Our Guardian Home Program
At Lazy Acres Ranch, our dogs are family first. Our Guardian Home Program allows our breeding dogs to live in loving homes instead of kennels while remaining part of our program.
Guardian families receive a pick-of-the-litter puppy at no cost and raise them as their own. In return, we retain breeding rights for a set period before full ownership transfers to the family after the dog retires.
Guardian homes help our dogs live as cherished family pets while supporting our breeding program’s focus on health, temperament, and structure.
How it works
Female guardian dogs live with their guardian family full time except during health testing, breeding, and puppy raising. Around one week before puppies are due, she comes back to our ranch where she stays through delivery and while raising her litter for about 7 weeks. Once puppies are weaned, she returns home to her family. Guardian families are allowed to come visit the puppies and their mom around the 5 week mark.
Male guardian dogs remain with their guardian families and are only needed for short visits for health testing and breedings.
What We Provide
As the breeder, we cover breeding-related veterinary expenses, health testing, and reproductive care throughout the dog’s time in our program. We also provide ongoing guidance and training support to our guardian families every step of the way.
What Guardian Families Provide
Guardian families provide a safe, loving forever home along with regular day-to-day care including food, grooming, exercise, training, and routine veterinary care. Families must also maintain open communication with us and be willing to accommodate breeding-related scheduling when needed.
Guardian Home Requirements
We are very selective about our guardian homes and look for families who live within a 90 minute drive of Longmont. Guardian families must own their home and/or have landlord approval, must have a physical fence in their yard, provide a stable environment, and are committed to raising a well-socialized family dog.
Is a Guardian Home Right for You?
Being a guardian family is incredibly rewarding, but it is also a commitment and partnership. The right guardian home understands that communication, flexibility, and trust are essential.
Many of our guardian families become close friends and love being part of our extended program family. One of the best parts is getting to follow along with your dog’s puppies and watching the next generation grow.
Interested in Becoming a Guardian Family?
We would love to hear from you! Please email us at info@lazyacresbernedoodles.com and tell us more about your family, home, and lifestyle.