Guardian Homes References
I believe the best socialised puppies, who make the best family dogs come from dedicated breeders like myself whose puppies are born in the home and are much loved members of the family. My puppies are born, brought up in the home, loved and socialised from the minute they are born.
My reasons for seeking Guardian Homes in the future is due to the logistical problem in the above scenario – most home breeders can only accommodate a limited number of adult dogs. So, for a small home breeder like myself once I have reached this limit there are only three options to consider as keeping dogs outside in kennels is just not an option I would ever consider and Australian Labradoodles as a breed do not cope well in kennel environments.
Guardian Nancy, 2018
We have been a guardian home for Nancy for almost 2 years now and it has been the most amazing experience.
We brought Nancy home in July 2018 and the support, guidance and knowledge Johanne has provided us with is second to none. Without her knowledge and expertise we would have struggled with all aspects of being a puppy owner. She is always available to speak with for a friendly natter or to ask questions about diet, training and any struggles we have faced and this has been an amazing help.
Johanne is not just a breeder, she goes above and beyond for her dogs. Always keeping us up to date with new training programmes, new food recommendations and everything she does is always to benefit her dogs and their owners.
I could not recommend Johanne highly enough and we are so grateful to be able to be a guardian home for Nancy.
GUARDIAN BESS, 2019
We have been a guardian home for Bess since September 19, we’re loving every minute of it and its been one of the best decisions we have ever made. We had been thinking about getting a dog for a while before becoming guardians. Through breeder searches we found Northbound on our doorstep and read about being a guardian on the Northbound website. This was something that appealed to us and fitted into our lifestyle.
We arranged to meet Johanne (and her dogs) and we had a good honest chat about what we were looking for, our concerns re: allergies and what being a guardian entailed. We felt being a guardian was the right thing to do for our first dog. Added to that we had the peace of mind that if we did suffer health wise were not obligated to keep a dog and we knew returning to Johanne would not be an issue.
Johanne identified the dog for us and we took an 8 month old Bess into our home and she is absolutely perfect – healthy, excellent temperature, great with people, children and other dogs.
She is now a massive part of our family and its been an amazing experience.
The support and guidance Johanne provides is invaluable and she is always available for advice, being new to dogs this is just what we need. She advises on training, exercise, food etc to ensure Bess grows up to be as perfect as her other dogs (of which we have also looked after for short periods). She provides this support and advice for all the guardian homes and also owners of her dogs.
Can’t recommend Johanne highly enough and would happily chat to anyone thinking of becoming a guardian.
GUARDIAN TIMMY, 2020
We were a little apprehensive about being a guardian home at first, worried it would mean lots of challenges and us feeling out of our depths. Rescue dogs were all we had known, having our first puppy be a prospect stud dog was another layer of concern!
We were proven wrong and have loved every second being Timmy’s guardian home. We have fallen in love with this breed!
it is a real honour to be apart of the Northbound programme, Johanne goes above and beyond for guardian homes, she is extremely passionate about raising healthy and happy dogs.
Johanne has been there every step of the way, no question too silly and she will support you throughout. We have learnt a great deal about what goes into ethical breeding and the welfare of these dogs from health tests, feeding, grooming, mating… you name it!
Johanne has a wealth of knowledge, any difficulties you may face she will be there at a drop of a hat to offer assistance to ensure that you feel comfortable with being a guardian home. There is a real community at Northbound with arranged dog walks with other owners, speaking to other guardians and a private Facebook group which offers support, humour and a shared love for the Northbound dogs. You automatically feel very welcomed and we wouldn’t go anywhere else to get a dog!
Thank you for entrusting us with Timmy, we couldn’t ask for better support or a better breeder.
GUARDIAN SILAS, 2020
I've known Johanne for many years and didn't hesitate to ask to join her waiting list for a doodle. Little did I know that Johanne was seeking a guardian home for Silas, something we'd never considered doing, and within a fortnight he was living with us. He's an absolute dream!
Johanne is really supportive and we know she will offer advice and support whenever we need it.
Being a guardian needs thinking through, there is a bigger sense of responsibility keeping an expensive breeding dog safe and being on the lookout for dogs on heat. And you must be prepared to fit in with the health and feeding requirements (which we didn't find onerous but some might, raw feeding is not for everyone!). The network of guardians is also great for support too. Johanne's a straight talker, you know where you are, and I like that!
Johanne's commitment to her dogs, her pups, guardians and their owners is second to none.
GUARDIAN MAGNUS, 2021
We thought long and hard before making the decision to be a guardian family. After careful consideration we felt the responsibility was worth it.
Jo has been there every step of the way. The thing that had drawn me to Northbound Labradoodles in the first place was her no-nonsense approach combined with her absolute love of her dogs and extensive knowledge.
She pushes you to be the best for your dog which makes the best dog for your family. She’s is always there, giving you a straight answer, which is brilliant for me and my occasional flapping.
If you want an amazing puppy with great potential, that you are willing to put time and effort into to turn into a fabulous dog, then I can’t recommend Jo highly enough.
I would maybe avoid if you think great dogs aren’t your responsibility, or you want a breeder who will leave you to it once you’ve collected your pup or want someone who will let you get away with not doing the best for your dog.
If you are seriously interested in taking an outstanding quality Australian Labradoodle into your home, at no purchase cost, as part of the future Northbound breeding programme and would like to know more, please do email me with some information about yourself and we can meet and explore our options further.
I am SEEKING GUARDIAN HOMES in the North area.
