Guardian Homes

Guardian Home Program

At Boise Doodle Co., our Guardian Home Program allows us to grow and better our breeding program without ever compromising our dogs' happiness, health, or emotional well-being. We’re deeply committed to raising incredible dogs, but we know we can’t do that alone—and we certainly can’t do it at the expense of our dogs not getting the attention they deserve.

While we’d love to keep every one of our dogs with us (because, let’s be honest, we’re totally obsessed with them), we know they’ll be happier getting undivided love and one-on-one attention in a forever family setting. That’s where Guardian Homes come in.

This program allows us to expand responsibly, while making sure each of our breeding dogs lives a joyful, family-centered life—right where they belong.

What is a Guardian Home?

As a Guardian, you are the permanent home for one of our breeding dogs while they’re actively part of our program. You take them home as a puppy or young adult, love and raise them as your own, and when their breeding career ends, we cover the cost of spaying/neutering and transfer full ownership to you.

And the best part? There’s no upfront cost to you. You get one of our top-quality, hand-selected dogs to join your family—without paying a dime for the dog.

Your Responsibilities as a Guardian

Being a Guardian family means more than just providing love—it’s also a commitment to excellent care and communication. Here's what we expect:

  • Provide a safe, loving home where your dog lives indoors as a family member

  • Feed a high-quality, nutritious diet. Our Food of Choice is of course, PawTree Dog Food.

  • Keep up with routine vet care and vaccines

  • Maintain flea, tick, and heartworm prevention

  • Groom regularly and maintain coat health

  • Teach basic commands like sit, stay, lay down, no, quiet, and leave it

  • Train using positive reinforcement methods only

  • Potty train and crate train the dog by 9 months (if not already trained)

  • Walk politely on a leash and practice good manners

  • Avoid public dog areas like pet stores and dog parks until fully vaccinated (~16 weeks)

  • Socialize your dog with friendly people and well-mannered dogs

  • Provide daily exercise and mental stimulation

  • Be able to bring the dog to and from us within 24–36 hours when needed

  • Maintain open and honest communication with us

  • Notify us right away in the event of any illness, injury, or major concern

  • Agree not to be a Guardian for another breeder (of the same breeds) while in our program

  • A fenced yard is preferred, but not required with proper precautions

We also ask that you keep your pup off areas where unknown dogs frequently go until they’re fully vaccinated to protect them from illness during those early, vulnerable weeks.

Breeding & Logistics

When your dog is mature and ready, we’ll begin health testing and breeding. Males will only be away from home for short trips—typically just a day or two. Females will come stay with us for breeding (about a week) and again for whelping and raising puppies (about 7–9 weeks total). Afterward, she’ll head right back home to you for some much-deserved TLC.

Transportation: Guardians are responsible for getting the dog to and from our home in the Treasure Valley, Idaho, for breeding or health-related appointments. If you have a female and can’t bring her for an ultrasound, you’ll be responsible for taking her to your vet.

Will Going Back and Forth Be Hard on the Dog?

Honestly, it might be a little confusing at first. Your dog might wonder, “Wait… where’s my person going?” But here’s the thing—dogs adjust fast. Usually within an hour or two, they’re settled in and snuggled up.

We go out of our way to make sure your dog feels loved, safe, and at home when they’re with us. They live in our house, sleep in our room (yes, even in our bed if they want), and are treated just like our own. This transition is part of why we form such strong, trusting relationships with our Guardian families—so the dogs feel secure both ways.

It’s also important to remember that your energy matters. If you're relaxed and confident when dropping your dog off, they’ll feel that. If you’re emotional, they’ll feel that too. So take a deep breath, give them a hug, and know they’re in good hands.

The Big Picture

At the end of their breeding career, your dog will be spayed or neutered at our expense and officially become 100% yours. They’ll live out the rest of their days doing what they’ve always done—being your best friend, adventure buddy, and loyal sidekick.

The Guardian Program is built on trust, shared values, and a whole lot of love. If you think you’d be a great fit, we’d love to hear from you. Scroll down to see if we currently have any dogs or puppies looking for Guardian Homes, or reach out directly to start the conversation.