Guardian Home Program
At West Haven, every dog in our breeding program lives as a family pet first. The Guardian Home Program is how we make that possible.
Rather than keeping all of our breeding dogs under one roof, we place our most promising puppies with carefully selected local families. The dog becomes yours — a full member of your household from day one — and we retain breeding rights for a set period of time. When that period ends and the dog is retired from breeding, full ownership transfers to you permanently.
It is a relationship built on trust, and one that genuinely benefits everyone involved: the dog, your family, and our program.
What You Get
Guardian families receive a pick-of-the-litter Australian Labradoodle at no purchase cost. You are only responsible for standard non-breeding expenses — the everyday costs of caring for a dog that you would be paying regardless. All health testing and genetic testing during the dog's first year is completed at our expense. By the time one of our dogs reaches breeding maturity, our investment in their health clearances is substantial. Guardian families receive that dog, that testing, and that peace of mind.
How It Works
For females: When your guardian dog comes into season, you contact us immediately. A heat cycle typically lasts between 14 and 21 days. Once she has been bred, she remains with your family until one week before her due date. At that point she comes back to stay with us through her pregnancy and until her puppies are fully weaned. Then she comes home to you.
For males: Males stay with us for up to one week at a time when needed for breeding.
Requirements
Our requirements are straightforward — in most cases, they are simply what a responsible dog owner would be doing anyway.
Location
Guardian families must live within one hour of us. Exceptions may be made in certain circumstances — reach out to discuss.
Safety
Your property must have a securely fenced yard. If you have other dogs in the home, any dog of the opposite sex must be spayed or neutered.
Health and Care
Feed our recommended dog food
Provide appropriate veterinary care, vaccinations, deworming, and flea and tick prevention
Administer a daily NuVet supplement
Training
Your guardian dog must receive obedience training through Baxter & Bella or another trainer we approve. Basic command reliability is required, and we ask for proof of training. The time you put into this benefits you, your family, and every person your dog meets.
Lifestyle
The primary caregiver must have a schedule that allows the dog to not be left alone for extended periods on a regular basis. These dogs are people-oriented by nature and thrive on companionship.
Is This Right for You?
Guardian homes are not the right fit for everyone, and we take the selection process seriously. We are placing a dog we have carefully bred and health-tested into your home, and we want to be confident that the match is right on both sides.
If you think your family and lifestyle are a good fit, we would love to talk. Reach out at westhavendoodles@gmail.com or fill out an application and we will be in touch.
Available Dogs
Ready to Get Started?
Questions before applying?
Contact us here or follow along on Instagram and Facebook to see our current and upcoming litters