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The Odd Similarities Between Adolescent Behavior in Puppies and Teens

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Nature has a way of alerting parents to adolescent behaviors. Without studying the similarities, however, you may never have recognized the patterns both puppies and teens exhibit in this monumental stage of life.

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.


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.

Why Does My Dog Do That? Examining Odd Behaviors in our Beloved Dogs

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The other day, our dog, Ryder, stealthily picked up the cat’s empty food bowl and brought it upstairs to his favorite human. This is the same dog who picks up full bowls of dog food and moves them away from our other dogs to eat by himself, always leaving a trail of kibble.

It doesn’t take Google to figure out why our dog brought up the cat’s dish. It was 6 o’clock, and he was hungry. The cat’s food dish is easier to pick up then his dog bowl which is sunken into an above ground feeder to make it easier for a larger dogs to eat.

But dogs can sometimes exhibit odd behavior that leaves us wondering, Why does my dog do that?

In a new series of blogs, The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa is going to examine the behaviors we often find odd in our dogs and our cats!

Addressing the Elephant in the Room-Why Does My Dog Hump Other Dogs?

Dogs hump other dogs for a variety of reasons that aren’t always sexual in nature. In fact, both male and female dogs hump; both spayed and neutered dogs hump. But why?

If a male senses a female is in heat, then he will mount her due to his testosterone. But there a variety of reasons a dog humps another dog or even humans and these include:

  • Attention
  • Excitability
  • Anxiety
  • Dominance
  • Sign of play

Dogs often seek the attention of the ones they care about the most, and humping can be a behavior a dog exhibits to greet its human or to show how excited it is. Legs are an easy target to hump, as is a back if a person is sitting down.

While annoying and embarrassing, humping a person is a normal behavior for a dog. To decrease this behavior, redirect your dog with a toy or a behavior that is more appropriate such as playing fetch, doing a food puzzle, or chewing on a treat.

Some dogs hump because they are anxious or nervous and the stress is exhibited by humping. Redirect your dog by calming it and having it sit next to you while you pet it and reassure it.

Dogs have a pack order, and a more assertive dog might turn to humping to show its status in the pack. This behavior isn’t normally the first behavior a dog exerts to gain status, but it clearly indicates to another dog who is the alpha dog and leader of the pack.

Dogs hump when they are playing. This is a common behavior often seen between a dog and a cat who are companions. When a dog humps a cat, it can be a sign of affection or a reaction to a conflict between the two.

When Does Humping Become a Problem in a Dog?

The humping behavior in a dog is usually not a problem and can be redirected with the tips we mentioned above.

In the event your dog humps obsessively, this may be a sign of a more serious behavior problem. Talk to your vet or a behaviorist who can help you determine why your dog humps and what action to take.

For more information or resources regarding humping, please refer to this article.

Ideas to Keep Your Dog Entertained During Rainy Weather

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With all of the rain we have been experiencing, it’s sometimes difficult to get outside and go for a walk or run or go to the dog park.

The pent up energy for both humans and animals can sometimes drive us all stir crazy! So here are some ideas to keep the pup in your life entertained during wet weather.

Play Physical Games with Your Dog

Dogs of all sizes love games! Consider playing Hide and Go Seek with your pooch. Dogs who can stay while you hide will love the thrill of trying to find you.

Dogs with less training or attention span can be distracted by a ball or treat while you hide! Consider closets, furniture, beds, or even blankets as spots to escape while your dog looks for you!

Grab a rope, dog toy, or twisted towel and play tug o’ war with your dog. The physical activity is fun for both of you and can be played over and over. Let your dog grab the rope from you and toss it back and forth in its mouth while you try to grab it. Toss it gently and turn this into fetch and tug o’war.

Speaking of fetch, long hallways are great places to throw toys, stuffies, or balls for your dog to bring back. As long as there aren’t any breakable objects, you can make an adventure out of playing ball from the comfort of your own couch, bed, or floor!

Use Puzzles or Games to Stimulate Your Dog’s Mind

Whether you invest in plastic or rubber puzzle games or create your own, your dog will go nuts for puzzle games! Store bought games that have your pooch manipulating puzzle pieces to get to a tasty treat are self-motivating and a lot of fun for both you and your pooch to partake in.

Or, get creative and find your own plastic cups, containers, or boxes and hide treats under those. Have your dog watch you place a treat under plastic cups and move them around and let him find the treat on his own!

For a different experience, have your dog leave the room while you hide a treat under a pillow, behind a toy, or on a piece of furniture. See how long it takes for your dog to find the prized delicacy! Then play the game again! Using small treats or pieces of treats can ensure your dog stays motivated and keeps her figure without filling up!

Chill out and Watch a Movie

What dog doesn’t enjoy spending time with his best friend? When the forecast calls for rain or windy conditions, stay in jammies and turn on a movie or two while your dog snuggles up next to you.

Even if you are a “dogs on the floor not the bed” kind of person, time next to you while getting some serious belly rubs with a fire in the fireplace are every dog’s dream.

Bake Some Treats!

Make dog treats with your best friend

The internet is full of dog friendly treats or human treats that are safe for dogs! Baking is always a fun activity to perform on a cold, winter day. But the best part as we all know is tasting the treats!

