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Dog News

The New Trend in Real Estate is Pet-Friendly Homes

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Approximately 66% of U.S. households own a pet according to a 2024 report by Forbes magazine. With more adults owning pets than having children, it may not be a surprise that the new trend in real estate is pet-friendly homes.

What are the pet owners looking for in pet-friendly homes? What should you consider adding if you want to attract owners of pets? Here are some tips to help you sell your home in this pet-friendly housing market.

Exterior Features for Pet-Friendly Homes

This new trend drives the buying force in real estate for both buyers and sellers. Buyers are looking for homes with the following exterior pet-friendly features: 

  • Fenced in backyards, yards with a special place just for a dog or cat, or side yards for dogs to relieve themselves are some of the most popular exterior features. 
  • Pet-friendly landscapes including bark, grass, non-poisonous plants and shrubs, gravel or small rocks can serve as a safe place for your pet to play and relieve itself. Plants that repel fleas such as mint, lavender, or rosemary and edible features such as strawberries, blueberries, and oat grass are also smart choices.
  • Water features for animals to keep cool and drink water bring additional interest to a potential homebuyer. 
  • Sand pits, meant for dogs to dig in, provide exercise and fun for canine companions.
  • Catios for cats to enjoy the outside while staying safe in an enclosed environment
  • Paths or walkways for dogs to travel around the yard without trampling bushes or grass.

Interior Features for Pet-Friendly Homes

Pet owners who are interested in purchasing a home are looking for the following pet-friendly interior features:

  • Pet-friendly materials such as flooring that is hardy, robust, and scratch resistant are popular for their ability to hide the claw marks from excited pups. Vinyl makes for easy clean ups for spills or accidents. 
  • Built-in features under the stairs or in bookcases make great spots for dogs to sleep or nap.
  • Hidden food or watering stations are popular for their ability to make the most of space or hide unsightly food dishes.
  • Cleaning stations designed just for pets can be a bonus for anyone wanting to save time and money. These stations are designed to make bathing a breeze and clean up even easier. 
  • Mud rooms that have a small, enclosed space to wipe off dirty paws and shoes after a romp in the rain or mud before entering the house are popular among all homeowners.
  • Smaller carpeted areas make cleaning and repair easier, faster, and cheaper. 

Investing in a Pet Friendly Home

If you are looking to purchase a pet friendly home, consider the savings you can put toward a vacation, upgrade, or higher mortgage payment by not having to put in these features yourself.

If you can’t find a pet-friendly home that has the features you are looking for, consider purchasing a home that may be below your purchase price so you can add these features on your own. Personalizing your own space can be a fun DIY home improvement project. 

Connect with The Gamache Team for all of Your Buying and Selling Needs

Whether or not you are thinking of selling your home or buying a new one, I’d appreciate you considering me as your professional Real Estate Consultant. If you have any questions about the market or real estate in general or need a reference for your home, I am offering my knowledge to you.

August is National Dog Month!

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August celebrates Man’s Best Friend with a month picked just for them, and we want to make sure you dog is celebrated! We’re including some delicious dog treats you can make from home and some

Pumpkin Popsicles for Dogs

Pumpkin is a very good treat for dogs and is often used to settle upset stomachs. This simple-to-make popsicle treat uses just a few ingredients and is packed full of nutrients. For directions to make this tasty delicacy, click this link.

Pamper Your Pooch with a Canine Massage

Canine massage promotes relaxation and trust, improves circulation, mobility and healing, and reduces pain. The bonding between a human and a dog can increase significantly with touch, and dogs, like humans, enjoy the soothing touch of a massage.

For tips on how to massage your dog, click here.

Take Your Dog on Vacation with You

Whatever type of vacation you enjoy, consider adding your family dog to the fun! Whether you’re camping, taking an RV across the country, glamping, or staying in an elegant resort, bringing your dog with you adds fun for both you and your dog. Many Airbnbs and VRBOs allow dogs, most with a small pet deposit.

For a list of dog friendly hotels in California, click here.

Staycate with Your Dog in August for National Dog Month

Consider taking your dog on a fun outing with you as you staycate with your dog in August for National Dog Month. Livermore is filled with fun, dog-friendly places to staycate.

Do you like wineries? Check out the list of wineries that allow dogs. Are you a foodie? Bring your dog along. There are a number of pet friendly restaurants that allow your dog and have water and treats.

Are you a beer, ice cream or coffee lover? Try Livermore’s beer, ice cream or coffee trails.

Ready to walk off that dessert or meal? There are so many fun hiking trails that you and your dog can enjoy. Take a dip in the water after a long hike at Lake Del Valle’s beach area for dogs.

DIY Dog Toys

Dog toys don’t have to cost you a fortune! In fact, the better a toy can make your dog use its brain, the better the dog will sleep and the more fun it will have!

Consider making your dog an obstacle course, licking mat, agility course, or a sniffing garden.

Here is a video of fun and inexpensive DIY projects for you and your dog using some items you may have around the home.

Whatever toy you make will sure to make your dog very happy as it gets to spend time with you. And time spent with its human is the best way to celebrate your dog during National Dog Month.

