Canine gestation typically spans approximately 63 days, with some variability of about a week, contingent on factors such as ovulation timing. The remarkable journey of pregnancy for dogs unfolds within this timeframe, during which expectant mothers undergo various stages of development, preparing for the arrival of their adorable puppies.

At Big House K9, you'll bring your expecting dog to us on day 50 of her pregnancy, allowing her to settle in comfortably before delivery. We take care of the whelping and raising process for the puppies, ensuring a nurturing environment from birth. Once the puppies reach the age of 7-8 weeks, mom returns home, having completed her role in the early stages of their development. It's a seamless journey for both mom and her adorable puppies.

For the safety and well-being of our precious unvaccinated puppies, we have a policy in place that restricts visitors until the moms go home. This precaution is to mitigate the risk of introducing potential illnesses that could jeopardize the health of our young pups. Our moms are devoted to their little ones, and we prioritize maintaining a focused and stress-free environment for them. Regrettably, we've encountered instances where external visits resulted in unintended incidents, such as a mom unintentionally stepping on a pup after a guardian family visit. To prevent any disruptions to the crucial bonding and nurturing process, we've made the decision to suspend puppy visits until the moms go home day. Upon the day of picking up your mom, we do allow a one-hour visit with the puppies. This unique opportunity not only enables you to spend quality time with your pup but also serves as a valuable curriculum for the puppies. During this visit, you'll be encouraged to handle the puppies, helping them build confidence in new situations and unfamiliar faces. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in maintaining a secure and supportive environment for our beloved furry family members.

Absolutely not! Our guardian dogs are already familiar with us from their health testing appointments or training/boarding experiences. We put great effort into providing them with abundant attention and love to ensure these interactions are not just stress-free but also enjoyable for them. The well-being of the mother is paramount during this time, as her emotions can directly impact the puppies. Maintaining a calm and relaxed environment is crucial for their overall health and development. Therefore, it's essential for the guardian home to facilitate a smooth transition for the dog. Any feelings of upset, nervousness, or sadness during the handover can be sensed by the dog, potentially causing agitation. Our goal is to ensure a positive and seamless transition for both the guardian home and our beloved canine companions.

Caring for a pregnant dog is a straightforward and well-supported process at Big House K9. We equip our guardian homes with detailed information on each trimester, offering comprehensive insights into what to expect throughout the pregnancy journey. During the early stages, your dog may exhibit signs of fatigue, changes in appetite, and even experience morning sickness. As the pregnancy progresses into the last few weeks, a healthy increase in appetite and more restful sleep are common. Maintaining good physical condition is crucial, and we encourage normal activities such as play, romping, and running during the first half of the pregnancy. However, in the later stages, we advise limiting activity to leash walks and avoiding high-impact activities like ball chasing. Throughout the entire pregnancy, the use of chemicals, vaccinations, flea medicines, and heartworm preventives is strictly prohibited to ensure the well-being of both the mother and the developing puppies. In the event of illness or injury, our involvement is crucial in determining the appropriate treatment for your pregnant dog. By adhering to these guidelines, we prioritize the health and safety of our breeding dogs, ensuring a smooth and comfortable pregnancy for your beloved canine companion.

We take a $500 non-refundable reservation fee via our website or Zelle with an approved application and signed Reservation Agreement.

At Big House K9, our primary emphasis is on the well-being and temperament of our dogs. As such, we prioritize health and temperament over specific colors or patterns in our breeding program. Our commitment is to produce healthy, well-balanced companions, ensuring that each dog embodies the exceptional qualities that make them wonderful additions to any family. We celebrate the uniqueness of each individual, valuing their overall health and disposition above all else. ​

We do not dock tails or remove dew claws.

Our veterinarian administers the first 5 in 1 vaccine, Nobivac Canine 1-DAPPv (Parvo, Distemper, Parainfluenza, Adenovirus Type 1 and Adenovirus Type 2) at around 7-8 weeks of age. If we hold on to puppies after 8 weeks, we administer vaccines every 4 weeks after their initial dose. ​

All BHK9 puppies come from health tested parents as health and temperament are our top priority! All of our breeding dogs are tested for the following prior to be entered into our breeding program: OFA Prelim Hips at 12mo or PennHip at or after 16wks OFA Prelim Elbows at 12mo OFA Eyes after 16wks OFA Final Heart at 12mo OFA Final Patella (Minis) at 12mo Genetic Panel ​

Absolutely! Our puppies receive a head to tail physical exam the Wednesday of Go Home week. All of our puppies will be cleared for Go Home prior to leaving our home. You will receive documentation of this visit to provide to your Veterinarian. ​

