Australian Labradoodle living as a beloved family companion in a guardian home.

Our Guardian Program: A Thoughtful Approach to Australian Labradoodle Breeding

At Great Day Labradoodles, our breeding program is built around health, temperament, and quality of life — for both our dogs and the families who love them. One of the ways we achieve this is through our Guardian Program, a carefully structured partnership between our program and select families.

This page explains what a guardian home is, why we use a guardian program, and what families can expect if they choose to participate.

What Is a Guardian Program?

A guardian program allows a dog to live full-time with a loving family while remaining part of our breeding program for a limited period. Instead of keeping all breeding dogs in one location, we place select dogs in carefully chosen guardian homes where they are raised as cherished family members.

Guardian homes enjoy the companionship of an Australian Labradoodle while helping support responsible, ethical breeding practices.

Why We Use a Guardian Program

We believe dogs thrive best in home environments, not kennel settings. Our guardian program allows us to:

Raise dogs in real family homes
Maintain a small, intentional breeding program
Give each dog individualized attention and care
Avoid large-scale or commercial breeding practices
Preserve health, temperament, and quality standards

This approach benefits the dogs, our breeding program, and the families involved.

Life as a Guardian Dog

Guardian dogs live as normal family pets. They are:

Loved
Socialized
Included in daily family life
Provided regular veterinary care
Given ongoing support from our program

They attend scheduled health testing and breeding-related appointments as outlined in the guardian agreement, always with the dog’s wellbeing as the top priority.

Responsibilities of Guardian Homes

Guardian families play an important role and should be comfortable with clear communication and cooperation.

Responsibilities typically include:

Providing a safe, loving home
Routine veterinary care and grooming
Following program guidelines regarding breeding schedules
Transporting the dog for breeding-related needs when required

All expectations are discussed in detail before placement, and families are never pressured to participate.

Support From Great Day Labradoodles

Guardian families are not on their own. We provide:

Clear written agreements
Ongoing guidance and communication
Support throughout the dog’s time in the program
Transparency at every stage

Our goal is a positive, respectful partnership that puts the dog first.

After the Program Is Complete

Once a dog has completed their role in our breeding program, full ownership is transferred to the guardian family. At that point, the dog continues life exclusively as a family companion.

This transition is one of the most rewarding parts of the guardian experience.

Is a Guardian Program Right for You?

A guardian program is not the right fit for every family, and that’s okay. It works best for families who:

Value ethical breeding practices
Are comfortable with clear agreements
Enjoy being part of a larger mission
Want a close relationship with their breeder

Guardian dogs are raised in real homes with individualized care and attention.

We take care to ensure guardian placements are a good fit for everyone involved.

Our Commitment to Ethical Breeding

At Great Day Labradoodles, we believe responsible breeding means making thoughtful decisions that prioritize dogs’ wellbeing over convenience or volume. Our guardian program is one of the ways we uphold those values while continuing to produce healthy, temperament-sound Australian Labradoodles.

Families interested in learning more are welcome to reach out with questions.

The Great Day Labradoodles Guardian Program (PDF)

Written by Lisa Jenkins, Australian Labradoodle breeder with over 16 years of experience.