At Fairview Park Groodles, we’re often asked what it means to be a guardian family—and why we’ve chosen this model for raising our breeding dogs. The short answer? Because we believe every dog deserves a life filled with love, companionship, and the comfort of a family home.
Our guardian program is a way for us to raise the next generation of beautiful, healthy Groodles and Golden Bernedoodles without ever compromising the quality of life for the dogs we love so much.
So, what is a guardian home?
A guardian home is a carefully chosen family who raises one of our breeding dogs as their own beloved pet. These dogs live a normal, happy life—just like their littermates—sleeping on the couch (we’d suggest a crate, but we know how it is!), going for walks, playing in the backyard, and enjoying all the cuddles, attention and companionship of a typical pet dog.
The only difference? From time to time, that dog will come back to us for a short stay to participate in our breeding program.
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For females, this means returning to us once they are old enough to be mated (typically around 2 years of age), and again before whelping (having puppies). They stay with us until their litter is weaned, then return home.
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For males, the time away is usually brief—just a few days here and there when needed. We can also organise bulk collections and storage, minimising access requirements.
- There is also some access for health testing but this is usually only a day at the vet.
We only retain a small number of breeding dogs in our own home, and our guardian program allows us to continue our work ethically—without overcrowding or compromising on the care, training, and attention every dog deserves.
Why would you want to be a guardian?
There are so many benefits to becoming a guardian family. Here are just a few:
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You get the pick of the litter—a beautiful, health-tested puppy—without the full purchase cost. In fact, the guardian puppy is offered at 50% of the purchase price, which is fully refunded at the end of the program, so in the long term you are getting the best of the best for free.
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You enjoy the companionship of a wonderful pet, while also playing an important part in supporting ethical breeding and helping other families experience the joy of a well-bred Groodle.
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If you’re a guardian to a female, her time with us during whelping can offer you the perfect window to take a holiday or enjoy a break, knowing your dog is being cared for just as she would be at home.
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Once your dog’s breeding journey is complete the dog remains with you as your pet for life.
- Once your dog has completed their breeding journey, we pay for their desexing.
What’s expected of our guardian families?
Guardian families are special to us, and we work closely with each one to make sure the arrangement is a good fit for both the dog and the family. While full details are provided in the guardian agreement, here are some key expectations:
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Ideally, guardian families should live within a 2-hour radius of Canberra. We can also consider families located within 1 hour of Bowral, Sydney, or the NSW Central Coast, as we work closely with reproductive vets in those areas. In these cases, we just ask that you’re able to assist with transport arrangements to ensure the dog can get to us when needed.
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You’ll need to deliver the dog to us or to our vet when needed. We’ll always give plenty of notice, and we’re happy to help coordinate where we can.
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You’ll provide the same high level of care we do—feeding a recommended diet, staying up to date with worming and vaccinations, and seeking vet care if needed.
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All breeding-related costs (health testing, mating, whelping care, desexing after fulfilling the guardian agreement) are covered by us.
We remain closely involved throughout the guardian journey. In many cases, guardian dogs come for regular visits or stayovers, so when it’s time for breeding, it’s familiar and stress-free.
Why it matters
Our guardian program allows us to continue our mission of raising healthy, well-adjusted Groodles without compromising the welfare of the dogs in our care. It means our breeding dogs live as cherished pets in loving homes. It also ensures our puppies are born to parents who are not only physically healthy but emotionally secure and well-loved.
Being a guardian family is a commitment, but it’s also an incredibly rewarding way to be part of something bigger. You’ll help bring joy to other families while sharing your life with an exceptional dog.
If you’re interested in becoming a guardian, we’d love to hear from you. You can learn more about the program and submit an expression of interest here.
Some of our Current Guardian Stars at Fairview Park Groodles!