Our puppies and dams are dewormed several times before going to their new homes. We deworm with Fenbendazole and Toltrazuril. These products cover a variety of parasites. BHK9 performs a fecal test between 6-7 weeks and are treated accordingly. Even with our strict deworming process puppies can still have parasites which is VERY common in puppies. BHK9 cannot guarantee your puppy will be parasite free and we do recommend to do routine fecals and deworming your puppy as recommended by your Veterinarian. Should we receive a positive fecal test your puppy will be sent home with any remaining medications needed as well as our Puppy Parasite Kit which includes probiotics, pumpkin, and chlorohexidine shampoo. Please remember parasites are very common in puppies, stress and sudden changes like leaving mom and littermates can activate parasites that live dormant in dogs GI tract. BHK9 sends home a fecal sample collection kit with each puppy. ​

Absolutely! All puppies are microchipped by our Veterinarian prior to going home. The microchip is implanted under the skin between the shoulders. BHK9 registers each puppy's microchip with your contact information after you have selected your puppy on Go Home Day.

ABSOLUTELY! All BHK9 puppies are raised on an Advanced Service Dog Curriculum. We raise puppies by empowering puppies to believe in their own abilities! We carefully follow the developmental benchmarks and introduce the puppies to outside stimuli as they are developmentally ready. Beginning at just 3 days old our puppies begin Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS) and Early Scent Introduction (ESI) as well as daily handling that is safe and gentle, daily weights, daily linen change. Beginning at 3 weeks old our puppies begin curriculum, exposing each puppy to new textures, sights, and sounds while puppies feel safe and secure in their whelping box. At 4 weeks old our puppies venture out of the whelping box into our curriculum room where they are exposed to more textures, things to climb on, items that move, items to chew on, tunnels, balance boards, obstacles and much more! At 5 weeks old our puppies are able to venture outside into our outdoor curriculum area. We ensure each puppy is empowered not enabled leaving BHK9 knowing the world is safe, people are kind, and dogs are friendly. ​

BHK9 puppies are crate conditioned beginning at 5 weeks old. Our goal is to help create positive experiences with the crate prior to the puppies leaving our home. It is your job to continue to build a positive association with the crate. The puppies do not sleep overnight in their crates while at BHK9. ​

Short answer is No! Your puppies will have begun their potty training foundations while with BHK9, but it is your responsibility to continue to potty train your puppy to your environment. All BHK9 puppies are trained on a grate system utilizing alfalfa pellets. When your puppy goes home you will be sent with a small bag to sprinkle in your yard where you want your puppy to eliminate. ​

YES! Each puppy is handled daily using Badass Breeders "10 Step Puppy Massage" or what we like to call "10 Step Touch" which exposes each puppy to safe and calm handling to build touch tolerance in our puppies. ​

Your puppy cannot touch the floor outside of your home/yard until the puppy is fully vaccinated at 16 weeks. Our Veterinarian recommends waiting two weeks after last round of puppy vaccines. ​

Unfortunately, we are not able to board puppies or older dogs. I have to keep as sterile an environment as possible. If you take a dog off of my property and it picks up a worm, parasite or contagious disease and brings it back here, it puts our new puppies at risk. ​

No, we do not have cats at BHK9 as Daneesha is severely allergic.

If you're traveling a short distance, you're probably fine just bringing a friend to hold the puppy. If you're traveling long distance, I'd bring a crate with towels on the bottom, some toys for the puppy to chew on, paper towels, baby wipes and a garbage bag. Sometimes puppies get car sick and you want a way to clean it up. ​

We require all puppies to be picked up by 8 weeks. We expect you to plan your life around the addition of this new puppy. We reserve the right to refuse a sale to anyone who cannot pick up their puppy by 8 weeks. We will board a puppy for a maximum of two night on a case by case basis. If we are able to board the cost is $40 per night and you must pay for the puppy in full by 8 weeks of age. ​

Absolutely! Commencing at 6 weeks old, we meticulously observe each puppy's developmental journey throughout our daily curriculum and engaging activities, documenting their progress daily. Between 50-53 days, we embark on comprehensive temperament evaluations designed to assess individual temperaments and stable traits. Each puppy undergoes personalized assessments, meticulously recorded for thorough analysis. To ensure transparency and inclusion, every family receives a video compilation featuring the recorded evaluations of each puppy, accompanied by a detailed scorecard. At Big House K9, we believe in giving our puppies a voice and acknowledging their unique qualities throughout our placement process. Our focus revolves around evaluating 12 key traits, shaping the foundation for a well-rounded companion: 1. Assertiveness 2. Confidence 3. Motivation Level 4. Nerve Strength 5. Touch Tolerance 6. Energy Level 7. Sound Sensitivity 8. Sight Sensitivity 9. Prey Drive 10. Human Focus 11. Tenderhearted 12. Dog Friendliness This meticulous approach ensures that each puppy finds a home that aligns perfectly with their individual personality, creating lasting connections between families and their new furry friends.