It’s National Hug Your Dog Day! But Does Your Dog Really Like to Be Hugged?

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April 10 is National Hug Your Dog Day, but those of us at The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa know most dogs don’t like being hugged and can, in fact, stress them out. Hugging a dog is not a natural action for a dog, an in fact, it can cause a dog to feel tense, anxious, and trapped. Dogs show affection by loose body moves and by leaning into you.

The best way to show your dog you love him or her on National Hug Your Dog Day is to pet your dog on the chest, pat her on the head, or give her a good ol’ fashion belly rub!

At The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa, our dogs in doggie daycare or boarding are loved every day! For a list of fees or services, please click here. Pats and affection given daily!

National Dog Bite Prevention Week

The second week in April is also delegated as National Dog Bite Prevention Week. A great way to prevent being bitten is to be educated and aware of a dog’s propensity to bite with these tips:

  • Don’t hug a dog for the reasons mentioned above
  • Never approach an unfamiliar dog
  • Ask permission before petting someone’s dog
  • Watch the body language of a dog-avoid dogs that are tense or growling
  • Never run from a dog-whether in chase or on a “hunt,” the risk of being bitten goes up
  • Avoid touching dogs that are sleeping, eating, or protecting something
  • If a strange dog approaches, stand still with your hands to your side until it goes away
  • When meeting a dog, allow it to approach you, and offer a clenched fist
  • Avoid the face and mouth of a dog
  • Do not tug on a dog or allow children to crawl or climb on a dog. Even the most well-meaning dog is capable of biting
  • Avoid looking a dog straight in the eye
  • Never tease a dog
  • Socialize your dog
  • Spay and neuter your dog
  • Train your dog
  • Supervise children when near dogs and teach them to respect dogs and their bodies
  • Avoid moving quickly around a dog who may be startled and reactive
  • If possible, ignore a barking dog until it stops barking at you. Either remove yourself from the situation if it is not your dog or wait for the behavior to stop before interacting with the dog.
  • Never pin down, hit, or punish a dog for a natural behavior that you see as “aggressive” as doing so may cause the dog to become aggressive

Any Dog Can Bite

No one wants to believe their dog is capable of biting or causing harm or injury to anyone. But the fact remains, a dog who feel threatened, scared, trapped, or is under socialized and untrained is capable of biting.

Avoid the consequences of a biting dog by reading our tips, clicking on the links for more information, or enrolling in our behavioral training programs.

“Dogs don’t bit out of the blue. So stay safe and know the signs.”





We’re Hiring!

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Do you love working with animals? Do you have the clean gene in you? Do you want to make a difference in the comfort and enjoyment of pets who will appreciate you forever and smother you with wet sloppy kisses and puppy eyes?

If so, let’s talk! The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa is looking for a handful of hardworking animal lovers! Here are the positions available:

• Kennel Technician

• Doggy Daycare Attendant

• Outside Cleaner (Janitorial)

If you think you’d be a good fit for any of the positions above, please send your resume to livermorekennels@gmail.com. We’d love to set up a phone interview!

Know someone who may be a great fit for one of the jobs above? Please share our email with them!

About The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa

The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa is unlike any other pet resort in the area. We are family owned and operated and have someone on the property 24/7 to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of your dogs and cats.

We have been named the most recommended pet care providers in the area by local veterinarians. We offer daycare, boarding for both dogs and cats and grooming services. During certain times of the year, we also offer training!

State of the Art Facility

The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa stands apart from others because we offer amenities fit for your best friend.

Dogs and cats enjoy climate controlled rooms with hospital grade cleaning systems and state-of- the-art air filtration systems. Both dogs and cats enjoy fresh bedding with dogs being treated to cots to keep them off the floor and cats enjoying the luxury of four levels of space.

Dogs enjoy covered outdoor areas, potty breaks, treats, toys, soothing music and bedtime stories. Cats, a bit finickier than their dog pals, are treated to the quiet comfort of a separate space to stretch, play, sleep, explore, and enjoy pets and scratches.

No One Beats Our Water Park

Not to brag, but we are going to. Our state-of-the-art water park is unlike anything our competition offers. Dogs love to frolic in the water on hot or cold days! Dogs whose owners swore would never like water love to splash and drink from the paw-shaped splash pads, water jets, wading pools and sprinklers. This is the most fun your dog can have in Alameda County.

Have Multiple Pets? No Problem

For you lucky owners with multiple pets, we wouldn’t dream of separating anyone who needs his buddy to sleep with!

We all have a bit of anxiety when going away, even to the Disneyland of Doggie Boarding, so if your pets need to stick together, we have accommodations to fit pairs of pals!

Not Sure if The Ranch is Right for Your Pet? New Customers Enjoy a Free First Night!

We understand being away from your pet can be stressful for both of you. We have you covered! While we are sure your pet will have the time of its life, we want to offer new customers a free first night to make you feel at ease.

Ready to book your visit? Sign up today! Need to ask some questions? Contact us!

See you soon! And hey, if you fall in love with the place, don’t forget We Are Hiring!

