Exercise, Discipline & Affection

 

We have 42 years of dog handling experience! 

 

 

The Sanctuary has mainly focused on taking in homeless reservation dogs, but we have pulled from high kill shelters as well.  We take the time to work with these dogs to properly socialize and rehabilitate, sometimes keeping them for an extended period of time to ensure they can transition successfully to their new furever homes.   Some cases require that the dog remain at The Sanctuary for the remainder of the dogs life.   We currently have 8 permanent residents that will remain here whether due to a bite history or fear issues that have not been able to be resolved.   They are all happy dogs who are loved and are a part of our pack!  

 

We like to work with potential adopters to find the perfect dog who will fit into their lives.   And we're available for the life of the dog for any advice or training issues.  We encourage adopters to reach out anytime if you are having any issues, so we can help resolve them ASAP.  Please do not wait until the behavior gets out of control and possibly ends up in the dog being returned or worse, having to be euthanized.  Unfortunately this has happened, and could've been prevented if proper training had taken place much sooner.   We work with a professional trainer who specializes in behavior modification.  They offer a discount to anyone who adopts from us!   Training, structure and socializing should begin the moment you bring your new dog home.

 

Our adoption process is a little different than the normal rescue.    The first step is to fill out an Adoption Application . This will give us a good idea as to your lifestyle and what you are looking for in a new dog, so we ask that you be as thorough as possible.  If all looks good then we set up a time to do a home visit.  We normally bring the dog you are interested in so they can get used to a new home, new smells and new people.   If there are any current dogs in the house, this is a good time for introductions.   We like to see how the dog reacts to the new environment and spend a little time chatting and letting the dog explore.   If all goes really well it's possible to adopt the dog at that time, unless multiple applications are in for the same dog.  If we have a dog that is shy or fearful then we will sometimes have you meet them at the fosters first so you can see them in a place where they are most comfortable.  There is never any pressure to adopt and if more time is needed to think about it and discuss with family then that is more than ok.   The dog will however remain available to other adopters as we do not hold any of our dogs/puppies.  Nothing is finalized until this process is completed and the adopter and rescue are comfortable with the adoption.   These dogs have all been through a lot so we want to ensure that this will be the right, furever home.  

​

We believe every dog and adopter will benefit greatly from extra training and socializing and highly recommend taking your new family member to some obedience classes.  This will help strengthen your bond, put you in a leadership role and build a great foundation for the rest of their lives with you.   We recommend finding a good Balanced Trainer, take some classes, private lessons or send the dog to a Board n Train if you're able.  The results and benefits will last his or her lifetime! 

​

The Sanctuary proudly recommends and uses Liberty K9 

professional dog training in Barnum, MN.  They offer a discount on any of their services to anyone who adopts through us. From daycare and boarding to full training and behavior modification.   A gift certificate will be included in your adoption packet.

​

Here is a link for great information on bringing home a new dog!

What to do with your new dog...

​

We feed our personal pack and long term/lifelong

Sanctuary dogs RawFed K9!  

We waited a long time to put our dogs on an exclusively raw diet and are so glad we switched!  They all LOVE feeding time and are so much healthier.   We rest easy knowing our dogs are eating the best possible food, the way nature intended.

​

We also recommend The Good Dog!   

Sean O'Shea and his team of professional trainers are amazing at what the do and work with some pretty extreme cases.   Tons of great free videos on his website and Youtube!

​

You don't have to spend a fortune on training to have a better relationship with your dog.   But you do have to be committed and have a desire to do your best for them.

​

​

​

​