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:

Hornet “Brown/Green” Princess 2025 Litter

6-month-old male
This go-getter has single dew claws and a wonderful “want to please” attitude. He’s very people-oriented and eager to learn.

Renegade “Orange” 2025 Princess Litter

6-month-old male
With double dew claws, this boy is more independent and stock-focused. He’s also great with people, combining his strong working drive with a friendly nature.

Our Second Chances Program

Every dog, regardless of age, deserves a home where they can thrive. Our Second Chances Program is dedicated to finding the perfect forever home for our retired guardians or dogs who have been returned to the ranch for one reason or another. While a puppy may be the right choice for some homesteads, bringing a seasoned adult dog into your life is a wonderfully compassionate choice for those who can provide the right home.
These adult dogs have a wealth of experience and unique qualities. They are looking for a place where they can truly shine, whether that’s as a continued protector on a new ranch or as a loyal companion on a homestead.

Finding the Right Fit

We are committed to finding the perfect match for every dog in this program. Our goal is to ensure they thrive in their new environment, and we will work with you to find a dog whose personality and needs align with your lifestyle.
Some of these dogs may have a fee based on their training and qualities, while others are offered with no fee. This isn’t about profit; it’s about ensuring the dog is a great fit for their new home. We stand behind every dog we place and are always here to support you and the dog for life.
If you’re interested in learning more about the dogs in our Second Chances Program, please reach out to us directly for availability.

Available Dogs:

The Gentle Giant

Tank is a powerful but gentle 3-year-old Turkish Boz Shepherd with a big heart and a love for people and tummy rubs. Weighing in at a solid 145 lbs., this neutered, retired stud is a capable guardian looking for his forever home.
Tank’s energy level is moderate, and he calms down quickly, settling in to chill with his human family. He gets along with most of the pack and would thrive as a farm dog, especially with larger livestock. He’s currently with rams and does very well, and he has also been around calves. While he may bark when he gets nervous, he has never shown aggression toward them. It’s important to note, however, that he is not poultry-safe.
Tank is respectful of electric fencing and would do best in a home where he has space to work and a job to do. While he has been around children, his large size means he isn’t always careful and could accidentally scratch younger kids in his excitement for attention. He is not food aggressive toward people.
Tank is looking for a home where he can spend more time interacting with his humans while also protecting his homestead and the animals within. He is microchipped and up to date on all his vaccinations. He does need some work on his leash manners, as he gets very excited, but this big-hearted guardian just needs the right place to call home. He’s free to a good home, and transport is available at the owner’s expense.

Sampson

The Vigilant Companion

Meet Samson, a handsome and alert 2-year-old Turkish Boz Shepherd looking for a place to call his own. At a lean but strong 140 pounds, he is an active dog who is still filling out and ready to thrive with a good diet and an active homestead. Samson is a devoted guardian who patrols his property with an impressive focus and keeps a watchful eye out for anything that shouldn’t be there. Once bonded to his family, he takes his job seriously, being watchful and vocal with strangers.
Samson has a moderate to high energy level and would do best on a homestead with room to run and a job to do. He is respectful of fences and has excellent recall. He is well-behaved on a leash and knows several commands, including sitwaitleave it, and ok. A true working dog, he has been successfully around sheep, calves, and goats, and generally leaves birds alone. He gets along with most dogs after a structured introduction, making him a great fit for a multi-dog household.
Neutered, microchipped, and up to date on all his vaccinations, Samson is a dog who adores people and craves attention. He can be hyper in his excitement but has a strong desire to please and is not food aggressive with people. He’s looking for an experienced owner who understands the needs of a working guardian breed and can give him the attention and purpose he deserves.
Samson is available for $500 with transportation available at the owner’s expense.