MEETING THE NEW DOODLE ON THURSDAY! :)

[Jennifer Goaring]

Not really a discussion topic -- guess I could have just done a blog.  But I am so excited about going to meet our (hopefully) new labradoodle on Thursday.  He is a 1 year old large mini ALD who is about 16 inches and 25 pounds.  He is a stud dog for a local breeder and needs a guardian home (forever home).

 

I am pretty sure my husband still thinks I am nuts.  I am bringing Sammy with me to meet the dog.  Since it is just a meet and greet, we'll let the dogs visit and play for a bit in the yard, but won't be taking Mojo home with us that day.  I work all weekend and then I have just 1 shift the next week and a whole week off so I would pick up the dog next Tuesday.  She said it would be fine if we trial things for a week or so and if it really isn't working out, they will take him back.  So a very "risk free" venture for us.

 

I think she is pretty sure that once we have him, we will fall in love with him and want to keep him though :)  He is apparently quite charming ;)

 

Has anyone else gotten a doodle via a guardian program?  My Dad is all worried about us signing a contract like that -- wondering what happens if the dog gets sick or injured and who is responsible.  I will ask her about that as much as I can -- but I feel like generally the dog is ours and the breeding rights are hers and then at some point she will pay to have him fixed and he will remain ours forever.  He has already been bred several times.  They usually only use them for 3-4 years.

 

I am SO very curious to see what Sammy thinks of him.

 

After I decide for sure on the plan Thursday (seriously, the only reason I would not take him is if he is just wild and doesn't get along with Sammy at all...) I will go pick up a new crate and feeding bowls and leads and such for the new guy.  Probably new chew toys for both of them as well.

 

Any other tips or advice? 

[Ginny Nightingale]

I have a female from a guardian program that just had puppies. When the pups were born, I could have gotten half of the money I paid for her back or a free puppy. I wanted the puppy that would have been the breeder's pick for a stud dog, so we are considering him a guardian arrangement too-- if he used as a stud outside her breeding program, we will each get half of the stud fee. Anyway, it has worked well but it is important to know all the details ahead of time and make sure you and the breeder get along well and can communicate. There should be a written contract and anything that is required of you should be spelled out ahead of time. I am responsible for all costs if the dog is ill, etc. but all breeding expenses are the breeder's responsibility.

Just for your information, I have another doodle that was supposed to be a breeding female and tests revealed a mild hip dysplasia. I had her spayed (the breeder reimbursed the cost) and she was then forever mine. 

[Beverley S. LaLonde]

Usually in guardian home the breeder co-pay, until the dog is yours free and clear.What sex are working with?

Bev & Pack.