What is a Guardian Home?

A Guardian Home offers families the chance to welcome a top-quality, pick-of-the-litter Australian Labradoodle at a reduced cost. At Willowbea Australian Labradoodles, we pride ourselves on being a “kennel-free” breeder. To maintain this, we partner with loving families who provide homes for our breeding dogs. Labradoodles thrive in family environments, and we want them to continue living in loving homes after they leave our care.

As a guardian family, your dog will live with you as a cherished pet while we retain breeding rights. You’ll not only receive a “pick of the litter” puppy, but also a dog that has undergone full health testing, all at our expense.

When it’s time for your dog to have puppies, she’ll come back to us to whelp her litter in our home. She’ll stay with us for about 7 weeks, until her puppies are fully weaned. We believe in letting our mommas wean their puppies naturally, never rushing the process.

Once your dog retires from breeding, we will cover the cost of spaying/neutering, and full ownership will be transferred to your family.

Why do we have a Guardian Home program?

Our Guardian Home program benefits everyone involved: the dog, the breeder, and the guardian family.

• For the Dog: It ensures our breeding dogs live in loving homes rather than in kennels. When their breeding career is over, they have a permanent, established home without the need for rehoming as adults.

• For Willowbea Australian Labradoodles: It gives us peace of mind knowing our dogs are getting the love and care they deserve, while allowing us to grow our program. Since we can only keep so many dogs at our home, the Guardian Home program helps expand our reach.

• For the Guardian Family: You get the joy of raising a pick-of-the-litter puppy at a reduced cost, fully health tested and bred for exceptional quality. Plus, you’ll be part of something special, knowing that your puppy could help families across the country.

Guardian Home Requirements:

• You must live within a 1 hour drive of Afton, MN.

• You must be a homeowner (not a renter) and have a securely fenced yard. No underground fencing. Dogs must be leashed when outside a fenced area. (In some cases, we may consider a home without a fenced yard, provided the dog is always leashed when outdoors.)

• You must feed the recommended food and supplements we provide.

• You must ensure regular veterinary care, including annual exams and vaccines.

• You must provide professional grooming every 4-6 weeks and adhere to the approved cut and style. (We offer grooming services if needed.)

• Monthly photo updates are required so we can see how your dog is maturing. Plus, who doesn’t love sharing cute dog pictures?

• Dogs shouldn’t be left home alone for more than 4 hours. If both adults work full-time, you’ll need to make arrangements for the dog’s socialization and exercise.

• You must be able to bring the dog to us when needed for breeding, health testing, or whelping.

• You’ll need to provide proper training. Guardian families must complete levels 1 and 2 of basic obedience training by the time the puppy is 10 months old, and provide proof of completion. If your dog earns their Canine Good Citizen (CGC) certification, we’ll send a special gift to thank you!