About Karen Lamb & Ocotilla
A legacy of passion, expertise, and dedication to the canine world in Colorado Springs.
A Lifelong Dedication to Dogs
Karen Lamb's journey is one of unique professional expertise and a profound, lifelong connection to dogs. Before her distinguished career in canines, she was a System Safety Engineer and Ergonomist, contributing to high-profile projects like the Space Shuttle and International Space Station. This background instilled a highly analytical, methodical, and detail-oriented mindset that she applies to all her canine endeavors here in Colorado.
Her passion for dogs began in childhood and led her to formal obedience training. She quickly became a leader in the community, eventually discovering and championing the sport of Rally in its earliest days. Today, her personal dogs have achieved multiple high-in-trials in Obedience, Rally, and Herding, and she has bred and shown three home-bred Champions in Conformation.
Our Guiding Philosophy
Our philosophy is simple: "Health first, followed closely by temperament and conformation standard." We aim to produce athletic, well-structured canines that excel in performance venues and, most importantly, thrive as loving family companions. We are committed to responsible practices, ensuring each puppy is socialized using methods like Puppy Culture and placed in a home that is the right fit for their needs and lifestyle.
Health First
Comprehensive health testing is performed before any breeding.
Temperament
We select for stable, friendly temperaments that make ideal family companions.
Socialization
Using "Puppy Culture," our puppies are raised to be well-socialized.
Lifelong Support
We provide ongoing support and training guidance throughout your journey.
Where Our Puppies Grow Up
Ocotilla puppies aren't raised in a kennel building — they're raised right here, in Karen's home in Colorado Springs. From their first days they live with the sounds, smells, and rhythms of family life: the vacuum, the doorbell, the kitchen at dinnertime, and the Colorado sunshine in the backyard.
Following the Puppy Culture program, every litter is socialized through each critical developmental window, so by the time your puppy comes home, home is already a familiar idea. Families are welcome to visit — we'd love for you to see where your puppy's story begins.