Guardian Program
Guardian Stud Program
Guardian Stud Program
Care, Logistics & Policy
A professional, step-by-step standard for Stokeshire Guardian Homes raising an intact male. This guide covers daily care, behavior, grooming, nutrition, medication approvals, breeding timing, semen collection and shipment, availability expectations, and emergency communication—so your stud thrives and our program stays world-class.
Quick Reference Checklist
- Diet: Diamond Naturals Salmon & Potato only (no changes without written approval).
- Flea/Tick: Bravecto approved. No Simparica / Simparica Trio.
- Heartworm: Use only with prior breeder approval.
- Availability: Same-day availability required during fertile window.
- Breeding Method: Natural tie allowed with approved females; AI/collection case-by-case.
- Communication: Notify Stokeshire within 24 hours of any vet visit, illness, or new medication.
Guardian Policy Note: Unauthorized diet/medication changes may impact breeding eligibility and may result in cost responsibility for related veterinary care.
The Role of a Guardian Stud in Our Program
Guardian families give our sires the life we value—routine, affection, and a home. In return, Stokeshire provides professional reproductive guidance, scheduling, and breeder support. Together, we preserve temperament, structure, and health in each generation.
Stokeshire Provides
- Breeding-related veterinary care, timing, and logistics
- Pairing decisions, ovulation tracking, and coordination
- Semen collection, evaluation, and shipment support (case-by-case)
- Standards for nutrition, medications, grooming, and behavior
- Clear communication and recordkeeping
Guardian Commits To
- Following approved diet and prevention policies
- Seeking approval before any new medication or diet change
- Maintaining training, grooming, and fitness
- Ensuring same-day availability during a scheduled breeding window
- Notifying Stokeshire within 24 hours of vet visits or health changes
Guardian Policy Note: Stud must be available for collection or natural tie when requested within the agreed window.
Nutrition & Fertility Support
Approved Diet (Required)
Diamond Naturals Skin & Coat — Salmon & Potato
- Single-protein fish base to support skin, coat, and digestion
- Reliable energy for work, travel, and collection days
- Consistent across our breeding program
Feed twice daily with fresh water available at all times.
Fertility-Friendly Add-Ons
- Omega-3 (Fish/Salmon oil): 2–3×/week for membrane integrity and motility
- Vitamin E: Antioxidant support for semen quality
- Zinc: Essential for spermatogenesis (avoid overdose; use measured doses)
- L-Carnitine: Supports energy and progressive motility
- Probiotic: 3–4×/week for gut/skin stability during travel or stress
Always confirm supplement brand/dose with Stokeshire before starting.
Guardian Policy Note: No diet or supplement changes without written breeder approval. Pea/lentil-heavy grain-free, bargain feeds, multi-protein blends, or raw/home-cooked plans are not permitted.
Medications, Flea/Tick & Heartworm
Requires Prior Breeder Approval
- Steroids (e.g., prednisone)
- Apoquel, Cytopoint, or other long-term therapies
- New NSAIDs or antibiotics
- Any long-term prescriptions
Have your veterinarian contact Stokeshire if these are recommended.
Prevention Standards
- Flea/Tick: Bravecto approved
- Not allowed: Simparica / Simparica Trio
- Heartworm: Use only with prior breeder approval
Record product and dose dates; share during check-ins.
Guardian Policy Note: Unauthorized medications can affect fertility. Approval is required before starting any new prescription or preventive.
Behavior, Training & Daily Management
Intact Male Basics
- Marking: Reinforce outdoor elimination; clean accidents with enzymatic cleaner.
- Roaming: Secure fencing/doors; reliable recall is essential.
- Mounting: Redirect with cues (sit, down, place) and engage with work/play.
- Focus: Short, upbeat obedience sessions (heel, recall, neutrality around dogs).
Fitness & Mind
- Daily walks + structured play; avoid extreme exertion in heat
- Enrichment: place work, scent games, retrieve, puzzle feeding
- Crate comfort for travel and collection days
- Calm exposure to clinics and new environments
Guardian Policy Note: Studs must be safe, controllable, and neutral in public. Report behavior concerns early so we can assist.
