Pros and Cons of Being a Guardian Dog Owner

Becoming a guardian dog owner has its pros and cons. Becoming a guardian dog owner means giving up your pet for several weeks at a time every year, but on the other hand, you get to know that they are going off and having babies, which will make another person just as happy. So before adopting this role in life, be sure of what emotional pain is involved with being torn away from them so often!

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What is a Guardian Dog Owner?

A Guardian Dog Owner or Guardian Family is a person or household where a “pick of the litter” pup goes to live with your loving family as a valued pet for the rest of their life. The “catch” is that the breeder maintains breeding rights to that puppy for a certain period or a set number of litters. If the Guardian Home is chosen to breed that dog, they must be ready to spend time away from their pet for reasons such as vet appointments, health clearances, breeding, whelping, and puppy raising.

A guardian dog owner is someone who agrees to typically take care of a female dog during her heat cycle and return her to the breeder when she’s ready to whelp her litter. This usually involves a contract between the breeder and the guardian, and the guardian is typically responsible for providing proper veterinary care, grooming, vaccinations, and exercise for the dog.

The Pros and Cons of Being a Guardian Dog Owner

When deciding whether or not to become a Guardian home for dogs, you must know the pros and cons, so your decision will be an informed one. Dogs are never just “a pet” in this day and age; they’re also our best friends who bring us happiness when we need them most! If being responsible with their care sounds like something worth considering, then read below as I’ve outlined everything about being a part of dog life from both pro AND con perspectives…

The Pros of Being a Guardian Dog Owner

Knowing your dog will have babies will make another person or family just as happy as she makes you and your kids.

This is a rewarding experience that can bring joy to both you and your pet.

Reduced adoption costs

There are many reasons to consider becoming a guardian home for a dog. One big reason is the cost. Oftentimes, the adoption fee is reduced or even waived entirely if you agree to be a guardian home. This can be a great way to save money if you want to add a pet to your family. Especially since these are purebred and purebreds are expensive to own.

Get top-of-the-line breed

Guardian family dogs are typically the top-of-the-line breed. They come from good bloodlines and have been well-cared for. This means that they are healthy and have a good temperament. Additionally, guardian families often get to choose the dog they want, which is not always the case with other types of adoptions. So if you’re looking for a high-quality dog, becoming a guardian family may be the right option for you.

Are not living in a puppy mill

Although guardianship is sometimes known as a “glorified puppy mill”, it is still better than living in puppy mill conditions. Puppy mills are large-scale commercial breeding operations that often keep dogs in cramped, filthy conditions with little to no veterinary care. By contrast, guardian families provide dogs with loving homes and proper care. This helps to ensure that the dogs are healthy and well-adjusted. Additionally, guardian families allow breeders to maintain a relationship with the dog and its family, which can benefit all parties involved.

The Cons of Being a Guardian Dog Owner

You have to give your dog up for several weeks yearly, which can be emotionally difficult.

The cons of being a guardian dog owner primarily revolve around giving your dog up for several weeks at a time every year. This can be emotionally difficult, especially if you have formed a close bond with your dog.

You may have to deal with additional expenses, such as vet bills and vaccinations.

The cons of being a guardian dog owner include additional expenses, such as vet bills and vaccinations. This is because the guardian is typically responsible for providing proper veterinary care for the dog. Additionally, the guardian must be willing to keep the dog in good shape by providing regular exercise.

You need to have previous experience with dogs and be able to teach basic commands.

Most guardian dog owners have previous experience with dogs. Guardian dog owners may have gained experience through owning a dog of their own, working at a pet store, or volunteering at an animal shelter. Having this background knowledge can be helpful when it comes to teaching basic commands and establishing a routine. However, it is also important to know that each dog is unique and may require some trial and error to find the best training method. For those willing to put in the time and effort, becoming a guardian dog owner can be a rewarding experience.

It may be difficult to find a suitable place to live that meets the breeder’s requirements.