The Surprising Similarities Between Puppies and Teenagers

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Nature has a way of alerting parents that their youngin’ is approaching adolescence. Whether the young one is a child or a puppy, there are surprising similarities between their adolescent behaviors.

Puppy adolescence occurs between 6-18 months of age. Teens reach adolescence between 12-14 years of age and continue through their late teens and into their early 20’s (source).

If you consider the behaviors of both pups and teens during adolescence, you may not notice much of a difference!

Adolescent Behaviors in Puppies

Once a puppy outgrows the cute phase of puppy breath, falling asleep in the most compromising positions, and being held, it reaches a stage of life that many dog owners find difficult and frustrating!

Puppies in the adolescent stage of life exhibit qualities that test even the most experienced and patient dog owner.

Adolescent behaviors in puppies include many of the following:

  • Chewing, chewing, and more chewing on hands, furniture, shoes, people, other pets
  • Possessing energy levels that challenge any pet parent- zoomies are common, so is bouncing on and off furniture and getting the “wild” look in the eyes and face
  • Selectively listening to commands-not coming when called; not staying, sitting, or heeling
  • Growling when attempting to remove the pup from furniture
  • Demonstrating sexual behavior
  • Exhibiting physical changes consistent with puberty
  • Portraying sexual behaviors
  • Reverting back to peeing and pooping indoors
  • Displaying destructive and aggressive tendencies
  • Guarding resources
  • Lacking respect, focus, and concentration
  • Lack of respect and response
  • Testing and challenging their owners or caretakers
  • Showing more lethargy and moodiness

Puppies can display some or all of these behaviors throughout adolescence, causing tension and a war of “who’s in charge” between pup and parent. With time, boundaries, training, and consistency, a puppy who is corrected appropriately will outgrow these tendencies and become a well-behaved adult!

Comparing Teen Behaviors with Puppies

Any parent reading the list of puppy behaviors can easily identify the similarities between puppies and teens. Aside from chewing, teens are also known for causing chaos in a household; tuning out, rebelling against authority, testing boundaries, being destructive or leaving messes, and switching between having enough energy to go out at 11 pm and sleeping in until the afternoon.

Sexual advancement is another commonality shared between teens and puppies with moody dispositions following closely!

Much like puppies, teens need boundaries and a parent with consistent disciplinary measures to guide the rebellious adolescent into adulthood.

With time and patience, this youngin will most likely mature into an adult a parent would like to be around.

Help with Puppy Training

For those of you needing help with puppy training, we have a solution! The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa offers training programs for pups and those acting like pups. Please contact us for more information and pricing. * *Disclaimer-sorry, but at this time, The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa is unable to provide training for adolescent children.

National Dog Day is Saturday, August 26, 2023

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National Dog Day is Saturday, August 26, 2023, an annual event started in 2004 by Colleen Paige, an author, conservationist, and pet and family lifestyle expert.

Paige chose to celebrate National Dog Day on August 26 because that is the day she adopter her first dog, Sheltie, from the local animal shelter. Her goal in celebrating National Dog Day is to “bring attention to the plight of animals around the globe and encourage adoption.”

Celebrate National Dog Day with these Doggie Deals

You don’t have to wait for the weather to be cooler to enjoy a Busch Pumpkin Spice Dog Brew. The non-alcoholic dog brew is made from all natural ingredients including pumpkin, cinnamon, ginger, turmeric and water and can be ordered from shopbeergear.com.

Dunkin’ Supports Dogs for Joy on National Dog Day

For every iced latte ordered on National Dog Day via the Dunkin’ mobile app, Dunkin’ will donate $1 to the Joy in Childhood Foundation to support the Dogs for Joy program.

Dogs for Joy is a program that matches in-residence service dogs with children who are hospitalized and in need of some loving canine support, training, and incentive during their treatments.

These dogs have a full-time job and responsibility to provide happiness to the young patients and to teach the children how to take medication, keep calm during medical intervention, and perform physical therapy.

“Since 2018, the Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation’s “Dogs for Joy Program” has granted 33 full-time pediatric service dogs to 18 children’s hospitals across the country” (source).

So this Saturday, support dogs and children by downloading the Dunkin app and ordering your iced latte.

Pup’kin Spice Doggie Doughnuts Available at Krispy Kreme

Saturdays were meant for doughnuts, and dogs are no exception to the rule! Visit your local Krispy Kreme and pick up a Pup’kin Spice Doggie Doughnut for each doggie member of your family!

Choose from  Pup’kin Spice Original Glazed, Pup’kin Spice Cake, Pup’kin Spice Maple Peanut and Pup’kin Spice Cheesecake Swirl.

But hurry, as the biscuit shaped doggie doughnuts will only be available until August 31.

Get 50% Off Petco Orders Through DoorDash

Today through August 27, customers who use the DoorDash mobile app or website will receive 50% off Petco orders of $25 or more to honor National Dog Day.

Now The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa knows your dog is worth $25 in treats, toys, a new bed, collars, or more! Hurry, you only have a few days left to take advantage of the savings.

Happy National Dog Day from The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa

From our dogs to yours, The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa wants to wish you a very happy and loving National Dog Day! Spoil your dogs Saturday and every day!