KARL Ranch

03/12/2024

At the vet with Lenny today to see if he's a candidate for prosthetic. After his bff Edgar passed he is dying to play with another pup but his 1 back leg isn't as young as his brain still is. So we'll hopefully fit him with prosthetic so he can keep running! He had best time visiting everyone who obviously was at the vets just to see him. No other reason anyone would be there am I right? Lauren Tonge

04/25/2023

06/23/2022

So true. People don't understand that I don't spend alot of time "training" my dogs for "on cue" behaviors just for fun. I spend more time letting them be dogs and teach cues more as needed as opposed for "tricks" some dogs love learning tricks like my Byron and we work on that but I respect dogs and especially THEIR brains and what they are looking for to make them happy as opposed to making them to conform to people's expectations. That focus on bond and trust has created my dogs to have the best recall and no leash aggression or pulling etc. They're more interested in where mom is and what she's doing than external influences. Except Ziza she's just always more interested in fun. Probably because when you spend first part of your life just trying to survive you enjoy life as much as you can when the good life comes along. Lol.

The pressure on dog professionals to have ‘perfect’ dogs is often huge. People in the wider community may automatically think ‘well they work with dogs so their dogs should behave.’

https://www.canineprinciples.com/blog/social-pressures-canine-professionals

05/25/2022

EMERGENCY POINT! You & your dogs are out doing fun things this summer - here's an acupoint just in case...revives respiration & consciousness, helps with trauma/shock & heatstroke, + calms the spirit. Go have fun & keep this point in mind.

10/25/2021

07/21/2021

🛇 Use your Manners! 🛇
The Sniff test - Stop doing that!
The sniff test - a badly engrained habit that society has been taught, without a clear understanding of what they're actually doing.

🚩When you reach out towards a dog, you are using body pressure AT them, giving them no time to assess whether you are safe & whether they require further investigation to pick up your information. You are forcing an interaction of a relationship that hasn't had time to develop. To some dogs, this is quite rude & the reason a lot of dogs snap at or bite people. This can cause alot of behavioral issues because of layered stress due to forced interactions.

🚩If they are on lead, they have no where to go if they are sensitive to spacial pressure, so can end up shutting down, shying away or snapping at your hand so you back off. This is an example of how a dog is now using pressure to turn off pressure & make you back off so they aren't so stressed.

🚩People think by offering your hand it can give the dog time to sniff to know you're friendly... they can sniff without being forced to sniff your hand.Their noses are far more superior than ours & they don't need close contact forced upon them to smell you.

🚩Some dogs might not want to know you. You have no relationship with them and that's perfectly fine. They aren't your dog so you don't need to touch them or steal pats for your own satisfaction.

🤔 If you are meeting a dog, what should you do?
⚠Ask the owner if you can interact with their dog. Not all people want strangers touching their dogs. Especially strangers who you are unlikely to see again.
⚠Stand up straight & relaxed, with your hands at your side.
⚠Ignore the dog & talk to the owner.
⚠Don't stare at the dog & don't try to force an interaction by going in for a pat. If the dog wants to know you, it will come up to you & sniff around. Usually they will move away & then come back for a second sniffathon. Some dogs will bunt your hands & wag their tails, which are good signs that you're likely an accepted new friend. Give them a few slow pats down their back (NOT THEIR HEAD) & then stop. Is the dog happy? Has it accepted your interaction? This will determine whether you can give it more pats.

🐶This is a more stress free option for dogs & a reason why in consultations we can develop a good level of trust, especially with fearful dogs & aggressive dogs, without a bunch of negative side effects from forced interactions.

07/15/2021

As of today, July 14th, 2021 Karl Ranch Sanctuary and Rescue will no longer take in owner surrenders or lost and found/injured animals from the area. I have decided to focus on the special needs dogs that I am approached from reputable rescues to offer help with and possibly rehome at some point or offer a place in my Sanctuary. I feel the community looks at myself/Karl Ranch as an animal control but since I receive minimal help (barely) from the community in terms of supplies, financial support and nothing in terms of municipal support, I feel it is necessary to refocus my vision. I sent out a post to see the response I received and since it was less than stellar I need to reevaluate my commitments. Especially during times of possible evacuation based on the fire risks etc. I cannot spend time away from my property to help one or two dogs to find their owners and possibly risk the lives of 10+ dogs plus cats plus my own horses and livestock and of course my own residence. If someone finds a lost animal you should call Kootenay animal control at : 250-443-1851 or the SPCA in trail or penticton. I am still available for boarding, training, nutrition consultations, nail trims, light grooming etc. Please call or text me at 250-486-8356 or pm or email [email protected].
Cheers and if there is enough community support to this message I may reevaluate but I need to prioritize my current commitments.

07/09/2021

Just to let everyone know besides the regular rescue/Sanctuary animals I deal with, I help out the community specifically when people bring me found dogs i dedicate hours sometimes trying to find owners, in some cases keeping the dogs till owner's are found. I will always welcome donations of dog supplies/food, old blankets, towels, sheets, etc. Plus I am involved with any animal needing assistance, currently have an injured crow, and a baby mallard duck. Of course even any financial help is appreciated plus if anyone would like to donate at South Valley Veterinary Hospital in Osoyoos they will put towards any rescue animals. Also the wonderful folks at Westbridge Pet & Farm Supply will take payments towards my regular dog food bills. Any little bit helps and if you'd like to drop off any physical donations such as blankets supplies etc feel free to message me or call or text 250-486-8356. Also, at this time am looking for large dog crates as I prepare my evacuation plans for all the dogs. Some of my crates are little worse for wear. Thanks! Stay safe with all the threats of fire and heat. Cheers.

07/01/2021

02/19/2021

I took action to call for changes to the sled dog tourism industry. Current standards allow for dogs to be tethered for more than 23 hours per day. Will you join me in calling for change?