Guardian Home Program

At Rooster Valley Golden Retrievers, we are committed to the preservation and responsible improvement of the Golden Retriever breed. Our program is built on three core priorities: health, temperament, and overall well-being. We believe dogs thrive best when they are raised as cherished members of a family, receiving daily love, structure, and companionship.

To support these values while thoughtfully growing our breeding program, we offer our Guardian Home Program.

A Guardian Home is a carefully selected family who partners with us by providing a permanent, loving home for one of our breeding-quality Golden Retrievers. Through this program, an approved family receives a pick-of-the-litter female puppy, chosen by Rooster Valley Golden Retrievers from a litter of our selection, at approximately eight weeks of age, at no purchase cost. The puppy lives full-time with her Guardian Family as their beloved pet while remaining part of our breeding program for a limited period of time.

Guardian families agree to meet the responsibilities outlined in our Guardian Home Contract, including proper daily care, nutrition, training, veterinary care, health testing, and cooperation during breeding. In keeping with ethical breeding standards, each female will have a maximum of four litters.

Once her breeding career is complete, she will be spayed and full AKC registration and ownership will be transferred to the Guardian Family. She remains with her family throughout the program and continues living with them permanently after retirement.

Requirements of a Guardian Family

Guardian families must be committed, responsible, and able to provide an exceptional home environment. Requirements include:

• Live within a reasonable driving distance of Modesto, California
  (Transportation to and from Rooster Valley Golden Retrievers is the responsibility of the Guardian Family.)

• The dog must live primarily indoors as a family companion

• Have a fully fenced and secure backyard

• Feed a high-quality dog food approved by Rooster Valley Golden Retrievers

• Provide daily joint supplements

• Have no intact dogs of the opposite sex living in the home

• Provide proper socialization and basic obedience training, either at home or through classes

• Maintain routine veterinary care and keep vaccinations current

• Communicate openly with us regarding the dog’s health and well-being

• Provide photos and regular updates

Joint & Growth Protection Requirements

(Until approximately 2 years of age)

To help ensure healthy bone and joint development, Guardian Families agree to follow these guidelines during the dog’s growth period:

• Maintain a healthy weight through proper nutrition and regular exercise

• Avoid excessive or high-impact exercise, including long-distance running or intense, repetitive fetch sessions

• Limit jumping in and out of vehicles to reduce strain on growing joints

• Keep the dog primarily on the first floor of the home to minimize repeated stair use during development

Selection Process

Guardian Homes are selected solely at the discretion of Rooster Valley Golden Retrievers after completion of an application and personal discussion. Because we place great importance on finding the right fit for both our dogs and our families, not all applicants will be chosen.

We carefully select homes that fully understand the program and are committed to the responsibilities involved.

If you are interested in becoming a Guardian Family, we invite you to complete our application and contact us with any questions.