Puppy selections can be done in person on Go Home Day or via phone/zoom. We do encourage each family to select in person if at all possible as we like to be able to witness that perfect match! ​

Puppy Selections take place on Go Home Day at 8 weeks after all puppies have been cleared for Go Home by our Veterinarian. Go Home Day is scheduled on the Saturday the puppies turn 8 weeks for Standards and Moyens and 9 weeks for Minis. Each family will be given a 30 minute time slot on Go Home Day. During your 30 minute time slot you are able to meet any puppy that is available and we will discuss which puppy will meet your needs based on the information you provide/have provided. ​

If during your 30 minute selection time there is not a puppy that fits your needs/desires your name will remain on our Master List for a future litter. We are dedicated to honoring our puppies and our families, we do not want you to select a puppy that will not fit your family.

BHK9 does not ship puppies via cargo ever! No exceptions!

Yes! BHK9 will transport your puppy in cabin. Our Flight Nanny service is $500.00 plus the cost of a roundtrip airline ticket for our in-cabin flight nanny as well as a $100.00 one way airline ticket for the puppy.

I have come to believe SO strongly in pawTree dog food, that we have chosen to feed exclusively PawTree.(https://pawtree.com/BHK9/myrecommendation/Big-House-K9-Favorites) I'm deeply passionate about maintaining your canine companion's optimal health, and we firmly believe that PawTree's premium, holistically formulated dog food is the key to ensuring their nutritional well-being and longevity. Many dogs face severe, life-threatening health issues due to poor diets and vitamin deficiencies. PawTree, with its carefully crafted formula for all life stages, provides the ideal nutritional benefits to promote good health and a longer life for your pup. Over the years, I've been asked, "What should I feed my puppy? What do you recommend?" Through extensive research on dog food ingredients and guaranteed analyses, we've tried various brands. However, we've now made the decision to exclusively feed our puppies and dogs PawTree. We observed allergy issues with other brands, leading to increased feeding amounts and, inevitably, more waste and higher costs. Recent dog food recalls have heightened our concern for staying informed. It's disheartening to discover that commercial brands often compromise their ingredients, particularly protein sources, to boost profits. The worry about fillers, GMOs, and animal by-products, coupled with frequent recalls and contamination reports, prompted our switch to PawTree. This premium, holistically formulated dog food has not only won the hearts of our pets but also proven to be a healthier choice than any kibble we've used before. Impressed by the quality and standards of PawTree, along with glowing testimonials from customers and field representatives, we now exclusively recommend PawTree products. Our mission is to enhance the breed's quality, providing customers with beautiful, healthy, and well-tempered puppies for years of enjoyment. PawTree stands out by containing no by-products, no corn, no wheat, no soy, no artificial colors/flavors, and no artificial preservatives—ensuring a long and healthy life for your pet at a lower cost per serving than other premium dog foods. PawTree's inclusion of guaranteed live probiotics and prebiotics supports overall gut health and digestion, contributing to your dog's robust immune system. Remarkably, there has never been a recall of this holistically formulated food, produced in small, weekly batches for maximum freshness. While leading brands stockpile food for months, PawTree's commitment to freshness sets it apart, explaining its absence from local stores. Though PawTree may seem more expensive initially, it costs about $1.88 a day for a 70-pound adult dog—less than what many spend on daily coffee. Higher calories per cup mean you feed less while providing more nutrition, thanks to PawTree's special cooking process. By choosing quality nutrition, you're not only supporting better digestion but also ensuring a long and healthy life for your beloved pet. And here's the cherry on top, PawTree offers a 90-day, 100% money-back satisfaction guarantee,(https://shop.pawtree.com/pawtree/returns-and-cancellations) so there is absolutely no risk in trying it out. Your satisfaction is guaranteed, making this decision to prioritize your pet's health even more compelling. Did you know that pets can genetically live to be 20+ years old, yet the current average is 12-15? Nutrition plays a crucial role in their longevity. Many ingredients in commercial pet food contribute to a shorter life span, stressing kidney and liver functions. Wheat, corn, and soy—common allergens—are major culprits. Additionally, some commercial brands use by-products and harmful chemicals like BHA, BHT, and Ethoxyquin to extend shelf life, negatively impacting our dogs' health. We've chosen to nourish our dogs with PawTree food, supplements, and treats, confident that it provides a healthy start for our puppies and ensures a long and thriving life. These products offer optimum nutritional benefits, allowing dogs to digest and utilize their food more efficiently. Investing in quality nutrition means feeding less and providing more, ultimately securing a long and healthy life for your cherished pet. Isn't your precious puppy worth it? Do you have other pets at home that you would like to introduce to these products? Recommendation Transition Guide: Day 1-3: Feed ¼ PAW TREE and ¾ of the old diet. Day 4-6: Feed ½ PAW TREE and ½ of the old diet. Day 7-9: Feed ¾ PAW TREE and ¼ of the old diet. Day 10: The transition period is over and you can feed the recommended amount of PAW TREE. If you have any questions about feeding or transitioning to PawTree Health Food for Dogs & Puppies,(https://pawtree.com/BHK9/myrecommendation/Big-House-K9-Favorites) please contact us!

