Guardian Home Testimonials
Over a decades experience has shown that the happiest, most well-socialized puppies that make the best family dogs come from passionate breeders like myself. My adorable puppies are born right in my home and are cherished family members from day one.
As I continually look to the future, I'm always excited to welcome new guardian homes into the Northbound family. As a dedicated breeder, I can only accommodate a limited number of adult dogs at my home, so finding loving guardian homes for my dogs allows them to thrive in a nurturing environment while still being part of my extended family.
Morris
We are guardians to Morris, he has been with us for 2 years and is a gorgeous boy. He has an amazing temperament, was very easy to train, cheeky and busy with such a willingness to please. He is a big softie, loves cuddles and long walks in the woods and fields. He is great with children and loves being around family, we just adore him.
We had lost out previous dog (old age) and weren’t sure we would get another, but my son bought his dog Moose from Johanne and mentioned that she had a guardian boy that she was looking to place. On his recommendation we messaged Johanne and had a long zoom meeting, we could instantly see just how invested and passionate she is about her dogs. We went to meet Morris at Johanne’s home, and we completely fell in love with this boy. We could see how amazing she was with her own dogs, but we also were able to see the whole set up for new litters and how the mums and pups were loved and cared for as she had a litter there at the time.
We did have our reservations at first, it is a big responsibility to make sure that we do our upmost to keep Morris safe, in ‘tip top’ condition and healthy for breeding so that he can produce the best healthiest pups possible. And I’m not going to lie we had a worry about him being a male intact dog. Would other male dogs be a problem for us and would he just want to constantly wander off at the slight smell of a female in season? but I can honestly say having spoken to Johanne who gave us advice and techniques on how to handle situations when meeting other intact dogs and females in season, also on feeding, grooming, tracker devices, training (we did take him to classes where he got his Kennel Club Bronze Award), etc those worries soon eased.
Morris visits Johanne’s home for his dates with the females, and gets very excited about this, he loves visiting Johanne. We tend to know in advance which females he will be with over the course of the year which is 2 or 3 females. We usually get 10 days’ notice when the female first comes into season and then messaged with exact dates/timings when he is needed. This has been an eye-opening experience, but we are welcomed with a brew and meet with the female’s guardians, have a natter while the dogs ‘date’ and now feel at ease with it all.
The best thing is seeing new pups arrive, as guardians we feel so proud of the dogs and know that they are in the best hands with Johanne.
We now have Nessa as well from Morris’s first litter, she is not a breeding female, but she is a super dog with a calm easy temperament.
Johanne has built a whole community of Northbound dog owners through Facebook and WhatsApp groups, which is amazing as there is always someone to share experiences/photos with, or ask questions about anything, give support and arrange doodle meet ups and walks.
Be reassured and don’t hesitate in becoming a guardian, I highly recommend it!
Maddy
We couldn't be happier with our experience as a guardian family for one of Johanne's beautiful Australian Labradoodles at Northbound Australian Labradoodles.
We already had a standard chocolate Australian Labradoodle boy and were looking for the perfect companion for him. Becoming a guardian home gave us the opportunity to welcome an amazing girl into our family while also being part of an ethical and responsible breeding programme. From the very beginning, Johanne made us feel supported, informed, and valued. She has always been available to answer questions and has built a wonderful relationship with us based on trust and genuine care for both her dogs and their guardian families.
Our guardian girl has recently had her first litter, and the whole experience has reinforced just how professional and caring Johanne is. Our only real concern about being a guardian family was the thought of being apart from our girl whilst she was having her puppies and caring for them in those early weeks. Naturally, we missed her tremendously, but we always knew she was in the very best hands. Johanne kept us updated throughout the process and it was reassuring to know that our girl was receiving exceptional care and attention every step of the way.
Being a guardian home has been such a rewarding experience. We have enjoyed all the benefits of having a wonderful family companion, while also knowing that she is contributing to producing healthy, well-socialised puppies with excellent temperaments. It has been incredibly special to follow her journey into motherhood and to see the dedication Johanne puts into raising every litter.
For anyone considering becoming a guardian home, we would highly recommend it. You get the joy of raising and loving an amazing dog as part of your family, while working alongside a breeder who genuinely cares about her dogs, her guardian families, and the future of the breed. Johanne's professionalism, communication, knowledge, and support have made the entire experience a positive one, and we are so grateful to be part of the Northbound Australian Labradoodles family.
Cassie & Tika (part 2)
Being a guardian for Cassie and Tika has been one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve ever had. It’s so much more than simply owning a dog – it’s being part of an incredible journey from raising a puppy to watching them become amazing mums.