Just remember chocolate is not safe for dogs but delicious for humans!

Here is a dog and human safe recipe we think you will both enjoy! Happy tastings!




Happy New Year

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2024 is just around the corner, and The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa wants to thank you for all of the support you have given us! We truly love helping the cats and dogs in the Tri-Valley enjoy a safe, comfortable, fun space that allows them to feel like they are at summer camp when they can’t be with you.

While we are a second best substitute to being with you, please know that your pets’ safety and best interest are at the heart of The Ranch, and we treat your pets like we treat our own.

From playgroups and one-of-a kind seasonal activities to story time, soft, comforting music and diva spa treatments, The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa is always striving to make you and your pet happy while in our care.

Are We on Candid Camera?

With the new era of technology, you can be with your pet virtually through the eyes of the lens!

We keep busy videotaping and filming your dogs and cats so you can see your pet in action while you are away at work or play. It’s important for you to be able to see live action photos and videos to comfort you until you can be together again.

Happy Dogs Play at The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa

When we modernized The Ranch, we wanted to make it a one-of-a-kind place for all dogs to play and have a great time. Biggies and smalls enjoy the comfort of each other and play time on our play structure and clean and safe play yard.

The interactions between the dogs keeps us laughing and cheering! Dogs that come in fearful or shy are sometimes the show stoppers during playgroup!

Dogs that may never have met on the street become best friends or even napping partners. The water park has a way with dogs-either they love it or are unsure about the flowing wet fun, but in any case-the water park is always a hit, and we are the only daycare and boarding place to have one!

So fear not, parents! Your pets are having a great time, and we thank you for entrusting them to our care.

Our Wish for the New Year

The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa hopes that you and your pets have a safe and spectacular New Year filled with sloppy doggie kisses, purrfectly sweet bisquit-making sessons, and good health and well-being.

We can’t wait to see what the New Year brings, but if we had our way, it would mean more tail wagging and lolling tongues! The personalities of the dogs and cats we come to love make our day, and we truly do enjoy coming to work.

Who wouldn’t want to come to work with co-workers who are always happy to see you and provide you with constant belly-aching laughter?

Here’s to 2024! Let’s make more memories and friends!

Reminder to Pick Up Your The Pets of The Ranch Calendar 2024

We still have a few calendars left, and we don’t want you to miss out! The calendar is filled with your dogs and cats showing off the fun they have at The Ranch!

Not only will the calendar make you smile every day, but you will feel good knowing a portion of the calendar goes to helping local shelter dogs and rescue groups.

Call (925) 447-1729 to get your calendar or stop by the office to get one. Pick one up for a friend or two and get their 2024 started off with happy smiles from the pets of The Ranch Resort and Spa.



Happy Holidays from The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa

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There is a lot of hustle and bustle going on at The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa. The dogs and cats have made their list, and our caring and loving staff have checked it twice. We aren’t going to point out whose been naughty and nice because we know Santa loves all of our dogs and cats!

Curious to see what’s on your dog or cat’s Christmas list? Some of the top favorites were:

  • Toys
  • Treats
  • Warm sweaters
  • Grooming
  • Long walks in the park
  • Playdates with friends
  • Snuggling on the couch
  • Playing fetch (yes, labs, we know this came from you!)
  • Naps with our favorite hoomans
  • More time at The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa

But the voting wasn’t even close, the most requested gift by your dogs and cats was…

Most Asked for Gift on Your Dogs and Cats Holiday Wish Lists

We’ve compared lists and the Number One most asked for gift on your dogs and cats holiday wish list is THE RANCH PET RESORT AND SPA 2024 CALENDAR. Our calendar features goofballs, friends, fashionistas, athletes, and snoozers of The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa doing what they do best! Being the most incredible dogs and cats.

All profits from the sale of the calendar benefit shelter dogs who are deserving of their own loving homes but who just haven’t found their perfect match! There is nothing wrong with these dogs-they were just failed by humans and looking for a second chance at love.

Consider Adopting a Shelter Dog

If you know someone who wants to welcome a shelter dog into their home, please let us know! There are big dogs, little dogs, quiet dogs, shy dogs, active dogs, loving dogs, dogs in perfect shape and dogs who may have medical needs but have a huge heart!

All of these dogs are either in foster care, in boarding, or at the shelter waiting to be adopted. When you purchase a calendar, you are helping a rescue dog get the food, bedding, toy, shelter, crate, time, or medical care it deserves until the right home steps up to promise them a furrever home.

The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa supports rescue dogs and cats at local shelters by donating profits from our calendars. We have YOU to thank for not only providing us with the most photogenic dogs and cats to create the calendar, but also the money to donate.

Thank you for Your Donations to Support Local Rescues

Thank you so much for your generosity. We personally know these rescue dogs and can’t thank you enough for providing them with the money they so desperately need to stay warm, dry, and loved while waiting for their purfect family to find them!

If you are one of the few people who haven’t bought your Pets of The Ranch 2024 Calendar, it’s not too late! It’s a great gift for anyone in your life!

Call and order yours today! 925) 447-1729.