We are a home breeder. Our home is a wonderful place for our moms and puppies to receive great care, training and the puppies fantastic socialization. We are VERY busy with our family and even more so when puppies are here. The safety and routine for our puppies is very important for us to raise healthy well-balanced puppies for your family. Please be considerate of our schedule, our time, and the safety of our dogs. We often have people asking about coming to visit our home to meet our breeding dogs and puppies. We understand this as I would want to visit a potential breeder if I were interested in adding a new furry family member. There are many factors when we have litters on the ground. We keep our home clean and aim to keep our puppies free from any contagious or deadly viruses. Our visitation policy allows for families with a paid reservation to a virtual visit for the particular litter once the puppies are 4 weeks of age. SAFETY OF THE PUPS: ​ • Pups immune systems are very immature. Many unsuspecting visitors have brought disease (parvovirus, distemper, etc.) with them when visiting pups, the result of which is the death of the entire litter. Many germs are benign to healthy adult dogs but are dangerous to puppies and nursing mothers. I personally know several breeders that have lost puppies or entire litters to germs brought in by visitors. • Stressed out Moms create stressed out pups. A new mother is emotionally charged and in hyper protective mode. When a stranger comes to visit, Mom becomes stressed causing her body to create cortisol, which goes into the milk. The puppies consume this cortisol rich milk and become stressed themselves. • Panicked Moms hurt pups. When a stranger comes to visit, Mom’s state of mind changes rapidly. She feels threatened and moves quickly to assess the threat. Many Moms have unintentionally stepped on or crushed a pup in their urgency to get out of the whelping box to assess the threat. • I don’t ‘own’ the pups. All the pups are sold to families. I am simply the guardian. However, I have been entrusted with the care of these pups for the first critical weeks of their lives. As guardian of other peoples’ dogs, I must do everything I can to protect them. If one of the pups was yours, I’m certain you would expect me to do that for your pup. ​ SAFETY OF MY DOGS AND FAMILY ​ • People that email me are strangers. I don’t know anything about you other than the fact you emailed me with basic information (which may or may not be true) about yourself and your family. I am inviting you, a stranger, into my home. This creates a threat to the safety of my dogs and my family. • We have a normal family life. We have family activities, responsibilities and commitments. Inviting strangers into our home interferes with our ability to live as a normal family. • Time spent with visitors is time not spent with my pups and dogs. Raising puppies and dogs is a very demanding 24/7 job. Every minute I spend with visitors is time not spent working with and caring for your pup so that you have the best pup possible or enjoying and caring for my own dogs, which is why I breed to begin with. • We are not a petting zoo. Some people think visiting pups is a fun way to spend a Saturday afternoon. I will not compromise the health and safety of my pups, my dogs and my family so someone can snuggle with pups. Only serious and committed buyers are worthy of that compromise.

• All visitors will be required to step into a two-step shoe solution to sanitize the bottoms of your shoes. The first solution is bleach water and the second solution a hospital grade Lysol. • After the two-step shoe sanitation, we will require you to cover your shoes with provided shoe covers prior to entering our nursery. • You will then be asked to wash your hands up to your elbows with provided hospital grade unscented antibacterial hand soap, as well as a special soap to kill Parvovirus. • Please make sure to wear clothes that have not been in contact with other animals. • Do NOT visit our home if you or anyone in your visitation party has visited a pet store, grooming/pet boarding facilities, vet office, shelter, dog park, other breeders. • Do NOT bring other dogs with you when you come to pick up your puppy. We do not allow other dogs onto our property for the safety of our breeding dogs and puppies. https://youtu.be/s3lvXdu8t4k