Grooming & Coat Standards
Maintenance
- Brush 3–4×/week; comb through friction areas
- Use gentle, pH-balanced shampoos; avoid heavy fragrances
- Keep nails trimmed; clean ears routinely
- Preserve coat quality (avoid shaving down unless medically required)
Timing
- Avoid full grooms right before planned collection/travel
- Schedule tidy-ups between breedings; maintain presentation
- Keep a basic show-ready appearance for photos and evaluations
Breeding Logistics, Timing & Availability
Timing
- We track the female’s ovulation via progesterone testing
- Fertile window is brief; coordination is time-sensitive
- Same-day availability is required within the scheduled window
You’ll receive calendar invites and text updates as timing approaches.
Methods
- Natural Tie: Allowed with breeder-approved females only
- AI/Collection: Fresh or chilled, case-by-case
- Shipped Semen: Allowed case-by-case when logistics and veterinary support permit
Collection & Evaluation
- Performed by Stokeshire or a collaborating veterinarian
- Sample assessed for volume, concentration, motility, morphology
- Prepared for immediate use or chilled shipment (if planned)
Post-collection: rest, hydration, and a calm environment are encouraged.
Shipment & Coordination
- Packaging, courier, and receiving clinic must be aligned to the ovulation window
- Same-day or overnight shipping as needed
- Guardian may assist with drop-off/availability when requested
We’ll provide instructions, timing, and contacts for each case.
Guardian Policy Note: Availability during the fertile window is essential. Missed windows can forfeit a planned pairing.
Health, Clearances & Recordkeeping
Reproductive Health
- Periodic semen evaluations as requested
- Maintain ideal body condition; avoid rapid weight changes
- Report any urinary, dermatologic, or GI issues promptly
Records We Maintain
- Vaccines, preventives, and medical history
- Collection logs and motility data (when applicable)
- Pairing history and outcomes
Guardian Policy Note: Notify Stokeshire within 24 hours of any veterinary visit, illness, injury, or new prescription.
Heat & Travel Safety for Studs
Prevent Heat Stress
- Exercise during cool hours; provide shade and water
- Use fans/cooling mats on hot days
- Avoid hot surfaces (asphalt) and closed vehicles
If Overheated
- Move to a cool area immediately
- Cool with cool (not cold) water; offer small amounts to drink
- Seek veterinary care without delay
Program Compliance, Availability & Retirement
Compliance
- Follow diet, medication, and prevention policies
- Maintain training and safe handling standards
- Provide same-day availability during scheduled windows
Non-compliance that results in preventable issues may affect program status and cost responsibility.
Retirement & Release
- Studs are retired at breeder discretion for health, temperament, or program needs
- Upon retirement, ownership transfer and neuter timing will be discussed
- We prioritize the stud’s long-term wellbeing and family bond
Breeder Discretion: Stokeshire reserves final authority over pairings, timing, methods, and retirement to safeguard the stud’s welfare and program quality.
Program Standards — Summary
| Area | Standard | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Diet | Diamond Naturals Salmon & Potato | No changes without written approval; add supplements only as approved |
| Medications | Breeder approval required | No Simparica/Trio; Bravecto approved; heartworm by approval only |
| Availability | Same-day during fertile window | Calendar invites + text coordination provided |
| Methods | Natural tie (approved females), AI/collection | Shipped semen case-by-case |
| Behavior | Safe, controllable, neutral in public | Manage marking, roaming; reliable recall |
| Grooming | Maintain presentation; gentle products | Avoid full grooms immediately prior to collection/travel |
| Communication | Within 24 hours | Vet visits, illness/injury, new prescriptions |
| Retirement | Breeder discretion | Release and neuter timing discussed with guardian |
These standards protect your stud’s health and ensure ethical, successful breedings.
We’re here to help—always.
If you’re unsure about a product, timing, symptom, or travel plan, reach out. Quick messages help us support your stud’s health and keep pairings on schedule.