It can be difficult to find a place to live that meets the breeder’s requirements. For example, you may need a fully fenced yard or live close to the breeder. Additionally, you may need to be willing to let the breeder visit your home. However, if you are willing to put in the effort to find a suitable place to live, being a guardian dog owner can be a rewarding experience.

What to Expect When Your Female Dog Goes into Heat

When your female dog comes into heat, you can expect her to display physical and behavioral changes. Her vulva will swell, and she may have a bloody discharge. She will also be more vocal than usual. Additionally, she may become more affectionate towards you or other members of your family. If you decide to become a guardian dog owner, it is important to be prepared for these changes and be willing to provide the care she needs.

How to Emotionally Prepare for the 9 Weeks You’ll Have to Give Her Up

Being a guardian dog owner can be a rewarding experience. However, it is important to be prepared for the commitment involved. 9 weeks is a short time in the grand scheme of things, but it can be emotionally challenging to say goodbye to your furry friend after getting attached.

Here are a few tips to help you emotionally prepare for the transition:

Talk to other guardian dog owners about their experiences. This can help you understand what to expect and how to deal with any challenges.
Keep in regular contact with the breeders. This will help you stay updated on your dog’s progress, feel more connected to them during their time away, and make the separation less permanent.
Keep busy during the day, so you don’t have too much time to think about your dog. Spending time with friends and family, participating in activities you enjoy, or taking on a new project can help take your mind off of things.

Following these tips can help make the 9 weeks apart more bearable and focus on the positive impact you are making as a guardian dog owner.

FAQ

1. How much does it cost to be a guardian dog owner?

The cost of being a guardian dog owner can vary depending on the breeder. Some breeders may charge a fee, while others may provide the dog for free. Additionally, there may be some additional expenses, such as vet bills and vaccinations. However, the cost of being a guardian dog owner is typically lower than the cost of purchasing a dog from a breeder.

2. How often do you have to give your dog up?

Most guardianship agreements require that you give your dog up for several weeks at a time every year. However, the specific details of the agreement will vary depending on the breeder.

3. Is being a dog guardian worth it?

The answer to this question depends on your individual situation. If you are prepared for the emotional challenges involved in giving your dog up for several weeks at a time, then being a guardian dog owner can be a rewarding experience. However, it may not be worth it if you are unwilling to deal with the emotional challenges. Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to become a guardian dog owner is a personal one.

Requirements for Becoming a Guardian Dog Owner

The requirements for being a guardian dog owner varies based on the different programs. But generally, the main requirements are down below:

Have prior dog experience.

Be able to teach simple commands like sit, stay, lay down, no, and leave it.

Be willing to socialize puppies. This is vital!

He or she must be an indoor pet who is never left outdoors unaccompanied.

Feed a high-quality diet.

If there are additional dogs in the house that are the opposite sex, they must be fixed.

Exercise him/her on a regular basis.

Willing to allow us, the breeder, to visit your home.

In the case of a major sickness or injury, contact the breeder immediately.

Breeder should get a copy of all vet visits.

He or she must not be allowed to breed with any unauthorized canines.

When necessary, provide veterinary care.

If you are her guardian, you must be willing to send off a female dog for 1-2 weeks while she gets bred. Then, one week before her whelping date, return her. She’ll remain with us until the pups are weaned.

If you are the guardian of a male dog, you must be willing to drop him off for breedings for 3-5 days unless prior arrangements for us to pick him up have been arranged. We may be able to come to you for a breeding on occasion, but you must be available to meet with us.

So, Should You Become a Guardian Dog Owner?

To even be considered to become a guardian dog owner, make sure you meet the requirements as those listed above. Also, becoming a guardian dog owner has its pros and cons. Every year, you have to give your dog up for several weeks at a time, but you also get the satisfaction of knowing that your dog will give birth to children who will bring happiness to another person or family just as much as she does for you and your children. So, before becoming a guardian dog owner, it’s important to consider if you can handle the emotional pain of giving her up for several weeks at a time.