Big House K9 does breed back to back heat cycles with the exception of our Guardian Home dogs which we breed once a year. There have been several studies done on what is healthier for a breeding female and the results of these studies conclusively show that it is healthier for a female to be bred every heat instead of every other heat (I have attached a couple articles below). While we have chosen to breed back to back, we are under the careful care of a Reproduction Veterinarian because our breeding mom’s health comes first ALWAYS! Big House K9 never breeds on a females first heat. Sometimes a female does not come in heat the first time until they are close to a year and a half old, others will come in heat when they are 6-8 months old for the first time. We do not believe that because you breed every heat that you should continue to breed the female for as long as those that don’t breed every heat. Which means that our breeding females retire earlier than those breeders that breed every other heat. Our girls are usually retired by 4 years old and spayed. This way they are breeding in their prime when it is healthier and safer for dam and puppies. While it is healthier to breed every heat we also think that breeders need to use common sense and make sure that their females are back to a healthy weight before breeding again, as well as, judging on a case by case knowing what is right for your female and her health. ​ Articles: ​ Back to Back Breeding and Pseudopregnancy The Australian Journal of Professional Dog Breeders February 5, 2011 By Dr Kate Schoeffel ​ It is frequently claimed that breeding dogs on every heat or “back to back breeding” is bad for a bitch’s long term health and well being. However the research in canine reproduction shows that not breeding a dog when it comes into heat can in fact be bad for its health. Scientist have shown that pseudopregnancy [‘phantom pregnancy’] increases the risk of mammary cancers which are the second most common cancer in dogs after skin tumors and are 3-5 times more common than breast cancers in women 1: Pseudopregnancy often occurs when a bitch is not bred. She will show signs such as nesting, weight gain, mammary enlargement and lactation – usually about 6 to 12 weeks after oestrus. Pseudopregnancy represents the extreme of the changes which normally occur during the oestrus cycle and it is suggested that it is a hang over from dogs evolution from wolves. Subordinate nonbreeding pseudopregnant female wolves in a pack can help to raise pups by nursing the litters of other females” 2 In 1994 Donnay and his associates showed that there is a relationship between the number of pseudopregnancies a bitch goes through and the development of mammary cancer 3. Verstegen and Onclin (2006)1 have also studied canine mammary cancer and found that a large number of bitches presented for mammary tumours also show pseudopregnancy, that a large percentage of these females had frequent pseudopregnancies and that the bitches with recurring pseudopregnancy at each cycle tended to develop mammary tumors significantly earlier than other animals. Both of these authors say that there is need for more research but clearly bitches which don’t breed are likely to become pseudopregnant and pseudopregnancy increases the risk of cancer. Skipping cycles in breeding has been linked to mammary cancer Pregnancy protects against life threatening uterine diseases. The most common uterine disease in the bitch is cystic endometrial hyperplasia. It is linked to several serious uterine diseases including the potentially life threatening disease “pyometra”(literally – a uterus full of pus) which affects nearly one quarter of dogs under 10 years old which are not desexed 4 . According to canine reproduction specialist Dr S. Romagnoli “bitches whelping regularly throughout their reproductive life almost never develop pyometra, while those who whelp rarely or never in their lives have a greater chance of developing this condition”. Furthermore a standard textbook of veterinary internal medicine notes that uterine diseases are less common in kennels where bitches are bred and conceive regularly indicating that pregnancy has a protective effect on the lining of the uterus or “endometrium” Given that artificially restricting bitches, which haven’t been desexed, from breeding is bad for their health, it is not surprising that many breeding dogs bred have reproductive problems. If they are show dogs they often don’t start breeding until they are three years old, and have finished their show career, and then kennel club rules and even government regulations require that the bitch is only bred on every second season. Frequently older bitches need veterinary intervention to reproduce, and good bitches may end up being bred well beyond 6 years of age when their fertility is beginning to decline. No responsible breeder who cares about their dogs would breed their bitches until they are exhausted, and rules certainly need to be in place to ensure that irresponsible breeders don’t exploit their dogs, however the current regulations in place in some states do not take into account the biology of the bitch. Breeding should be regulated by limiting the number of litters a bitch can breed or the age at which they should be desexed and retired. Breeding dogs regularly while they are young,followed by desexing and rehoming them early is in the best interest of the bitch and a good pet breeder can use this knowledge to work with the natural biology of their animals. Breeders must be aware of and comply with any government regulations regarding dog breeding in their state and unfortunately in Victoria, NSW and QLD current regulations do not permit this approach to dog breeding. ​ 1.J.P. Verstegen III and K. Onclin. Prolactin and Anti-Prolactinic Agents in thePathophysiology and Treatment of Mammary Tumors in the Dog. NAVC Proceedings2006, North American Veterinary Conference (Eds). 2.Canine Pseudopregnancy: A Review (Last Updated: 23-Aug-2001). C.Gobello1, P. W. Concannon2 and J. Verstegen III3, Recent Advances in SmallAnimal Reproduction, Concannon P.W., England G., Verstegen III J. andLinde-Forsberg C. (Eds.) 3.Donnay I, Rauis J & Verstegen J – Influence des antécédents hormonaux surl’apparition clinique des tumeurs mammaires chez la chienne. Etudeépidémiologique. Ann. Med. Vet. 1994, 138, 109-117 4. Simón Martí Angulo Clinical aspects of uterine disease in the bitch and queen.Proceeding of the Southern European Veterinary Conference Oct. 2-4, 2009. S.Romagnoli, How I Treat… Pyometra. Proceeding of the SEVC. Southern European Veterinary ConferenceOct. 17-19, 2008 – Barcelona, Spain 5. Davidson AP, Feldman EC. Ovarian and estrous cycle abnormalities. In: EttingerSW, Feldman EC (eds) Textbook of Veterinary Internal Medicine. WB Saunders,2004 6. Johnson CA. Cystic endometrial hyperplasia, pyometra, and infertility. In: Ettinger SW, Feldman EC (eds).Textbook of Veterinary Internal Medicine WB Saunders, 1992, pp. 954. Recently at an AKC Dog Breeding Discussion held at Michigan State University with key note speaker Dr. Claudia Orlandi Ph.D. (AKC’s breeder of the year and author of The ABC’s of Dog Breeding) shocked many breeders when it was disclosed that there have been scientific studies to show that it is detrimental for dams to skip heat cycles. It was shared that once you have begun to mate a dam that you should NOT skip any heat cycles until she is completely finished breeding. A dam is said to be “finished” breeding when her litter size is drastically decreased. The study involved following females that were bred every heat cycle and females that were bred every other heat cycle. After they were “finished” breeding, the dams were spayed and their uterus dissected. Those showing most stress, and damage of the uterus were the females that were bred “every other” heat cycle. Part of the rational that skipping heat cycles is harmful stems from the fact that with consecutive heat cycles there is no “flushing action” of the uterus, which normally occurs by having a litter of puppies. The female will go through Estrus no matter if she is bred or not and by breeding a healthy dam back to back, can lessen the chances of the female experiencing pyometra, infections and false pregnancy. The choice to breed or not, should be contingent upon the goals the breeder has and for sure the mental and physical health of the female, above all else.

