Our number one priority for our dogs is to be sure they are given the love, attention, and a nurturing environment to each and every one of them. In order to do this we have our Guardian families, who play a HUGE role in our program. Without our guardian families we truly cannot continue to do what we do. Guardian families eliminate the need to ever need kennels for our dogs. So we are so incredibly thankful for them! 

 

When you become a guardian home for one of our dogs you have the opportunity to own a dog we hand selected for the future of our program. Hansen Retrievers retains full ownership and breeding rights for a specific length of time. Once one of our dogs is ready to retire they will be spayed/neutered and full ownership will then transferred to the guardian family. 

 

We will provide an approved family with one of our future breeding dogs and in exchange the Guardian family will provide the dog with a loving environment. The Guardian family agrees to provide the dog with a healthy diet, essential training, routine veterinary care, and most importantly that the dog become a truly loved member of their family.

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Guardian home responsibilities:

-Live within 35-70 miles of Salida, CA

-Have a fenced yard

-Bring the dog to the Breeder’s vet for her routine vet care, puppy exams, etc.

-Provide general health care and never let the dog become overweight

-Willing to communicate with us regarding the well-being of the dog, as well as sending updated photos

-Willing to have dog return to us for bonding (so we can have a relationship with the dog and they can be comfortable in our home), required vet visits, health testing, birthing, and raising puppies (At breeder's expense)

-Feed the food that the breeder recommends 

-Not plan on moving for the next 4-5 years.

-Not have an intact male dog in the home

-Not have dog around any intact male/females dogs when they are in season

-Must be able to continue socialization, training, and exposure to ensure a confident and well behaved dog.

-Must train dog basic commands; sit, stay, no jumping, no dashing out the door, etc OR enroll dog in a minimum of TWO four week training classes. Most classes are once a week for 4 weeks, so a minimum of TWO.

-BONUS, if you enroll for the dog take the Canine Good Citizen (CGC) test, then we the Breeder will reimburse up to $150 in training.

-Must have the dog as an indoor pet. They cannot be outside unattended for more than a few hours. The dog MUST NOT be left outside when she is in heat. A male dog can smell the scent of an in-heat dog and will do almost anything to get to the dog. They can also “tie” in a matter of seconds. She must be kept indoors for this reason, and not to be taken to public places during this time. A heat cycle can last up to 4 weeks. If the dog gets pregnant by accident while in the possession of the guardian home, then the Breeder will immediately take the dog back.

-Guardian family agrees to not take puppy out to dog parks, floor of their vet, or anywhere there is a risk until the dog has finished puppy vaccines. 

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Additional info:

The Breeder will pay for any breeding/health testing related costs, while the Guardian home will pay for day-to-day expenses, such as food, vaccines, deworming, professional training, annual vet exams. 

 

Any breeding related appointments, testing, etc are paid for by us. Routine veterinary care, grooming (I.e, vaccines, wellness checks, flea and tick preventative, training, etc.) are all paid for by the Guardian family.

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Guardians of females must notify us immediately when they notice signs of heat cycle. 

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Guardian families must be willing to communicate with us and have the dog available for required vet/breeding appointments. As well, the dog must remain in our home for 6-8 weeks at a time for whelping and raising of the pups. 

 

If you live within 1-1.5 hours of Salida, CA and are interested in becoming a Guardian family for one of our future mama dogs, then please contact us for further information!