What Is a Guardian Home? Inside the Brook & Bay Guardian Program

If you have followed Brook & Bay Goldendoodles for a while, you may have heard us mention that some of our dogs live in “guardian homes.” We often get questions about what that means, so we wanted to share a little more about our guardian program and why it is such an important part of the way we raise our dogs.

At Brook & Bay, our dogs are family first.

We carefully plan our breeding program with health, temperament, structure, and the future of our lines in mind. Guardian homes are one way we’re able to give many of our breeding dogs the opportunity to live in a loving family setting, where they receive individual attention, daily companionship, and all of the wonderful experiences that come with simply being someone’s dog.

What Is a Guardian Home?

A guardian home is a carefully selected family who welcomes one of our future or current breeding dogs into their home as their own.

The dog lives with the guardian family full-time. They sleep in their home, go on walks, play in the backyard, take family trips, celebrate birthdays and become part of everyday life.

Brook & Bay retains breeding rights for an agreed period of time, but outside of those responsibilities, the dog lives a normal and very loved family life.

Once the dog has completed their time in our breeding program, they are retired and remain permanently with their guardian family.

For us, that is one of the greatest benefits of the guardian program: our dogs never have to transition to a brand-new home after retirement. They are already exactly where they belong.

Why We Use Guardian Homes

Our guardian program allows us to continue developing the Brook & Bay lines without having a large number of adult dogs living together at our home.

Instead, each dog receives something incredibly valuable—individualized love and attention.

They get to experience things like:

• Living inside a family home

• One-on-one bonding with their people

• Regular walks, outings and adventures

• Consistent training and socialization

• Life with children or other pets when appropriate

• Plenty of cuddles, couch time and everyday companionship

We believe a happy, confident, well-loved dog is the foundation of everything we are trying to produce for future Brook & Bay families.

What Happens When a Guardian Dog Has Puppies?

For our female guardian dogs, most of their lives look just like the life of any other family pet.

When it is time for a planned breeding, we stay closely involved throughout the process. When the mother approaches her due date, she comes to Brook & Bay so we can provide around-the-clock supervision and properly care for both her and her puppies.

She stays with her puppies during the important early weeks while they nurse, grow and begin their development.

Once her puppies are weaned and she is ready, she returns home to her guardian family.

We know being temporarily separated from a beloved dog can be the hardest part of being a guardian family, which is why communication and trust are so important to us.

Our Guardian Families Are Truly Part of Brook & Bay

Guardian families aren’t simply families who care for one of our dogs—they become part of the extended Brook & Bay family.

We trust them to love and care for our dogs as their own, while staying connected with us throughout their time in our breeding program. That relationship takes communication, flexibility, and a genuine partnership.

In return, guardian families get to share their lives with a wonderful Brook & Bay dog while also playing a meaningful role in the future of our program. Some of the puppies families fall in love with years from now may be here because a guardian family opened their home and heart to one of our girls or boys today.

Could You Be a Guardian Family?

Guardian homes are very special, and because of the commitment involved, they aren't the right fit for every family.

The ideal guardian family understands that they are entering into a partnership with us and is willing to stay in regular communication, follow our health and care requirements and make the dog available when needed for breeding-related appointments.

Most importantly, we are looking for families who will love the dog completely—as a family member first and a Brook & Bay breeding dog second.

When we have guardian opportunities available, we carefully select families based on the individual dog and what we believe will be the best lifelong fit.

If you've ever dreamed of welcoming a Brook & Bay dog into your family and would like to learn more about becoming a guardian home, we'd love to hear from you.

Brook & Bay Goldendoodles