We ask that you live within an hour and a half drive of Casa Grande, AZ.

Yes, we do require all guardian dogs to be fed the same specific food, and currently, we approve PawTree-White Fish. At Big House K9, we are passionate about providing a nutritionally rich diet for our dogs, and we believe in the exceptional quality of PawTree. The ingredients in PawTree mimic the benefits of feeding raw, but in a convenient kibble form. Personally, we love the Gastro Pro Plus and Salmon Oil for everyday use, and the variety of seasonings adds an element of fun to mealtime for both us and our pups! We take pride in not compromising on the quality of food we feed our dogs, and PawTree aligns perfectly with our commitment to their well-being. Additionally, the high nutritional value of this food allows for a more efficient and balanced diet, meaning you won't need to feed as much compared to some store-bought kibble options. It's a win-win for both your guardian dog's health and your peace of mind.

The Guardian Family is expected to utilize our designated veterinarian, Dr. Carly Meschino at Queen Creek Veterinary Clinic. Our partnership with Dr. Meschino is integral to our program's success, as she possesses an in-depth understanding of our operations. We maintain a close working relationship with Dr. Meschino, entrusting her with the well-being of our dogs. Her expertise, dedication, and familiarity with our program make her an invaluable member of our extended canine family, ensuring the best possible care for our cherished companions.

While your guardian dog is under your care and within your home, any instances of illness or injury become your financial responsibility, akin to caring for a non-guardian pet. At Big House K9, we prioritize your dog's well-being and health, and in the unfortunate event of illness or injury, we require active involvement in understanding the situation, determining medications, and overseeing the treatment. All related expenses, however, remain the responsibility of the guardian family. Our close involvement can often provide cost-effective solutions for simpler issues. In more complex situations, especially when the dog is due for breeding or is pregnant, tailored treatments may be necessary. Rest assured, our commitment is centered around your dog's best interests. In the event of negligence leading to the loss or demise of your dog while in your care, we may seek your responsibility for our financial loss. However, if your dog is injured or passes away, rendering them unable to participate in the program despite your responsible care, we understand that unforeseen events can occur. In such cases, we do not hold you liable for the loss, acknowledging that bad things can happen to anybody. Our mutual understanding and commitment to the well-being of your guardian dog remain at the forefront of our partnership.

