Updated April 30, 2022

Here at MBD, we don’t believe in the utilization of traditional kennel runs. It causes too much stress and it is no way for any dog to live. This is why we have a doggie daycare environment with large playrooms and a Guardian Home Program for our parent dogs. Every dog deserves to be loved as part of a family!

We have found over the years that having a robust Guardian home program creates happier and healthier parent dogs. There is no cost for the guardian dog or puppy and we actually reimburse our guardians for many expenses! These details are outlined in the guardian home contract and on the guardian home website page.

What is a Guardian Home?

A guardian home is an individual, couple or family who would like to become a part of the extended MBD family! You would take care of your guardian dog/puppy just as you’d normally care for a dog. Once s/he is old enough to have puppies and has passed all of their health testing, s/he would visit MBD for the “honeymoon” and then return to you.

For males, they only visit for “honeymoons” and/or to meet customers who would like to meet the parents on Gotcha Day. Males have a 7 year contract. Once fulfilled, he would be neutered and retired with his guardians permanently.

For females, which make up 95% of our guardian program, they would visit for the “honeymoon” and then for whelping (birthing) and weaning her puppies. She would come home following the honeymoon, during the pregnancy, and then return to MBD about one week prior to her due date to get ready to have her puppies. Guardians are more than welcome to visit at any time and even welcome to help whelp puppies. They would be your grandpuppies after all! After she has had a maximum of 4 litters, some less/none depending on Mother Nature, she is spayed and retired with her guardians permanently.

Who should I contact if I’m interested in becoming an MBD Guardian Home?

Contact Kim at MBDGuardians@mabernedoodles.com and fill out the adoption application on my website and indicate that you’d like to be a considered for our Guardian Home Program in the last question.

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Can we choose to be a guardian for a puppy or an adult?

As long as there are adults available for guardianship and it’s a good fit between our dog(s) and you/your family, yes, you can choose to guardian an adult dog. Currently we have a few adolescent Bernese Mountain Dogs available for guardian homes! When a puppy becomes available for a guardian home, we contact you to let you know which puppy will be your guardian pup and when your pick up date would be.

What is involved in the process of becoming a guardian family?

Great question! We throughly vet each Guardian home to make sure only the very best care will be given to our dogs. The process involves an application, video interview, video submission of your home and property and, finally, the guardian home contract.

The guardian home contract specifies both MBD’s and the guardian homes responsibilities, the length of the contract and other details regarding standard of care. The standard of care section outlines things like vet visits, food type, preventative care for heart worms, fleas and especially ticks, grooming and other things considered “common sense” like never leaving a dog in a hot or cold vehicle.

Do I have to own a house/apartment to be considered?

Yes, you do have to own a home/apartment. However, exceptions can be made depending on the circumstances. You would need to commit to staying within a 1.5 hour drive of our location in Ashby, MA

What is the cost of the puppy/dog?

We don’t charge any fee’s for our guardian puppy/dog(s). Our goal is to find the best candidates regardless of cost.

Do we need to have a fenced in yard?

We don’t require you to have a fenced in yard. However, we do have an application process and guardian contract. Please inquire for more information.

How can we contact you if we would like to become a guardian home?

If you’re interested in learning more about our Guardian home program:

1. Please visit our website page for details about which dogs are available currently

http://massdoodles.com/mbd-guardian-homes/

2. Please reach out to Kim MBDGuardians@mabernedoodles.com and

3. Please fill out the adoption application on my website at http://www.Massdoodles.com and indicate that you’d like to be considered for our Guardian Home Program in the last question.