I’ve learned so much along the way, from raising happy, confident dogs to understanding the mating process, pregnancy, and everything involved in caring for a pregnant dog. It’s been fascinating to see firsthand how much love, care, and dedication goes into responsible breeding and I love that I can contribute, even in such a small way, to ethical breeding.
One of the hardest parts is when my girls leave to have their puppies. It’s always emotional because they’re such a huge part of our family. But seeing videos, photos and updates of them with their beautiful litters makes me incredibly proud. Watching their puppies grow and knowing I’ve played a part in helping them become such wonderful mums is a feeling that’s hard to describe.
Throughout every stage, Johanne has been absolutely amazing. She is there day and night to answer questions, offer reassurance, and share her knowledge. There really are no silly questions, and trust me I have many, and her support has given me so much confidence throughout the entire experience.
I honestly couldn’t recommend becoming a guardian more. If you’re looking for something that’s a little more meaningful than traditional dog ownership and you want to be part of an ethical breeding programme while giving a dog a loving family home, it’s an incredibly fulfilling experience. I feel so lucky to be part of it, and I wouldn’t hesitate to do it all over again.
Hetty
Firstly, we have absolutely zero regrets about becoming guardians and couldn't love our Hetty more.
We already have another Northbound dog, and had spent months researching breeders. This was one of the main reasons we chose Johanne because it was so obvious that the welfare of her dogs always comes first.
I'll admit, the idea of being guardians did make us a little nervous at first. We knew how high Johanne's standards were and that she would never accept any excuses around the care she expects her dogs to receive. That reassurance is actually one of the reasons we trusted her so much. In reality, she's always there to guide, support and encourage you. Rather than criticise, she offers practical advice and solutions, and she's played a huge part in building our confidence as owners.
Hetty has been the perfect addition to our family and fitted in perfectly from day one. Knowing that her puppies will bring the same happiness to other families is incredibly rewarding, and being a small part of that feels really special.
Also, getting to visit Hetty and steal lots of puppy cuddles is a pretty brilliant bonus too!
Dixie
We have been guardians to little Dixie for a few months now. A different breeder had mentioned to us about guardianship before, but it didn't feel quite right.
On meeting Johanne, we were reassured as to how it would work for us as a family and the lengths she goes to to ensure the right homes and families for her Northbound dogs.
We still had one doubt though, that the pup wouldn't feel like ours.
We shouldn't have worried, little Dixie absolutely feels as much part of the family as our other dogs have, plus Johanne is always on the end of the phone to answer any questions and advice should we need her. There's also a couple of really helpful Facebook and WhatsApp groups for support too.
We are really lucky that Johanne chose us for the gorgeous Dixie, and we look forward to continuing our Guardian journey over the next few years.
Nancy
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.
Molly
I have known Johanne for over 8 years when I started the search for a labradoodle puppy as a companion for my first dog.
Ruby was a puppy from Johanne’s first litter but even at that point, Johanne was knowledgeable and took every care around breeding and matching prospective owners and puppies.
Ruby is now 9 and such a good dog. 3 years ago when my first dog sadly died, I became a guardian home for Molly. Having known Johanne and her dogs and the way she operates and pays attention to detail to everything she does, I did not hesitate to become a guardian when Molly became available.
If you are looking for a labradoodle, I highly recommend Johanne.
Cassie & Tika (part 1)
When I first considered getting a dog I did lots of research. I stumbled across Northbound Labradoodles in the course of this research and was impressed by Johanne's ethics and obvious care for her dogs. I arranged an interview, I remember being nervous, but knew as soon as I started talking to Johanne that we were on the same page!! My name went down for a suitable pup and I settled in for a wait of up to a year.
I remember being on holiday when I first saw Cassie, who Johanne was looking for a guardian home for, and something just clicked. I didn't really know what a guardian was, but I reached out and asked if I could be considered and what was involved.
Johanne explained what I would be expected to do and honestly, it didn't really feel like anything I wouldn't do for my own dog.
Cassie came to me and she was introduced to my & year old Labradoodle, Lily. Cassie was just a little puppy wanting to play with Lily and Lily was not impressed having lived in her own princess bubble for too many years. Johanne understood and took Cassie back to 'grow her on a bit,' and then returned her to me a couple of months later. This made a huge difference. Although Lily was still not too impressed she accepted Cassie much more and the two of them have found a way to be friends and rub along really well together.
Cassie and I went to training classes where she got her kc silver. Being a guardian I discovered is no different to how I feel about Lily. Cassie is kind and gentle and had my heart from the word go. I was nervous the first time she went into season, I thought all the dogs in our town would be braying at the door. But actually everything was fine, I kept her on lead and we improved her lead walking. She was a little bit more clingy but otherwise she was no different.