The guardian family plays a crucial role in the well-being and breeding program of our dogs. As part of this commitment, guardians are responsible for the transportation of the dog to and from our facilities for breeding, litters, and health testing. We value clear communication and request that if there are any challenges with transportation, the guardian family informs us at least 48 hours prior to the scheduled appointment. This ensures a smooth and coordinated effort to maintain the health and breeding schedule of our beloved dogs.

At Big House K9, our standards are uncompromising, and we take immense pride in maintaining the highest quality in our breeding program. It's essential to understand that breeding quality and pet quality are distinct criteria. While a dog may excel in health testing, our commitment to excellence means that we may make the decision to remove it from our breeding program. We want to emphasize that this decision is not a reflection of a dog's worthiness as a beloved pet. Every dog is unique, and being the perfect pet transcends the breeding potential. If your dog is released from our breeding program, we will work collaboratively with you to schedule an appointment for spaying or neutering with our trusted veterinarian. It's important to note that the Guardian is responsible for covering all costs associated with the spay/neuter procedure for dogs that have not produced a litter of three or more puppies. Our transparency in these matters reflects our dedication to the well-being of our dogs and the integrity of our breeding program.

At Big House K9, the health and well-being of our dogs are of paramount importance. We conduct thorough health assessments through reputable organizations such as the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) and/or PennHip, focusing on hips, elbows, patella (for moyen & minis), as well as heart and eyes. In addition, we run comprehensive genetic panels using Embark to gain valuable insights into our dogs' genetic makeup. Should there be a need for supplementary genetic testing beyond Embark's scope, we turn to trusted providers like PawPrint or similar companies to ensure a comprehensive understanding of our canine companions' genetic profiles. Our commitment to rigorous health evaluations reflects our dedication to maintaining the highest standards in breeding and ensuring the health and vitality of our dogs.

At Big House K9, we prioritize the health and well-being of our guardian dogs through comprehensive genetic testing. Before placement, each guardian dog undergoes genetic testing to ensure they meet our stringent standards. Our meticulous health assessments continue as we evaluate eyes around 16 weeks old, and subsequently, hips, elbows, patella, and heart at one year old or later. This commitment to ongoing health monitoring reflects our dedication to maintaining the highest standards in breeding, providing you with healthy and happy canine companions.

At Big House K9, the health and well-being of our breeding dogs are paramount. Before entering our breeding program, all dogs undergo rigorous health testing, and only those that pass every criterion are considered for breeding. Our commitment to responsible breeding extends to our breeding timeline – females are bred on their second heat, typically starting between 16 and 18 months. It is imperative that any instances of a dog going into heat beyond 12 months are immediately communicated to us. For proactive management, we appreciate being notified when your female puppy experiences her first cycle, occurring between 6-12 months. This information aids in our planning for the well-being of our breeding dogs. Similarly, males are not considered for breeding until they reach over 12 months of age. These measures ensure that our breeding practices are rooted in the highest standards of care, health, and responsible breeding ethics.

Typically, our guardian males at Big House K9 aren't frequently utilized for breeding. However, when we have a planned litter and intend to use a guardian male, we ensure our guardian families are well-informed well in advance. Whether it's for an in-house breeding or if the male is being used as a stud for an external female, we prioritize transparency and provide as much notice as possible, with a minimum of 48 hours for external stud services. Our commitment is to keep our guardian families informed and involved in the breeding process, fostering a collaborative and supportive relationship throughout. ​

We adhere to a mindful breeding schedule for our guardian females at Big House K9, typically aiming for one breeding per year, contingent upon having a sufficient number of families on our master list. This approach ensures responsible breeding practices, allowing us to prioritize the health and well-being of our canine companions and maintain the highest standards in our breeding program. Our commitment to quality over quantity reflects our dedication to producing happy, healthy puppies for loving homes.

Once we're notified that our female is in heat, and it's time for the breeding process at Big House K9, a carefully planned schedule kicks into gear. Around day 7-10 of the heat cycle, our female dog joins us at the Dood Ranch. During this period, we conduct progesterone tests to pinpoint the optimal time for breeding, ensuring precise timing with her ovulation. The stay at Big House K9 lasts approximately one week, allowing for a seamless and stress-free breeding process. Following the successful mating, our expectant mother returns home, where she will remain throughout her pregnancy. Depending on our schedule and preferences, a male dog may be present in our home for about 5-6 days for mating, with the option to return on the same day. This meticulous approach ensures the well-being of our dogs and the success of our breeding program at Big House K9.

