Guardian Program
At Southern Meadows, our top priority is ensuring the best possible life for all of our dogs. That’s why we’ve established our Guardian Home Program—a unique opportunity that allows our select breeding dogs to live with loving families in their forever homes while contributing to the future of the breed.
We do not kennel our breeding dogs, and since we cannot keep them all in our home, we carefully place them with hand-selected guardian families. This arrangement benefits everyone involved—the puppy, the guardian home, and us as responsible breeders.
Our goal is to further and develop our breeding program while ensuring that our dogs are raised in a family environment, receiving the love and care they deserve. Through the Guardian Home Program, our breeding dogs live as cherished family members while remaining part of our program under our watchful care.
We are incredibly grateful to our guardian families for the important role they play in shaping the future of the Australian Labradoodle and the Southern Meadows program. We are passionate about what we do and deeply love our dogs, and we are committed to finding the best homes where they will thrive for a lifetime.
GUARDIAN HOME APPLICATIONS
If you live within 90 miles of Decatur, Alabama, have a fenced in yard, and a family member who is home most of the day, we would love to hear from you! Please read about our guardian home program prior to inquiring to be sure you are eligible! Only eligible families that apply will be contacted.
Why Guardian Homes Are Needed?
At Southern Meadows Doodles, our breeding dogs are not just part of a program—they are beloved family members, living either in our home or with carefully chosen guardian families. Each dog selected for our breeding program is placed with a loving, qualified family, where they receive the companionship, care, and attention they deserve.
We take great pride in our careful selection process, choosing puppies based on their outstanding conformation, exceptional temperament, keen intelligence, and luxurious coat quality. This dedication allows us to preserve and enhance the lineage of the Authentic Multi-Generational Australian Labradoodle, ensuring each generation reflects the very best of the breed.
Benefits of Becoming a Guardian Home
As a Guardian Family, you will receive one of Southern Meadows Doodles’ highest-quality puppies—hand-selected for our breeding program—at no upfront cost, aside from a small initial deposit. This deposit is gradually reimbursed over time as part of the program, making it a rewarding and affordable way to welcome a top-tier Australian Labradoodle into your home.
Your guardian puppy will be your forever companion, growing up as a loved family member while also contributing to our responsible, health-focused breeding program. You'll have the unique joy of seeing your beloved dog’s offspring bring happiness to other families. Plus, as a thank-you, we offer exclusive discounts on additional pet puppies and exciting rewards for referrals!
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More About Becoming a Guardian
At Southern Meadows Doodles, we are committed to ensuring that every puppy or dog in our breeding program receives exceptional care and a loving home. When you become a guardian, please note that the dog remains our property under a formal contract, which grants us all breeding rights and the authority to select dogs for our breeding mission.
In exchange for joining our program, your family agrees to abide by the guidelines and conditions established by Southern Meadows Doodles throughout the duration of the dog's involvement in our breeding program. When the guardian period concludes and we retire the dog from breeding activities, we will cover the cost of spaying or neutering.
Additionally, while we handle all expenses related to health testing and breeding, general pet care and routine health care costs will be the responsibility of the guardian family. This collaborative arrangement ensures that our dogs receive the best possible care while supporting our breeding mission.
Does My Family Qualify?
We believe that every family in our guardian program should fully understand the responsibility of nurturing a promising future breeding dog. It’s essential that our guardian families are willing to maintain regular communication with us, share updated photos, and collaborate closely. We carefully select our guardian families, and to ensure the safety and well-being of the dog in your care, we have established specific eligibility criteria for our Guardian Home Program.
Joining our program is an exciting opportunity, but it does require a meaningful commitment. To qualify, all potential guardian homes must meet the requirements and commitments outlined below.
Requirements & Commitments
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Alternate Option for Non-Breeding Use: Should the dog you receive not be used in our breeding program, you will receive a significant discount on the initial price of a puppy.
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Temporary Returns: During specific times throughout the breeding period, the dog will be returned to Southern Meadows Doodles. Outside of these designated times—and after the guardianship term is completed—the dog will become your family's forever pet.
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Screened Guardian Homes: We carefully screen guardian homes to select families who are responsible pet owners and active participants in our breeding program.
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Location: You must reside within a two-hour drive from our location in Decatur, AL.
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Home Ownership & Access:You should own your home and allow us occasional visits for evaluations.
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Leash Requirement: The dog must be kept on a leash at all times when outside the home or fenced yard.
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Indoor Environment: The dog must be an indoor pet, residing in a safe, puppy-proof environment.
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Schedule Flexibility: Your schedule must allow the puppy to be alone for no more than four consecutive hours.
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Obedience Training: You must successfully complete basic obedience training with your dog between the ages of 4 and 12 months.
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Breeding Care Responsibilities: You should understand and be prepared for the care and responsibilities involved in raising a future breeding dog.
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Transportation: You are responsible for transporting the puppy for health testing and breeding appointments.
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Diet & Supplements: The puppy must be fed the food and supplements specified by us.
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Socialization & Exercise: You must provide proper socialization and regular, moderate exercise.
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Breeding Control: You must take full responsibility to prevent any breeding outside of the Southern Meadows Doodles Breeding Program.
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Monthly Updates: Regular monthly photos of the dog are required to help us monitor progress and well-being.
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Grooming: Professional grooming is required every 6–8 weeks according to the approved style outlined by Southern Meadows Doodles.
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Health & Veterinary Care: You agree to provide regular health care, maintain current vaccinations, and keep us informed by sharing copies of vaccine records and details of all veterinary visits.
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Communication:
Open communication is essential. You must promptly notify us of any changes in your contact information, report on the dog’s health and condition, and inform us of heat cycles for female dogs.
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Post-Contract Procedures: Upon the successful completion of the guardian family contract, the dog will be spayed or neutered, and we will transfer the registration from Southern Meadows Doodles to your family at our expense.
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Love & Socialization: Above all, provide your dog with ample socialization, love, and a nurturing environment.
These requirements are in place to ensure the health, safety, and overall well-being of each of our dogs. Many of these expectations align with what you would provide if you were purchasing a dog outright. If you feel confident in meeting all of the above requirements, please click below to complete an application. We will then schedule a call to discuss the next steps.
CURRENT GUARDIAN Opportunities
*** We are currently accepting applications for both Male & Female Guardian Homes***
Current Opportunities
Upcoming Opportunities
Meet Monica – Our Gorgeous Chocolate Guardian Girl! Monica is an absolute gem! This rich, chocolate beauty is as stunning as she is sweet. She has a calm, confident demeanor just like her amazing mama and is already proving to be a quick learner. We are beyond excited for her future! Monica is tracking to be a large mini to small medium in size, with an expected adult weight of 24-34 lbs—the perfect balance of compact and sturdy. She carries herself with grace and has a steady, loving temperament that makes her a joy to be around. Whether she’s learning something new or snuggling up for some love, she does everything with quiet confidence and charm. We are looking for just the right guardian home to provide Monica with the love and care she deserves. If you’re interested in being part of her journey and welcoming this special girl into your family, we’d love to hear from you! We can’t wait to watch Monica shine in her guardian home and see all the wonderful qualities she’ll bring to our program! ✨🐾
