HappyPaw Doodles (Breeder) is accepting applications for guardian families to join our growing program. We are a boutique breeder dedicated to producing great companion animals. Our dogs are part of our family and a network of families. They live in a loving home and enjoy daily life. We believe that all of our breeding dogs deserve this same luxury which our guardian program provides.
We place our upcoming breeding dogs as puppies in homes with suitable families. In exchange for a deeply discounted price for the puppy, the guardians agree to the role of “caregiver” while we retain ownership and breeding rights for the dog.
If you are interested in becoming a guardian home for HappyPaw, ensure you can meet these expectations:
• Maintain excellent communication HappyPaw Breeders
• Have a fenced-in yard
• Live 60 minutes or less from Auburn/Opelika, Alabama or Cumming, Georgia
• Able to use the vet of our choice
• Work no more than 4 hours per day outside the home (preference given to those staying/working at home)
Both parties (Breeder and Guardian) agree to be legally bound by the following agreement:
Ownership shall remain with the Breeder until the time when the Breeders shall, by written evidence, transfer ownership of the dog to the Guardian. Likewise, any puppies born to a female dog or any semen from a male dog shall be the sole and separate property of the Breeder and the Guardian shall have no ownership or possession rights to any use of the semen. Upon completion of this Agreement, Breeder shall transfer possession of the dog to Guardian. Guardian shall retain possession of the dog and shall provide physical care to and supervision of the dog subject to the conditions of this Agreement.
Breeders Responsibilities
During the time the Guardian has possession of the dog the Breeder shall provide the Guardian:
1. Dietary guidelines and instructions for health care of the dog, including worming and vaccination information
2. Designate the name of veterinarian(s) selected by the Breeder to provide medical care to the dog
3. Training on recognizing when a female comes in heat (in season) and approximate dates when to expect this
4. Information on what to expect and how to care for a pregnant female
5. Payment for all veterinary expenses as related to breed‐related costs (hip x‐rays, eye exams etc.).
6. If the dog is female, Breeder will take possession of the dog at the appropriate time for breeding and the dog will remain with the Breeder for approximately one week. Dog would then reunite with the Guardian for its gestation period (pregnancy). The Breeder will take possession of the female dog one week prior to her due date and she will remain with the Breeder until her puppies are whelped and weaned (approximately 5‐7 weeks).
7. If the dog is male, Breeder will take possession of the dog at the appropriate time for same day breeding either at Guardian’s residence or place of business. Additionally, breeder may take possession of the dog up to ten (10) times in any 12 month period up to seven (7) continuous days each time for breeding outside the designated area.
Guardian’s Responsibilities
During the time the Guardian has possession of the dog, the Guardian shall:
1. Safely confine the dog by using a traditional fence restraining the dog by using a leash whenever outside of the Guardians home or yard, especially during a female dog’s heat cycle and at all times with a male. Once the dog has been trained to respond to voice commands off-leash retrieving for exercise is permitted. A female must be carefully guarded during her heat cycle and kept away from other dogs (heats last for approximately 3 weeks, no more than 2 times a year).
2. Provide adequate exercise for the dog on a daily basis.
3. Provide basic obedience training for the dog, either with classes or at home. Basic obedience includes, but is not limited to: sit, stay, come, down, walking on a leash, crate and potty training. We recommend taking puppy to one obedience class or using http://bit.ly/baxterandbella (Discount code: HAPPYPAW) for training classes.
4. Follow all dietary guidelines as recommended by the Breeder, feeding dog a high-quality dog food.
5. Provide vet care as needed, including regular vaccinations and rabies vaccine at Guardian’s expense. Administer and pay for monthly flea, tick and heartworm medications.
6. Provide Breeder the dates of treatments and any vet care for Breeders own records.
7. Consult with Breeders at the first sign of illness or at time of injury and pay for any veterinary visits due to illness or injury while in the Guardian’s care. This includes severe diarrhea, loss of appetite, vomiting, etc.
8. Use only the services of the veterinarians selected or approved by Breeders, unless in case of emergency.
9. Meet Breeder upon request with 24 hour notice for breeding purposes, testing, etc.
10. Notify Breeder of scheduled vacations or other absences which would warrant the dog needing other care. This care must meet the approval of the Breeders, and Breeders must be given the contact information of the caretaker during absence. Schedule and pay for boarding expenses that may be necessary if Breeder is unable to care for dog while Guardian is out of town. Guardian shall notify Breeder of Guardian vacations plans, if dog will be with Guardian family on vacation, and provide all contact information in the event dog is needed for breeding during vacation time.
