Guardian Homes

The Guardian is responsible for all vet costs associated with routine yearly veterinarian exams, yearly booster vaccines, rabies vaccines, Bordatella prevention, heartworm testing, etc. The Guardian family is also responsible for monthly heartworm medication, flea and tick prevention, and other preventive medications including vitamin supplements. New Doods on the Block will cover all medical expenses related to breeding. 

Once the dog has passed all required health testing, it will enter into our breeding program. This typically takes place around 18-24 months of age. Once we decide to retire the Guardian dog from our program we will spay or neuter the dog at our expense. After this takes place, we will legally transfer ownership of the dog to the Guardian Family. 

We realize Guardian Homes are not designed for everyone as you will be without your dog at times and must follow specific requirements outlined in our Guardian Home contract. This program is great for families who are flexible, patient, and can afford routine pet care! Below are some of the obligations of being a Guardian. 

Guardian Obligations

• We require guardian families to pay for a puppy board and train with our preferred dog trainer. The puppy will attend for approximately two to three weeks around 10 weeks of age. This link will give more details on the board and train curriculum.  https://caniskidz.com/learn-with-us 

We require the “puppy fundamental sleepover” because it will give your puppy the very best start to obedience training. The Guardian family will be taught alongside their puppy and build a relationship with a certified dog trainer. It also helps to keep training consistent between homes as we will likely host the dog in the future.

• Own your home

• Live within 60 miles of New Lenox, IL

• Raise the dog as an indoor dog, never to dwell outside

• When left at home, safely contain the dog indoors

• Have a physical, secure fence

• Comply with nutritional and dietary guidelines

• Have reliable transportation at all times and be prepared to deliver the dog to us when needed throughout the year (i.e. testing, breeding, litters, bonding, etc)

• Provide the dog with regular exercise and socialization

• Non Smoking household

• Prior experience owning and raising a dog

• Keep the dog properly groomed to our standards every 6-8 weeks, with care given to matting, ears, nails, and teeth

• Routine yearly veterinarian exams, yearly booster vaccines, rabies vaccines, Bordatella prevention, heartworm testing, etc.

• Heartworm medication, flea and tick prevention, and other preventative medications including vitamin supplements

• Notify owner of planned vacations or any extended period of time where Guardian cannot fully care for the dog themselves

• No plans of relocating in the next 5 years

• Guardian dog may not reside in a home where other intact dogs live or frequently visit

• Allow at least 1-2 visits per calendar year to discuss any issues concerning the care and supervision of the Guardian dog

NDOTB’s possession for breeding (Female dog)

• Veterinary appointments (progesterone testing, health testing, monitor pregnancy)

• Breeding (usually 4 litters per female, depending on the female’s health) Typically, the female will be brought to meet the male and return home with the Guardian Family. This will usually happen three times for each heat/ breeding cycle, but more visits may be required if a successful breeding does not take place within the first few visits

• Whelping 5 days prior to due date and when we feel it is safe for Mom to leave (approximately 7-9 weeks)

• Bonding - it is important that the Guardian dog is comfortable being at our home and around all of our dogs

NDOTB’s possession for breeding (Male dog)

• Veterinary appointments (i.e. health testing, artifical insemination collecting)

• Breeding - For each breeding event, NDOTB may require access to the male breeding dog on three separate occasions, 24 to 48 hours apart. Sometimes, more breedings are necessary. We may also ask that the dog stay at our home for 4-5 consecutive days. Also, if the male dog is breeding a female dog outside of our program, it may be necessary for him to travel with us. 

• Bonding - it’s important that the Guardian dog is comfortable being at our home and around all of our dogs. 

Along with getting a “pick of the litter” puppy at no cost, we also offer free boarding when you go on vacation. We also pay $500 for each litter whelped for female Guardian dogs!

Being a Guardian and caring for a dog is a big commitment, so please talk with your spouse and family members before inquiring. If you are seriously interested in being considered, please click on the button below and submit an application. Thank you for your interest!