Our Guardian Home Program
Become a CW Bernedoodles Guardian Family
Bring home an exceptional puppy while helping shape the future of our breeding program.
Our Guardian Program gives a select number of families the opportunity to welcome one of our Pick of the Litter puppies into their home while partnering with us to preserve and improve the future of our breeding program. It’s a unique relationship built on trust, communication, and a shared love for incredible dogs.
Every guardian dog lives first and foremost as a cherished family companion. Throughout their breeding career, we work closely with our guardian families to ensure every dog receives exceptional care, individualized attention, and a lifetime of love.
Why We Use Guardian Homes
Our philosophy has always been simple: Our dogs deserve full, happy lives as beloved family members—not kennel dogs.
Rather than keeping a large number of breeding dogs in one home, we intentionally place many of our future breeding dogs with carefully selected guardian families. This allows every dog to receive individualized attention, daily companionship, and the loving home they deserve while still contributing to our carefully planned breeding program.
Keeping our own household intentionally small also allows us to devote our full attention to our puppies during pregnancy, whelping, socialization, and early development.
It’s a win for our dogs, our guardian families, and the future generations of healthy, well-socialized Bernedoodles and Bernese Mountain Dogs we are so proud to raise.
What Is a Guardian Home?
A guardian home is a long-term partnership between your family and CW Bernedoodles.
You receive an exceptional Pick of the Litter puppy that becomes your lifelong companion, while we retain breeding rights for a limited period of time.
Once your dog’s breeding career is complete, full ownership transfers to you permanently, and your dog enjoys retirement exactly where they’ve always belonged—with your family.
Throughout the process, we’re always available for guidance, support, and questions. Our guardian families truly become part of the CW Bernedoodles family.
Why Families Love Our Guardian Program
★ Pick of the Litter Puppy
Receive one of the very best puppies from our breeding program—dogs that typically remain with breeders.
★ Lifelong Family Companion
Your guardian dog lives with you full-time and becomes a permanent member of your family.
★ Breeder Support
We’re always here to answer questions, provide guidance, and help throughout your dog’s life.
★ Behind-the-Scenes Experience
Watch the breeding process firsthand and follow every litter your dog produces.
★ Private Puppy Updates
Guardian families receive access to private litter updates and are always welcome to visit.
★ Open Door Policy
Whether you want to visit your dog’s puppies or need occasional boarding, you’re always welcome at CW Bernedoodles.
Two Guardian Home Options
Traditional Guardian Program
Our traditional guardian program allows families to receive one of our exceptional breeding prospects while partnering with us throughout their full breeding career.
Best For → Families looking for the greatest value and comfortable making a longer commitment.
Hybrid Guardian Program
Our Hybrid Guardian Program offers the same Pick of the Litter quality puppy with a significantly shorter commitment.
Guardian families pay a reduced purchase price (typically about half the price of one of our puppies), while the dog remains in our breeding program for approximately half the normal duration.
For females, this generally means only two litters. Male dogs typically participate in the program for approximately two to three years.
Best For → Families who want to participate in our program while minimizing the overall time commitment.
How Our Guardian Program Works
Step 1:
Step 2:
We get to know your family, lifestyle, and goals.
Step 3:
If approved, we’ll match you with the right puppy.
Step 4:
Your puppy goes home and begins life as your family companion.
Step 5:
When your dog reaches breeding age, we’ll coordinate health testing and breeding schedules together.
Step 6:
After your dog’s breeding career concludes, they retire permanently with your family.
Guardian Family Responsibilities
What We Provide
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Breeding-related veterinary expenses
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Reproductive care
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Health testing
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Pregnancy nutrition
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Breeding management
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Ongoing guidance and support
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Lifetime partnership
What Guardian Families Provide
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Daily love and companionship
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Routine veterinary care
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Preventative medications
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Grooming
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Food
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Exercise and enrichment
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Basic obedience training
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Regular communication
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Photos and updates
Is Our Guardian Program Right for You?
Guardian families should:
✔ Live within approximately two hours of Vesper, Wisconsin (or be willing to travel)
✔ Have a securely fenced yard or be willing to use a HALO Collar (underground fencing considered on a case-by-case basis)
✔ Be committed to positive, reward-based training
✔ Be comfortable with scheduled breeding-related visits
✔ Communicate openly with our team
✔ Love sharing photos and updates
✔ View us as lifelong partners—not simply the breeder you purchased your dog from
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my dog live with me?
Yes. Your guardian dog lives with your family full-time except during necessary breeding, health testing, pregnancy, whelping, and puppy-raising periods.
Who pays veterinary expenses?
Routine care remains the guardian family’s responsibility. CW Bernedoodles covers breeding-related veterinary care, reproductive expenses, health testing, and pregnancy-related costs.
Can I visit my dog while they’re at CW Bernedoodles?
Absolutely. Guardian families are always welcome to visit their dog and puppies. We love keeping our families involved throughout the process.
What happens after retirement?
Once your dog’s breeding career is complete, they retire permanently with your family and continue enjoying life exactly where they belong.
Can first-time dog owners become guardians?
Sometimes. We evaluate every application individually. Commitment, communication, and willingness to learn are often more important than previous experience.
Ready to Become a Guardian Family?
We’re always looking for exceptional families who share our passion for raising healthy, happy dogs.
If you believe you’d be a great fit, we’d love to learn more about you.
Complete the application below, and we’ll contact you if we believe your family is a good match for current or upcoming guardian opportunities.
Click here to View Our Puppy Application →
*Indicate on the application that you're interested in becoming a Guardian Home