In order to breed healthy dogs from quality pedigrees, we need a number of unrelated adult dogs in our breeding program. We prefer not to keep a kennel of dogs so in order to keep a large gene pool, we began our Guardian Dog program. This way, we can have various bloodlines available to us, but at the same time, supply the dogs with a wonderful home where they can enjoy quality family life on a day-to-day basis. 

Occasionally, we need a  Guardian Home for our breeding males and females, as puppies or young adults.  Our Guardian Families share their time and homes to raise our Golden Retriever, then once the dog has matured at 2 years old, we will decide if they are of breeding quality. At that time, we begin the process of obtaining all their health clearances and showing. 

The Guardian Dog program is a good deal for the dog, it is a good deal for the Guardians, and it is a good deal for our breeding program. It is one of those “win - win” situations for everyone involved.  That said, guardianship is a unique ownership agreement and is not suited for everyone. 

We are selective in choosing a Guardian Family, and our primary concern is that the dogs are placed in a safe, healthy home where they will be well taken care of. At Maplelane, we want our dogs to be as happy and healthy as possible. This means they are fed an appropriate diet, trained consistently, exercised regularly and kept at a proper weight. 

We are only considering Guardian Homes that are local to the Minden/Haliburton area (preferably within 30 minutes) so we can have a close relationship and have the dog out to Maplelane frequently to keep them an established member of our pack. 

As the breeder, we will maintain ownership of the dog and have access to breeding rights once the dog is of age and meets the requirements for our breeding program. Most dogs are retired from a breeding program at 5 years of age for females and 8 years for males. After this time, the dog will be spayed/neutered at the expense of the Guardian, and all ownership is transferred to the Guardian Family. If we decide that the dog is not of breeding quality, the dog will be spayed/neutered at the expense of the Guardian and ownership will be transferred to the Guardian at that time. The dog will never be permanently taken from you unless they are found to be in poor condition and not having their needs met. 

To become part of the Guardian Program, you will pay the price of a puppy (currently $3500 + HST) as a type of deposit on the dog. If they do not make it into the program, then that fee will be kept by Maplelane as the price of the dog and ownership will be transferred to you. If they do make it into the program, then your investment will be reimbursed from their first litter, or you can choose to have a puppy from one of their litters. 

Guardians will pay all expenses related to the day to day living including but not limited to food, routine and emergency vet care. Maplelane will pay any expense related to breeding including health clearances, entry fees for shows, and any vet fees related to reproduction. A female in the program would return to Maplelane during her selected heat cycle for approximitely 3 weeks while the breeding occurs. She would then return home until a few weeks before the puppies are due to arrive. She will stay at Maplelane until the puppies are weaned an heading to their new homes, approximitely 8-10 weeks. She will have 2-3 litters total before retiring out of the program. An in-depth contract would be signed by both parties.