Guardian Program

Thanks for your interest in our Guardian Program


We are so thankful for our guardian homes and are always in need of those interested in the program so that we can continue our unique breeding program. In this program, the dogs join our Guardian families at a great price, the dog becomes a loving part of your family, and Arkansas River Goldens maintains exclusive rights for breeding with unlimited access. Once a dog is retired, the dog’s ownership will transfer to your family if desired at no cost. Guardian families share in the profits from their dog’s litters. Of course there are requirements set forth in the agreement that must be followed for obvious reasons.


Who Benefits From Our Program?

• Each Dog – We believe that puppies or dogs are best served integrated into a loving family rather than kennel-raised. Dogs are social animals that adore their families and want to be with them. Dogs want to be involved in their family’s daily life and participate as beloved family members. By placing them in a home environment from a young age, we are doing our best to ensure their happiness and stability.
• Our Guardian Families – Guardian homes get a top quality Golden Retriever. You invest time, love, and cooperation. Additionally, our homes have the opportunity to receive compensation while working with your four legged family member.
• The Golden Retriever Breed – This program allows us an opportunity to insure that the very best dogs will continue in this breed.

Guardian Program Facts:
Are there any requirements for the guardian home location or set up?

• The guardian family must live within a reasonable distance of us, probably within 6 hours or less.
• All houses should have a fenced yard. Families should know our dogs are not be left outside alone.
• If the guardian family lives in an apartment, they need to have a plan to occupy the puppy.
• The guardian family must notify Arkansas River Goldens within 14 days of moving.
• The guardian may not have an intact dog in addition to their guardian dog.

What guidelines does the guardian family have to follow when raising the puppy or dog?

• As a puppy, the family needs to feed a large breed puppy food approved by Arkansas River Goldens.
• As an adult, and when pregnant, Purina Pro Plan Adult Shredded Blend Salmon & Rice Formula Dry Dog Food is the only food to be fed.
• The guardian family is to avoid all chemicals.
• If the dog becomes sick or injured, guardian families must notify the owner (Hielan Goldens) right away so we are involved in all decisions regarding the treatment of the dog.
• The guardian family must practice safe handling of the dog. Always use a leash and provide basic obedience training so the dog develops and maintains good manners .
• The guardian family is responsible either for the transportation of the dog to us, or arranging to meet us part way for pick up of the dog for all health certifications, testing, and breeding.

What age do you start breeding the dog?

• Males and Females will be bred after 24 months and all health certs have been verified.
• All Hielan Goldens are tested for the following prior to approval for breeding: OFA on their Hips, Elbows, Eyes, Heart, Thyroid and Dentition. We also do genetic testing for Ichthyosis, DM, PRA-1, PRA-2, PRCD, and NCL.

When and how long does the dog need to be away from you?

• The guardian family must notify us immediately as soon as they are aware the female dog is in heat. We will coordinate for her transfer as soon as possible. Breeding takes approximately two weeks. 
• Most females and females will be sent to a professional trainer at 6-7 months for a 3 month foundational training. Some males may return at 12-14 months for an additional advanced level of professional training. This will be coordinated between the guardian and Hielan Goldens.
• Hunt Testing is usually over a weekend. 
• Health certifications take two to four days.
• Male dogs may be with us for up to a week for breeding.

What happens during pregnancy?

• Pregnancy is actually very easy. Normal play and running during the first half of pregnancy is great. After that, we limit activity to walks on a leash and NO BALL CHASING TYPE OF ACTIVITIES.
• Heartworm treatment will continue to be given on a monthly basis during pregnancy.

What happens during the whelping process?

• The female will come home to the owner (Hielan Goldens) two weeks before the due date. She will stay until puppies go home at 7 to 8 weeks of age.
• She will be closely monitored and no expense will be spared in her care.

What are the guardian’s obligations in medical care? 

• While the dog is in the guardians care any preventable illness or injury, not related to the breeding program, is the guardian family’s financial responsibility, just as it would be for your pet if it were not part of the guardian program.
• All medical decisions are to be made by Hielan Goldens.
• If the guardian family is negligent and the dog is lost or dies when in your care we will ask for you to be responsible for Hielan Goldens financial loss. If you are caring for the dog in a responsible way this shouldn’t be a problem. We recognize that bad things can happen to anybody. Fortunately, we have never had a serious injury or loss to any dog in our guardian program.

What does the guardian home pay for and what does the breeder pay for?

• The guardian home pays for any normal care items for the dog. Food, dishes, leashes, beds, normal vaccinations, heartworm, deworming, toys, etc.  Those normal expenses one would have with any pet. Do not start flea/tick medications prior to coordinating with Helen Goldens.
• The owner (Hielan Goldens) pays for all expenses related to health certifications (including repeat testing), testing for breeding purposes, all breeding and litter expenses. 

Guardian Level return on Investment

• Guardians are allowed pick of the litter.
• Hielan Goldens retains exclusive breeding rights.
• Initial cost of guardian pup is a deposit equal to half of that particular litter puppy price.
• At the birth of the dog’s first litter, guardian is reimbursed one third of the deposit in addition to a set amount to be determined after each additional litter.
• At the birth of the 2nd and 3rd litters guardian is reimbursed one third of the deposit in addition to a set amount to be determined after each additional litter.

When are dogs retired from the guardian program?

• Females will not be bred more than 5 times and are usually retired by age 6 or 7.
• Males will be used through their 8-10th year.

Who pays for the spay/neuter?

• The owner (Hielan Goldens) pays for the spay/neuter.

What happens if the dog does not meet Hielan Golden’s breeding standards?

• Our breeding standards are very high. We aren’t bashful about removing dogs from our program and test extensively to do just that. If the dog in your care does not meet our breeding standards, you may want to adopt the dog. In either case the dog will be spayed/neutered after he/she is fully grown.
• We work hard to select the best of the best of our dogs for our guardian homes. If you are willing to make an honest commitment to us we will be as flexible as possible to make this program work for you.
• We hope that you will consider partnering with us. If you are interested in applying to our guardian program, contact us at: [email protected]