Learn About Our Male Guardian Program
Here at Oregon Bernese I have guardian homes which give my adult dogs their own loving families who they live with other than when they come for a few days at a time for breeding. This gives families who may not otherwise be able to find or afford a high quality dog a chance to welcome one into their family at no cost to them in exchange for the dog being a sire for the program for a few years. When a dog retires, they will stay with their guardian family for life.
Guardian homes for boys are a bit different than for girls: much shorter times away from their families (just a few days at a time but more frequently in the year. It would be amazing to find a family who is passionate about Berners & excited to have a boy that will be helping preserve this beautiful breed. I know the more frequent need for him could be inconvenient, but it would be to help create some beautiful pups and his family would be welcome to come meet & socialize the babies & feel involved in helping create some amazing puppies!
For most breedings the male may come stay with the breeder for about 5 days at a time. For some breeding's if the guardian is open to it the breeder may meet with the female at the guardian's house for a few 30 minute "dates" with the female in a fenced yard or garage. They will likely be used 1-3 times in every three months as a stud: Sometimes he may not be used for 1-4 months at a time & then all my girls go into heat at the same time & he needs to be used 3x.
A guardian boy will used for 4 years from the date of first breeding in his guardian home. After siring his first 10 litters his guardian will begin to receive a $100 thank you stipend for every successful litter born from him.
Breeder will pay for the costs of:
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Purchase/worth of a top-quality AKC dog
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Microchip & AKC registration
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All breeding related vet care
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All health testing costs
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Any vet costs & food when dog is at breeders.
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Cost of Neuter if after 8 or more litters
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After siring 10 litters his guardian will begin to receive a $100 thank you stipend for every successful litter born from him.
Guardian covers the normal costs of a pet for example:
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Dog’s food
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Dog's non breeding related vet care
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Dogs monthly heartworm/flea preventative
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Boarding/pet sitting when needed for vacations etc (things that are not breeding related).
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Gas too & from breeders or vets when needed.
MEET GUS
Handsome Gus is a 2nd generation Oregon Bernese boy who we couldn't be prouder of! He is an absolute sweetheart who we fell in love with as a puppy & knew we had to keep! He is the definition of a gentle giant at 95 lbs. He has a blocky head, big sturdy build & thick coat. But best of all his temperament is so goofy, affectionate & loving.
Due to a unforeseen change in circumstances with his guardian home they are no longer able to keep him.
Gus is now looking for a new forever guardian home. Gus is quite the social butterfly & would be with his person every second of the day if he could. He would thrive in a home where he has lots of attention & time with his family. He has enjoyed 2x daily walks so he would enjoy a home where he continues to get regular exercise & play time.
Gus gets along great with cats & would do good with a calm spayed or neutered dog. Because he is an intact male he cannot be in a home with other intact dogs or very dominant or 'alpha' type dogs.
If being a guardian is something you would be interested in: please fill out the questionnaire below & email it too Knifongb@gmail.com
Guardian Questionnaire
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What's your first and last name?
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Phone number?
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Number of children and ages? (if applicable)
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Do you currently have any pets? If so, tell me more about them. Are any intact males or females?
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Have you had dogs in the past?
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Tell me more about yourself (Your lifestyle, family (if you have one), or anything else to help me make sure you're a good fit for my pups!)
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Do you live within an hour of Eagle Creek Oregon? Due to the more frequent need for him he needs to be very local too me.
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Do you plan to move more than an hour from Eagle Creek in the next 5 years? If so are you willing to drive the dog to me when needed?
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What type of home do you live in? (Home, Apartment, Townhouse, or Other), do you own it? If not has your landlord given you permission for a large dog?
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Are you willing to send me a video or at least pictures of a tour of your home & yard?
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Do you have a fenced yard?
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Will you be the primary caretaker of the puppy? If not, who will be?
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How many hours in a row a day would the puppy be alone for on a regular basis?
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Are you ok with dealing with the dogs' hormones as an intact male? Care must be taken to prevent him from learning to mark in the house. He will hump things as well & this behavior will need to be tolerated by the family.
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Are you prepared to keep him away from any intact females? Off leash dog parks will need to be avoided.
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Will you be ok being without your dog for 3-5 days at a time multiple times throughout the year? You will be sent updates, but it is still time apart.
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Are you willing to do a basic training class (at least 6 instructed sessions) with your dog to teach it proper manners & socialization?
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Are you willing to drive the dog too me for vet appointments/health testing & breeding as needed?
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Once we talk & you read over the contract details if it sounds reasonable are you willing to commit to this for the full 5 years? Being a guardian is a long-term commitment. If you decide the program isn’t for you before the contract has been fulfilled the dog must be returned.
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Are you willing to meet in person or over facetime before bringing your guardian dog home should you choose to move forward?