Guardian Homes | bigrockgoldens

Our family has enjoyed having a crazy busy, fun, and loving household. But as a growing family with 3 kids and 4 dogs, our home is officially maxed out. In order to maintain our high standard of living for our dogs we decided to start this program. We are starting this guardian program because our vision for raising golden retrievers has always been with the highest regard for their wellbeing. Our dogs are in our homes with us, constantly attended to, being playing with and loved dearly. Our dogs mean the world to us and a loving home is what they ultimately deserve. We also understand that in order to breed the highest quality dogs, we also needed to keep, evaluate, and add quality bloodlines to our breeding program. Which is why in order to keep our beloved passion going we need to expand our home with yours.

Our breeding program is designed with our dogs being placed in a guardian homes with their forever family. Implementing a guardian program ensures that our puppies/dogs every needs are met and that they receive all the love and attention that they could possibly need. One of our puppies will be adopted into your home as they are now your new family member! While they will live with you on a day to day basis, we would ask that they be available to come to our home in Sammamish for occasional playdates, veterinary health testing, and (once they are old enough and pass appropriate health tests) for breedings (staying with us for up to 1-2 weeks) and/or whelping and raising a litter of pups (8-10 weeks). In this regard, the dogs get all of their needs met and have two great families that they know and grow to love! Plus, you would have a great home to care for your pup if you are ever away on a trip or vacation :).

We are currently looking for individuals near Sammamish, in the Greater Seattle Area, that would love to be a part of our guardian family. This is a great opportunity to love and raise a “pick of the litter” puppy at a very minimal cost! There is only an upfront fee ($400), which is reimbursed upon birth of the first litter. Your responsibility includes, but is not limited to; feeding, caring for, and loving on the puppy -- helping him/her to grow into a well-rounded, well-socialized, extremely well-mannered, trained adult dog. After the dog is finished with his/her breeding career then they are spayed/neutered (at our expense), and then they are your dog for life.

While each contract is unique, breeding females are typically contracted to have 3-4 litters, starting around age 2. Males are in the program or a longer period, until about age 7, but needed for shorter service periods at a time. Transfer of legal ownership will happen once the dog has finished her/his breeding career and been spayed or neutered at our expense. Simply put, she/he is raised and cared by you, but will be in our breeding program (we pick up the expenses related to the breeding). It is a setup that we hope is a great one for your family, our family, and the dog.

The biggest concern from individuals who want to be in our guardian program is having their female dog gone for the time frame that it takes them to whelp the puppies and complete the nursing phase which is usually 8-10 weeks. We feel this is a great time for us to get to know each other. We want anyone who works with us to have a great experience which is why we allow our guardian families to come by regularly to see their girl as well as spend time with the puppies. This is a VERY rewarding and exciting process, which is what ultimately fuels our passion for raising golden retrievers! Most people are amazed at the joy this whole experience brings them.

At the same time, there are many things that guardian families need to consider. Guardians of females sometimes have to deal with several heat cycles and keeping their girl protected from unwanted males. The guardian family will need to learn the signs of a heat cycle and be willing to communicate, cooperate and coordinate with us to ensure a successful breeding.

To be a guardian home……

Guardians must have previous dog experience.
Guardians must own and live in a home with a fully fenced yard.
Guardians must keep the dog on a leash or in a fenced area, especially during heat cycles!
Guardians must be willing to train the dog the very basic obedience commands (off, down, sit, back, leave it, crate), and preferably more.
Guardians must ensure the puppy is socialized to adults, children and other animals – this is very important.
Guardians must provide appropriate veterinary or emergency care when needed.
Guardians must feed the dog a high quality dog food, approved by the breeder.
Guardians must be able and willing to identify and notify us immediately when a female begins her heat cycle.
Guardians must not allow a female in heat near intact males.
Guardians must not allow a male guardian to breed with unapproved females.
Guardians must live within a reasonable driving distance from Sammamish, WA and be willing to drive to our area.
Guardians must communicate, cooperate and coordinate with the breeder regarding testing, mating, whelping, and other breeding related activities.

We cover all health certification testing and medical expenses related to breeding & testing. You will be responsible for normal expenses related to caring for a dog.

If you are interested in becoming a guardian home, please complete our Contact Form and indicate that you are interested in becoming a Guardian Home. We look forward to getting to know you!