of the program. It’s a unique opportunity to bring home a top-quality Brookside Doodle while partnering with us in a meaningful way.
We offer this program because we want every dog in our program to grow up in a devoted home environment and to remain with their family for life—even after they retire from breeding.
For females, breeding typically begins after their second heat cycle. When it’s time for puppies, moms come to our home to safely deliver and raise their litter for approximately 7–8 weeks. After completing a carefully planned number of litters, each female is spayed at our expense and fully retired into her guardian family’s care.
Males are usually part of the program for a longer period of time, but most often are only needed for short visits for breeding, with overnight stays being rare.
We understand that the guardian program is not the right fit for every family. Some families prefer not to have an unaltered dog in their home, and others may find it difficult to be apart from their dog during breeding periods. Because of this, we take time to carefully get to know each family through an in-depth application and conversation process to ensure it is a great fit for everyone involved.
Our goal is to build lasting relationships with our guardian families and to ensure that every dog lives a happy, well-loved life—both during and after their time in our program.
What are the requirements of a guardian family?
We are so grateful for the families who partner with us through our guardian program. Our goal is to place each dog in a loving, committed home while ensuring their health, safety, and long-term well-being. The following guidelines help create a positive experience for both our families and our dogs:
• Guardian families should live within 30 minutes of Temecula, CA for males and within 1 hour for females. We ask that families remain within this area while the dog is in our program. If relocation becomes necessary, the dog will need to be returned to Brookside Doodles. Once retired, your dog is free to remain with you no matter where you live.
• Families should either own their home or have landlord approval to have a dog.
• A physically fenced yard is required to provide a safe and secure environment. This is essential for your dog’s safety and to prevent any unplanned or unwanted pregnancies.
• Yards should be properly landscaped and well maintained, with no excess weeds, stickers, or large open dirt areas. Bernedoodles have a furnished, often wavy or curly coat that easily collects debris such as burrs, foxtails, and dirt. Without a clean outdoor space, this can quickly lead to matting, skin irritation, and discomfort. A landscaped yard (such as grass, turf, or well-maintained ground cover) helps keep your dog clean, comfortable, and able to enjoy living inside as part of your family.
• Dogs should never be off leash in an unsecured area. For safety reasons, dog parks and dog beaches are not permitted.
• Guardian families should have reliable transportation and be willing to bring the dog to us as needed throughout the year for breeding-related appointments (such as testing, breeding, and litters). Veterinary care will be coordinated with a mutually agreed-upon veterinarian.
• We value open and ongoing communication and ask that you keep us informed of anything related to your dog’s health or well-being.
• Dogs should be maintained on a mutually agreed-upon food to support their health and consistency in the program.
• As the breeder, there may be times we need to make decisions regarding your dog’s care or schedule. This could include extended stays for females, additional veterinary care, or other breeding-related needs. Please know that all decisions are always made with your dog’s best interest in mind.
• While we always try to give as much notice as possible for breeding needs, there may be times when your dog is needed on short notice. Breeding is very time-sensitive, and timing cannot be adjusted or negotiated. We truly appreciate your flexibility and understanding in these situations.
• Guardian families are responsible for routine costs associated with the dog, including food, regular veterinary care, grooming, training, and general care. Pet insurance is required while the dog is in the program. Brookside Doodles covers all veterinary expenses directly related to breeding.
Oakli with her guardian Dad, Kevin. Piper was visiting to say hi.
Kinsley was raised here at Brookside Doodles and now joined our families program at Oak Knoll Doodles in Ramona, Ca. If you are interested in learning more about being a guardian please reach out to myself or Darla at Oak Knoll Doodles 760-505-9309 www.OakKnollDoodles.com
At Oak Knoll Doodles, we are excited to introduce Kinsley, a beautiful intense red mini Bernedoodle we are placing in guardian homes. She has a fully furnished wavy coat and is expected to mature around 30–40 lbs, making her the perfect size for an active, family-oriented home.
We are currently seeking a loving guardian family located between North County San Diego and Murrieta, CA who is committed to raising her as part of their everyday lives. Our guardian program allows our dogs to live as cherished family members while remaining part of our breeding program for a period of time.
I would like to learn more about becoming a guardian home.
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