The responsibility of the guardian family encompasses the provision of standard care items for the dog, including food, dishes, leashes, beds, crate, routine veterinary care, vaccinations, deworming, toys, grooming, and spaying/neutering upon exit from our program. Any expenses incurred for medications related to worms, parasites, illnesses, infections, or any health issues unrelated to pregnancy fall under the guardian's responsibility. On the flip side, we cover all expenses associated with health testing for breeding purposes, as well as all breeding and litter-related expenses. This collaborative approach ensures the well-being of our beloved canine companions while facilitating a supportive partnership between Big House K9 and our dedicated guardian families.

Our breeding program at Big House K9 operates with a commitment to the well-being of our dogs and the production of exceptional quality litters. Typically, we contract for up to 4 litters for our females, but the actual number can vary based on individual circumstances. Some females may not be bred at all in certain instances, and the decision is carefully made in consultation with our veterinarian. On average, a female in our program may have up to 4 litters. However, if the puppies demonstrate exceptional quality, and the female receives a clean bill of health from our veterinarian, the potential for up to six litters may be considered. Our priority is always the health and welfare of the female, and if any issues arise during deliveries or it becomes evident that further breeding would be detrimental to her well-being, she will be released from our breeding program and become a cherished member of your family. For males, the breeding frequency varies based on individual agreements, ensuring a tailored approach that considers the unique circumstances of each canine companion.

The guardian family is responsible for covering the cost of spay/neuter surgery if no litter has been produced. In the event that a litter has been produced, Big House K9 contributes up to $250.00 towards the cost of spay/neuter, ensuring a fair and mutually beneficial arrangement for both the guardian family and our breeding program.

We do insist on the importance of maintaining your dog's coat in good condition, free of mats. If you find it challenging to manage the grooming yourself, it is mandatory to enlist the services of a professional groomer. In cases where the dog is presented to us with a matted or poorly-maintained coat, we reserve the right to either groom them ourselves or take them to a groomer. However, please be aware that you are responsible for reimbursing us for any grooming expenses incurred before the dog is returned to you. Our guardian dogs serve as ambassadors for our program, and maintaining their coats in a well-groomed and mat-free condition is crucial. Your cooperation in this aspect ensures that our canine ambassadors present themselves at their best, reflecting the high standards of our breeding program.

If you find yourself in need of dog boarding, we welcome the opportunity to care for your furry friend, provided it aligns with our family schedule and available space. We cherish the chance to spend time with the dogs in our program and create a loving environment for them. In the event that we are unable to accommodate your boarding needs, rest assured that we maintain a network of trusted contacts whom we are happy to recommend for your canine companion's stay.

Absolutely! We kindly request each guardian family's commitment to regular in-person gatherings and playdates approximately every three months. Building a strong bond and fostering a sense of community among our guardian families is integral to the success of our program. These gatherings provide not only a joyful opportunity for our dogs to socialize but also a chance for our Big House K9 community to connect, share experiences, and celebrate the joy our furry companions bring to our lives. Your active participation ensures a supportive network and contributes to the well-rounded development of our beloved dogs.

Choosing to become a guardian home involves a commitment to reside within a 1.5-hour radius of Casa Grande/Coolidge, AZ 85128 until your dog completes the contract, and ownership is officially transferred to you. In the event of a decision to relocate beyond these boundaries, prompt communication is essential. We will collaboratively explore available options, and if the move is too distant, arrangements may involve placing the dog in a new guardian home or, alternatively, the guardian may be asked to cover the full purchase price.

We take the commitment to our owners and guardian dogs very seriously, both emotionally and financially. Our Guardian Program is built on a foundation of mutual dedication, and we ask that those entering into this program are prepared to reciprocate this level of commitment to their dog and to us. Unfortunately, due to past experiences, we've found it necessary to implement penalties for any breach of the contract, as we want this relationship to be honest, transparent, and mutually beneficial. Our rigorous selection process ensures that only the best of the best dogs become part of our Guardian Homes. To discourage misuse of the program, we have implemented a financial penalty for those who might consider using the dog for their own breeding purposes, contrary to the agreed-upon terms. However, for those who genuinely commit to our breeding program, we are flexible and strive to make the Guardian Program a positive experience for both you and your dog. Our approach is rooted in fairness and reasonability. We understand the importance of family life and do not wish to be intrusive. Instead, we consider our dogs and owners as extended family members, cherishing the additional interaction and connection we share through the Guardian Program. We are committed to working collaboratively with you to ensure a happy and harmonious situation for all parties involved.

Absolutely! At Big House K9, we go the extra mile by offering FREE lifetime training for all our guardian families through our dedicated training business, Big House K9 Training. This ensures that not only do our guardian dogs receive the best care in their homes, but they also benefit from expert guidance to become well-behaved, happy companions. It's our way of supporting you throughout the entire journey with your furry family member.