Guardian Family Information
Guardian Homes are a very valued and important part of Milldamcreek Miniature American Shepherds. As a small home breeder, I am limited in how many dogs I can keep in my home; I would not be able to progress my program, or produce quality dogs that are great examples of the breed without these loving homes. I offer the best/greatest potential dogs to these companion or sport homes so they can enjoy all the attention and training they deserve while also giving me an opportunity to watch them grow and see if they may play a role in my program’s future.
These dogs would remain intact while they contribute to my program, and then spayed/neutered at a later time and remain a loving family member to you (the Guardian). Contracts vary for male and females but in both cases Guardian Home receives financial incentives, including an initial discount as a thank you for being part of the MDC family and allowing me to watch the dog grow and evaluate them to determine if they will contribute to the future of the breed.
These dogs would remain intact while they contribute to my program, and then spayed/neutered at a later time and remain a loving family member to you (the Guardian). Contracts vary for male and females but in both cases Guardian Home receives financial incentives, including an initial discount as a thank you for being part of the MDC family and allowing me to watch the dog grow and evaluate them to determine if they will contribute to the future of the breed.
Benefits to the Dog
Thanks to amazing Guardian Homes, these pups enjoy individual love, training and attention to their needs. They live a fulfilling life in the company of their family from the very beginning, eliminating the need for me (the breeder) to re-home a dog I have held back in my home that doesn't work out or upon retirement.
Benefits to You
- Lifelong companion that was breeder's pick of the litter in structure, temperament, and quality - the best quality I have to offer
- An initial discount off normal pet price (generally at least 20%)
- Additional financial incentives upon completion of the Guardian contract
- If I choose to continue with the dog in my breeding program, complete health testing will be done at my expense (genetic testing and evaluations such as hips, elbows, patellas and eyes)
- Bragging rights if I show the dog to it's Championship or Grand Championship (at my expense)
- If you are interested in learning how to show, I can mentor you. I am also willing to pay for a couple sessions of conformation handling classes in the Ottawa area if you are truly interested in this!
- If I am showing the dog, grooming is done by me at no cost
- A valuable relationship and lifetime support from me, your breeder
- Companionship and a best friend in a lovely, well-bred dog
- An initial discount off normal pet price (generally at least 20%)
- Additional financial incentives upon completion of the Guardian contract
- If I choose to continue with the dog in my breeding program, complete health testing will be done at my expense (genetic testing and evaluations such as hips, elbows, patellas and eyes)
- Bragging rights if I show the dog to it's Championship or Grand Championship (at my expense)
- If you are interested in learning how to show, I can mentor you. I am also willing to pay for a couple sessions of conformation handling classes in the Ottawa area if you are truly interested in this!
- If I am showing the dog, grooming is done by me at no cost
- A valuable relationship and lifetime support from me, your breeder
- Companionship and a best friend in a lovely, well-bred dog
What I Ask
- Ideally live within 90 minutes of Shawville, QC
- Agree to leave the dog intact for a period of time
- Agree to feed a quality food approved by me
- Provide adequate socialization and training, which includes but is not limited to attending one basic obedience class
- Provide a safe home with shelter indoors, and maintenance of regular veterinary care
- A fenced yard is preferred, but not required (if no fenced in yard, adequate management to ensure the dog is safe/cannot escape)
- Pet insurance is not required but highly recommended
- Agree to allow me to show the dog (or send the dog with a professional handler in some cases)
- Agree to leave the dog intact for a period of time
- Agree to feed a quality food approved by me
- Provide adequate socialization and training, which includes but is not limited to attending one basic obedience class
- Provide a safe home with shelter indoors, and maintenance of regular veterinary care
- A fenced yard is preferred, but not required (if no fenced in yard, adequate management to ensure the dog is safe/cannot escape)
- Pet insurance is not required but highly recommended
- Agree to allow me to show the dog (or send the dog with a professional handler in some cases)
Male vs Female
There are a few differences between male and female dogs in in Guardian Homes
FEMALE
I ask that she whelp up to 2 litters for Milldamcreek. I ask that you let me know when she has her heat cycles so I can track them. She will visit me when she is to be bred and then will go back home with you throughout her pregnancy. About a week before her due date, she will come back to my home to settle in before puppies arrive. She will stay with me for 6-7 weeks until puppies are weaned. Guardians are welcome to visit mom and puppies as much as is safe.
MALE
Male dogs would need to be available once old enough for occasional breedings. I try to let you know as far in advance as is possible for this. He may be used in my own breeding program, or by outside breeders if it has been approved by me. If you are comfortable with it (and you have a safe space for the breeding to take place), the female can be brought to your home and he can remain with you the entire time, or he can come and stay with me during the time he is needed (usually about a week).
I offer contract durations of 3, 4 and 5 years with males, which begins at 18 months old, if I have determined I will continue with him in my program.
With both male and female guardian homes, I require that there not be another intact dog of the opposite gender in the household. This is non-negotiable.
FEMALE
I ask that she whelp up to 2 litters for Milldamcreek. I ask that you let me know when she has her heat cycles so I can track them. She will visit me when she is to be bred and then will go back home with you throughout her pregnancy. About a week before her due date, she will come back to my home to settle in before puppies arrive. She will stay with me for 6-7 weeks until puppies are weaned. Guardians are welcome to visit mom and puppies as much as is safe.
MALE
Male dogs would need to be available once old enough for occasional breedings. I try to let you know as far in advance as is possible for this. He may be used in my own breeding program, or by outside breeders if it has been approved by me. If you are comfortable with it (and you have a safe space for the breeding to take place), the female can be brought to your home and he can remain with you the entire time, or he can come and stay with me during the time he is needed (usually about a week).
I offer contract durations of 3, 4 and 5 years with males, which begins at 18 months old, if I have determined I will continue with him in my program.
With both male and female guardian homes, I require that there not be another intact dog of the opposite gender in the household. This is non-negotiable.
What if you choose not to continue with the dog in your program?
If I elect not to continue with the dog in my breeding program, I will give written permission to spay or neuter the dog at your expense (as you would with a normal pet). The initial discount from my regular pet price is considered reimbursement for your time allowing me to watch the dog grow up and evaluate him/her.
The dog will continue to live it's life with you and your family as a loved companion.
The dog will continue to live it's life with you and your family as a loved companion.