The first time she had a date was an eye opener for me. I think I was probably imagining Lady and the Tramp and a bowl of spaghetti - instead we got Johanne being fully hands on along with what looked like a turkey baster. Again Johanne was great, she kept me informed of what was going on and made sure Cassie was relaxed and well cared for.
Cassies pregnancy was straight forward, but any slight concerns I had were answered straight away and Johanne gives lots of information of what you should and shouldn’t do.
When the time came to take Cassie to Johanne to settle her in before giving birth I knew I was going to miss her loads, and I did. I probably drove Johanne mad constantly asking how she was, but Johanne always replied and reassured me she was fine. And the photos she sent proved that was the case!
Cassie had her litter and I loved watching her being a brilliant mum on the videocam which Johanne shared. I had such an odd feeling of pride in how good a mum she is, like I had anything to do with that!! I am now in a WhatsApp group with all of Cassies litter homes so get to watch them all grow into beautiful dogs and to share stories of Cassie so that they might see where some of their pups behaviours come from.
So was asking to be a guardian a good idea? On balance definitely yes. I’ve learnt so much that I’ve been able to put into practice not just for Cassie, but also Lily, and her life is better for it. Am I nervous being entrusted with Cassie - without doubt I am, but that’s because I want her to be safe and happy and if I can deliver that then I must be fulfilling my guardian duty. I want that for Lily too, those are really just my values. And to prove how much I love being a guardian we now have Tika in our lives. Tika is just pure joy, different to Lily and Cassie but fits in beautifully. I can’t wait to see her grow and become a mum, she is just happiness on four legs!
I am so grateful that i discovered Northbound and took the plunge to become a guardian. It has taught me so much and continues to do so every single day.
Silas
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.
Jovie & Dora
There’s good breeders and then there’s Johanne at Northbound Australian labradoodles! She goes above and beyond to be a responsible ethical breeder and as a result breeders the most wonderful dogs which would be an asset to any home lucky enough to give one their forever home.
Clearly Johanne’s priority is her dogs and making sure they go to suitable homes. Dogs can be very different and therefore, not every dog is suitable for every home. Johanne is an expert at placing the right pup with the right home, weather you are very active, have young children or just want an easy to have around companion. As she is a very busy lady she may come across as blunt or stern when asking questions about you and your life (and she wont mind me saying this) but this is for your and the wonderful dogs’ benefit. Be open and honest and you’ll get the right dog for you.
I have two girls approx 9 months apart in age, not only are the right for me they are right for each other and bring out the best in each other and me, they have both brought so much joy to mine and my families lives. They are beautiful, clever and intelligent. They need consistent training and mental and physical exercise.
If you are lucky enough that Johanne decides she has a puppy suitable for your home she’ll make sure you have all the support you need to make taking your puppy home a success. She provides an electronic puppy guide and if you read this thoroughly you’ll be left with very few questions but if you do have any or need some clarity she’ll be there to answer them. She offers a facebook owners group were she and other northbound owners are there for support (and to show cute dog pics) and organises group walks in different areas, which are always fun. Johanne offers support throughout your dogs life not just while buying your puppy and she does this because she wants what is best for the dogs she lovingly brings into this world.
I am in other social media groups related to ALDs and often see a question asked and I think to myself, if Johanne was your breeder you’d know that. Johanne is also in some of these groups and i see her answer peoples questions because again for her its about the dogs being happy and healthy not about who bought a puppy from her. So yes, if Carlsberg did ALD breeders it would most definitely be Johanne at Northbound.
Ideal guardian homes
I only take on future guardian homes who are committed to TRAINING, FOLLOWING MY CONTRACT TERMS, APPROPRIATE EXERCISE and RAISING A HEALTHY DOG.
All my puppies come with the following:
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Worming at 2, 4, 6 & 8 weeks with Drontal
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Stinky toy that smells of Mum and siblings
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Solicitor drawn guardian puppy contract
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Weaned onto a quality raw food
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Microchipped which stays under my name
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Early socialisation
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Regular videos and photos
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Health tested; hips & elbow xrays, genetic testing.
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100 page puppy guide covering essential purchases, feeding, grooming, early care & training.
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My continued professional support for the life of the dog.
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Vet health check at 7 weeks old with my vet.
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Vaccines are to be undertaken by your vet (Lepto4 not permitted).
Guardian homes must accept that the breeding dog is owned by Northbound ALD Ltd, and refusal to hand back the dog for testing or breeding purposes will result in immediate solicitor action.
Please note, I DO NOT SELL breeding dogs, or allow breeding rights.
My guardian puppies are retained by Northbound ALD Ltd for the sole purpose of continuing my 12 year plus worldwide investment into the breed and being one of the most established, committed and stand out breeders of the ALD in the UK.
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 complete my application form and we can meet to explore our options further.
I am SEEKING GUARDIAN HOMES in the North area.
