Guardian Homes
Cherished Family Members First & Foremost
At Potomac Australian Labradoodles, our dogs' well-being is our top priority. We believe every dog deserves a loving, permanent home-- especially when part of our breeding program. That's why our breeding dogs live with carefully selected guardian families, enjoying life as cherished family pets while contributing to the future of our program.
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Guardian families provide the love and care our dogs need to thrive, while helping us maintain the high standards of health, temperament, and socialization we're known for.
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We also offer meaningful benefits to our guardians:
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We pay the monthly Trupanion health insurance premium for the duration of the dog's breeding career.
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Cash incentives for training achievements, including:
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$250 for the AKC Canine Good Citizen title​
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$250 for Therapy Dog certification
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$100 for each additional AKC title
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If you're interested in becoming a guardian family, please Contact Us-- we'd love to share more about this rewarding program.
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Below are some frequently asked questions and additional information about our guardian program.
What is a Guardian Home?
A guardian home is a family or individual who agrees to care for one of our breeding dogs as their own pet. The dog lives with the guardian family full-time, receiving the same love and attention as any family dog, while also being part of our breeding program.
What happens when the guardian dog needs to be bred?
When it’s time for breeding, we will coordinate with you to pick up and care for the dog during the breeding process. The dog will stay with us for a short period during mating and, about 63 days later, for whelping, and then return to your home when the puppies are weaned. We cover all breeding-related expenses.
What are the responsibilities of a Guardian Family?
As a guardian family, you are responsible for the day-to-day care of the dog, including feeding, grooming, exercise, and regular vet visits. Your job is to provide the dog with the loving home they deserve. When the dog is ready to breed, that is where we take over and handle the breeding, whelping, and raising of litters.
Can anyone become a guardian family?
We carefully select our guardian families to ensure they are a good fit for the dog and our program. Ideal candidates are local to Montgomery County, MD, have a yard with a physical fence, are willing to feed a biologically appropriate raw diet (or an approved food) and share our commitment to the well-being of our dogs.
How long does a dog stay in the breeding program?
Typically, a female dog will remain in our breeding program for 4-5 years, or until she has had 3-4 litters. Males may remain in the program longer. After that, the dog is retired and ownership is transferred to the guardian family, with no further breeding obligations.
What support does the breeder provide to guardian families?
We are here to support guardian families every step of the way. We provide guidance on care, answer any questions you may have, and cover all breeding-related expenses. Our goal is to make the experience rewarding and enjoyable for everyone involved.