Guardian Home Program

At Shadow Pine Labradoodles, we believe every dog deserves to live in a loving home with a family who can give them the time, care, and attention they need. That’s why we offer a Guardian Home Program for families who live within 45 minutes of Aiken, SC.

This program is designed to benefit everyone involved — the puppy, the breeder, and the guardian family. It’s a wonderful way to experience the joy of owning a Labradoodle while partnering with us in our breeding program.

How the Program Works

• A Guardian Puppy is placed with a local family at a greatly reduced cost ($800).

• Each puppy chosen for the program is the pick of the litter, carefully selected to meet Shadow Pine Labradoodles’ highest standards for future breeding.

• While Shadow Pine Labradoodles retains legal ownership and breeding rights, the guardian family provides the puppy with a loving forever home.

• The guardian family chooses the call name, while SPL selects the official registered name.

Benefits

• For Shadow Pine Labradoodles: We avoid overcrowding and never need to rely on kennels. Our breeding dogs live happy, enriched lives in family homes.

• For the Guardian Puppy: They grow up with love, attention, and consistent training in their guardian home.

• For the Guardian Family: They receive a top-quality Labradoodle at a reduced cost, plus the joy of being part of our extended Shadow Pine family.

Health & Breeding Details

• SPL will cover the cost of all genetic health testing during the dog’s first year.

• If a dog does not meet the requirements for our breeding program, ownership will be transferred to the guardian family, and the dog must be spayed/neutered at the guardian’s expense.

• Once the guardian dog’s breeding obligations are fulfilled, ownership will be officially transferred to the guardian family, and SPL will cover the spay/neuter procedure.

Guardian Program for Females

When a female guardian dog reaches breeding age (typically on her second or third heat cycle), the following process takes place:

• She will return to Shadow Pine Labradoodles for about one week to be bred.

• She will then return to her guardian family for the duration of her pregnancy, receiving the same love and care she’s used to.

• Approximately one week before her due date, she will come back to our home to deliver her puppies and stay with us for 6–7 weeks while she raises and weans them.

• Shadow Pine Labradoodles covers all pregnancy-related veterinary expenses and testing.

Our breeding females will have no more than 4 litters during their time in our program. Once her breeding obligations are complete, she will be spayed at our expense and officially retired — living the rest of her life as a beloved companion with her guardian family.

Guardian Program for Males

Male guardian dogs have a much simpler role compared to females, but they must be available to us when needed for breeding.

• Males are typically needed for only 2–3 days at a time.

• If artificial insemination is performed, he may even be returned to his guardian home the same day.

• Male guardian dogs are usually retired around 5 years of age.

• When his breeding career is complete, Shadow Pine Labradoodles will cover the cost of his neuter surgery, and full ownership will be transferred to his guardian family.

Guardian Home Requirements

To ensure the best care and environment for our guardian dogs, families must meet the following requirements:

• Live within 45 minutes of Aiken, SC

• Prior dog ownership experience

• Provide proper veterinary care, regular grooming, vaccinations, and heartworm prevention

• Have a fully fenced yard

• Feed TLC dog food while the dog is in the breeding program

  • Order TLC Food Here

• Home ownership is preferred, though not required

• Enroll the puppy in at least one obedience class, or invest in the lifelong BAXTER & Bella online training program through SPL

• Notify the breeder when a female enters heat

• Do not allow a female guardian dog around intact males during her heat cycle

• No intact males may live in the same home as a female guardian dog

• Do not allow a guardian male to breed with other females without breeder permission

• Ensure the dog is well-socialized with people and other dogs

• Be open to a home interview before acceptance into the program

  The Guardian Home Program is designed to create a mutually beneficial relationship that provides love and care for our dogs while allowing families to be part of something special. If you’re interested in becoming a Guardian Home, please complete and submit the application form below.