Our Started Guardian Program

At Emerald Mtn Ranch, we’re proud to offer started guardians—dogs who have already begun their journey as dedicated livestock and homestead protectors. Unlike a new puppy, these guardians aren’t just a promise of potential; they are a working asset ready to bring their experience and expertise to your ranch or farm.
A started guardian has already been raised and socialized on our ranch, giving them a solid foundation in working with livestock. This hands-on experience means they bring valuable knowledge and a predictable work ethic to their new home. While every dog needs time to bond and acclimate, a started guardian can make the transition to your homestead much smoother, offering a distinct advantage.

Unique Benefits of a Started Guardian

Valuable Experience: Our started guardians have already spent time working with livestock, bringing their learned skills and knowledge directly to your homestead.
Predictable Work Ethic: You’ll know their personality and work ethic upfront, helping ensure a perfect and lasting match for your specific needs.
A Smoother Transition: With a foundation in working with livestock, these dogs are well-prepared to integrate into your existing operations with less initial training.

Each dog has been thoughtfully prepared for their next chapter. We stand behind every dog we place and are always here to support you for life.
Our started guardians are available for a fee based on their training and experience. Please reach out to us directly for current availability and to learn more about the unique guardians currently seeking new homes.

Available Dogs:

Yellow (Leona) ” 2025 Princess Litter

Leona is a 7-month-old Turkish Boz Shepherd, daughter of Princess and granddaughter of MINK. Weighing in at 90 lbs, she’s a sweet-natured young guardian with a calm, people-friendly temperament and a natural instinct for protecting her herd.
She’s reliable with stock and has been gaining exposure around birds, though she’ll need continued guidance and supervision in that area. Leona has completed her Embark genetic health testing and is registered with the ADF. She will be placed on a spay contract as a dedicated working guardian.
With the right home and consistent leadership, she’s well on her way to becoming a loyal, dependable protector. This promising young guardian is ready to find her forever family — and her forever job.
Transportation will be the responsibility of the new owner. Reach out for more information on Leona.

Contact us for further information about our started dogs

Our Second Chances Program

The dogs available here aren’t always what you’d expect. We don’t have a history of dogs being returned to our ranch, but the dogs in this program could be those that were acquired but didn’t fit the specific needs of our program, or they may be retired guardians. The fact is, they are ready for their next chapter. We pride ourselves on the temperament of our dogs and only place those we are confident will be a good fit.
Bringing an adult dog into your life is a compassionate choice, but it’s important to be prepared. These dogs have their own quirks and personalities. It can take time for them to settle in, especially if they are joining a home with other dogs. Patience is key. The reward, however, is a mature and devoted companion who is ready to give their all to their new family.

Available Dogs:

Titan

Pending Sale

Titan is a 1-year-old, 160 lb Boz with a calm, steady temperament and a big love for people. He recently returned to us, and we are having him neutered before continuing his transition back into working life. Once healed, he will be reintroduced to stock and evaluated again.
Titan is not available for breeding, but he is an excellent fit for a homestead, hobby farm, or acreage looking for a large, attentive guardian with a naturally grounded disposition.
He has completed both Embark and PennHIP.
Titan is ready for a home that appreciates his size, sweetness, and guardian potential.