11. Maintain a principal place of residence within an agreed upon distance from Breeder (unless otherwise and specifically agreed upon by the Breeder) and provide Breeders with Guardian’s address, telephone number and email address.
12. Keep dog well‐groomed at all times. The dog will need regular brushing to help keep coat from matting. Utilize a professional groomer experienced with poodle grooming when needed every few months to keep the coat well maintained and healthy. Do not have the dog shaved unless discussing this with Breeders. A coat length of about 3 inches is a manageable length for most people. Breeder will suggest grooming products if needed by Guardian.
13. Agree to photography of dog displayed on internet and social media.
14. If the dog is female, meet Breeder approximately 5‐7 days before her due date. The dog will remain with the Breeder until her puppies are weaned (5‐7 weeks). She will then be returned to Guardian. Dog will be bred no more than 3 times in any 2 year period and will have a maximum of 4 litters. Breeder will decide how many litters the dog will have after observing her pregnancy tolerance and mothering skills.
15. If the dog is female and there is a problem with any pregnancy that endangers the health of that dog, no future breeding will be required, the dog will be spayed as soon and medically appropriate, and ownership transferred to the Guardian.
Removal of Dog
Breeders may remove the dog from the possession of Guardian for non‐compliance of terms of this agreement, at which time this Agreement shall terminate. Breeders agree to consult with Guardian before permanently removing the dog from Guardian’s possession unless, in the judgment of the Breeders, the dog must be immediately removed from the possession of Guardian to protect the health, welfare and safety of the dog. If the dog does not need to be immediately removed from the Guardian’s possession, Breeders shall give Guardian a reasonable amount of time to comply with Breeders requirements for maintaining the health, welfare or safety of the dog before permanent removal.
Removal of Stud Dog
Breeders may immediately remove a stud dog from the Guardian home should the Guardians hire out the stud, or sell his semen, without specific written permission from Breeders. If this occurred, the Guardians would also pay the Breeders up to $5,000, the value of said stud service or semen.
Death of Dog ‐ Guardian’s Possession
Should the dog die from natural of accidental causes, that are not considered negligence (non‐compliance of using a leash or not keeping the yard fence in good repair and gate closed) this Agreement shall terminate upon the happening of such occurrence and neither party shall have any further obligation to the other party.
Death of Dog ‐ Breeder’s Possession
Should the dog die from natural or accidental causes, that are not considered negligence (non‐compliance of using a leash or not keeping the yard fence in good repair and gate closed) this Agreement shall terminate upon the happening of such occurrence and neither party shall have any further obligation to the other party. However, should a female dog die during whelping (delivery of puppies) Breeder shall give to Guardian, at no cost to Guardian, a spayed or neutered puppy born of the litter that caused the death of the female dog, if any puppies are born alive and survive for eight (8) weeks.
Transfer of Ownership ‐ Proven Breeder or Proven Sire
When Breeder, in the sole and absolute discretion of Breeder, determines that the dog, either a female or male, shall no longer be used for breeding purposes, Breeders shall have the dog spayed/ neutered and shall transfer ownership of the dog to Guardian. Breeder will pay all costs associated with the spay/neuter in lieu of any payment for the dog up front or at transference of ownership.
Transfer of Ownership ‐ Potential Breeder or Potential Sire
If, within three (3) years of the date of this Agreement, Breeder determines that the dog is unable to be utilized for breeding purposes, Breeder shall pay for the dog to be spayed/neutered and Breeder will transfer ownership of the dog to Guardian for no additional charge.
Return of Dog
During the term of this Agreement, Guardian may permanently return the dog to Breeders for any reason, at which time this Agreement shall terminate.
Immediate Payment to Breeders
If, prior to transfer of ownership from Breeders to Guardians, the following occurrences happen, the Guardians agree to pay the Breeders the sum of $7,000 (dollars):
1. Guardian, independently and without the expressed written consent of Breeders, has the dog spayed or neutered.
2. Guardian intentionally causes injury to the dog that prevents the dog from breeding or intentionally or out of negligence causes death of the dog.
3. Guardian absconds with the dog, fails to advise Breeders of any change in Guardian’s address, or ceases communication with Breeders.
Non‐Transferable
This Agreement shall not be transferred to another Breeder or Guardian in whole or in part without prior agreement.
Notification and Correspondence
Notification and communication as required by the terms of this Agreement shall be deemed made, if made, via e‐mail or phone to the primary Breeder contacts, Annslee Hillyer or Ana Adams.
If Breeder desires a change in the primary contact, Guardians will be notified in writing, signed by all Breeders, of the change in primary Breeder contact.