our breeding program
Guardian Homes — My Perspective
Here I explain my position on guardian-home arrangements, particularly when a pregnant dog is moved between her family's home and the breeder's home.
My Position on Guardian Homes
To be clear, I am not completely opposed to guardian homes. I am, however, opposed to a system in which a pregnant dog is taken away from her family and kept at the breeder's home for the next several weeks.
On my website, www.wlochata-pasja.com.pl, I discussed how stress hormones affect developing fetuses. Unfortunately, separation from her owner is always stressful for a female dog, unless the breeder's home is genuinely her second home. That is not realistically achievable in systems involving many guardian families while the breeder also leads a normal family life. Let us be honest about that.
The Prenatal Environment and Health
Unfortunately, stress hormones can have a significant effect on developing fetuses, and health conditions associated with that prenatal environment may not become apparent until years later.
Genes, environment and nutrition form an essential trio. If just one is disrupted and the dog's immunity temporarily falls, the whole system can begin to break down. From there, various diseases may follow, sometimes incurable or requiring lifelong treatment.
This is where everything begins, isn't it — during prenatal life? Why not give these puppies the best possible start? It matters so much, yet we can take away something essential before their lives have properly begun.
How This Works at Włochata Pasja
That is my position. As a court-appointed expert in animal welfare, I would also be undermining my own work if I tried to convince anyone otherwise.
We certainly intend to have guardian homes for our male Australian Labradoodles. So far, one of our girls, Molly, has lived with a family, but as you know, her puppies were born and raised there. I always attended the births and helped with socialization. Once the puppies were old enough to leave that family, they came to me for further socialization.
Guardian-home arrangements in practice
Continue exploring
About Me — My story, the history of our breeding program and the expertise behind Włochata Pasja.
Code of Ethics — Responsible breeding practices and dog welfare.
Puppy Socialization — How we prepare puppies for life with a family.