Guardian
Program
Elk Ridge Australian Shepherd's Guardian Home Program allows local families to have a pick-of-the-litter Australian Shepherd puppy or stellar adolescent/adult breeding dog for just a fraction of the price. The Guardian puppy or dog is part of the Guardian Home’s family forever, while breeding rights are retained by Elk Ridge Australian Shepherds, for a designated amount of time. Once breeding is completed, he/she will be spayed or neutered at our expense and will remain a forever pet of the Guardian Home family. We love connecting with wonderful families who might be considering guardianship. If you're interested in learning more about our program, we'd love to hear from you.
What cost is involved?
Elk Ridge Guardian dogs or puppies are not free. There is a deposit required, but is a fraction of the cost of a pet puppy. Any breeding related costs are incurred by Elk Ridge Australian Shepherds. Guardian families are responsible for general routine veterinary care and wellness of the Guardian dog. This includes feeding a high quality dog food, grooming, monthly heart worm preventative, flea and tick preventative, training, regular exercise and socialization, and plenty of TLC!
Program
Benefits
Guardian families get the very best that Australian Shepherds Elk Ridge has to offer. At our expense, all Guardian dogs will also be completely health tested by one year of age, prior to entering our breeding program. Guardian families get to enjoy the excitement of being part of our breeding program, and seeing the offspring of their own dog be placed with families across the country.
What are the requirements?
To be considered as a Guardian Home for one of our breeding dogs, we require you reside within 60 miles of Banks, Oregon with no relocation in the foreseeable future. To be considered you must also:
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Have a fully fenced yard.
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Own your own home
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Be willing to feed a high quality dog food
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Be willing to follow Elk Ridge Australian Shepherds' recommendations for basic health/vet care such as vaccine schedules, use of medications, and emergency care
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Primary caregiver must have a schedule that will not cause the dog to be left alone for long periods of time on a regular basis
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Must be an indoor dog and never be left outside unattended
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No other intact dog should ever be on the premises to avoid unwanted mating
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Be willing to complete at least one level of obedience class
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Be willing to have open communication with Elk Ridge about any matter concerning the dog
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Be willing for us to have visits both in your home with the dog as well as bringing the dog here from time to time. This allows us to maintain a relationship with the dog making any transitions much easier.
Each application is evaluated on a case by case basis.
