• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
VISIT US IN LIVERMORE, CA
CALL NOW (925) 447-1729
The Ranch Pet Resort & Spa

The Ranch Pet Resort

Premium dog & cat boarding, dog daycare, play groups, dog & cat grooming, and more!

  • Pet Boarding
    • Dog Boarding
    • Cat Boarding
  • Dog Daycare
  • Dog Grooming
  • Dog Training
  • Reservations
  • Our Reviews
  • About Us
    • About Us
    • Blog
    • Reviews
  • Contact
    • Reservations
    • Our Location
    • Contact Us

Blog

Why Does My Dog Do That?

March 15, 2024 by Michelle Bedard

While dogs are said to be man and woman’s best friend, unless you’re a cat person, these canines have some interesting behaviors that may make you question, “Why does my dog do that?”

In a series that The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa began last month to answer some of your most asked questions, this month’s blog will focus on why dogs react they way they do on a leash, why they lick you, why they eat grass, and why they sleep in the positions they do.

Keep in mind that our canine friends still carry the history of their ancestors in their genes and that while we may have domesticated them, they come from a long line of ancestors whose behaviors stay with them.

Through the good and the bad, dogs act in a way that makes sense to them, even if we find their behaviors funny, frustrating, or confusing!

Why Does My Dog React on a Leash?

Leash reactivity is a common behavior where dogs will either growl, snarl, bark, pull on the leash, lunge, spin around, or otherwise “act out” when they encounter a situation, dog, or person that makes them feel scared, frustrated, or territorial. It’s a more severe reaction than a dog without leash reactivity would have and occurs in dogs who have been under socialized or not exposed to people, places, things, or other animals in a positive way (source).

The perceived “threat” creates a fight or flight response in the dog. Since the leash prevents the dog from running away, they respond by using their body language as cues to warn the perceived threat they are uncomfortable.

Leash reactivity can be tamed over time and with patience and understanding. For more information on leash reactivity and how to help your dog overcome leash reactivity, please click here.

Why Does My Dog Lick Me?

The slobbery licks your dog covers you with is a learned behavior. A puppy licks its mom to get milk and licks its siblings to groom and interact with them. Dogs lick to explore their environment, show affection, play with you, get your attention, or ask a dominant dog in its pack for permission to eat communal food.

The more you are covered in slobbery, wet kisses, the more positive affirmation you are giving your dog. While some may associate licking with a “gross display of germs,” a dog associates licking with positive behavior that he is naturally ingrained to perform (source).

Why Does My Dog Curl Up in a Ball When it Sleeps?

If your dog moves in circles or digs its bed before it curls up to sleep, you can thank its ancestors. In the wild, dogs dig nests to curl up in. Curling up keeps the dogs warm and prevents their vital organs from being exposed to predators.

So the next time you see your dog digging in its bed or circling before it lies down, you have a better understanding of this behavior. If your dog stretches out or sleeps upside down, it’s either hot or feels very safe and secure (source).

For more tail wagging information about your dog, Refer to our blog.

Filed Under: Dog Care, Dog Training, Pet Care, Pet Health and Safety Tips Tagged With: dog licking, how dogs sleep, leash reactivity, tips to train your dog

We’re Hiring!

February 15, 2024 by Michelle Bedard

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!

Filed Under: Dog News, Uncategorized Tagged With: dog daycare attendant, employment, hiring, janitorial staff, kennel technician

The Odd Similarities Between Adolescent Behavior in Puppies and Teens

February 10, 2024 by Michelle Bedard

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.


Filed Under: Uncategorized

The Surprising Similarities Between Puppies and Teenagers

February 10, 2024 by Michelle Bedard

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.

Filed Under: Dog Care, Dog News Tagged With: puppies, puppy behavior

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

January 30, 2024 by Michelle Bedard

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.

Filed Under: Dog Care, Pet Care, Pet Health and Safety Tips, Uncategorized Tagged With: anxiety in dogs, dog behaviors, dog dominance, humping

Ideas to Keep Your Dog Entertained During Rainy Weather

January 24, 2024 by Michelle Bedard

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!




Filed Under: Dog Care, Uncategorized Tagged With: dog games, dog safe cookie recipes, rainy day ideas for dogs

  • « Go to Previous Page
  • Page 1
  • Interim pages omitted …
  • Page 4
  • Page 5
  • Page 6
  • Page 7
  • Page 8
  • Interim pages omitted …
  • Page 21
  • Go to Next Page »

Primary Sidebar

Recent Posts

  • Fourth of July Holiday Tips
  • Top Three Benefits to Owning a Pet
  • How Dogs Play at Different Ages
  • Why Does My Dog React Differently at the Dog Park?
  • Fun Facts About Dogs

Dog Boarding

Our exclusive brand new pet resort means you never worry about boarding your pet!
Click Here

Dog Daycare

Playdates have never been more fun than at Dog Daycare!
Click Here

Footer

Contact Info

Address
4964 Tesla Rd.
Livermore, Ca 94550

Phone: (925) 447-1729

Email:
info@theranchpetresort.com

Hours of Operation

Mon – Fri : 7:00am – 7:00pm
Sat: 9:00am – 3:00pm
Sun: Closed

Holiday Hours

Unlike other pet care options, come rain or shine, 365 days a year, we have staff here caring for our furry guests in our state-of-the-art, secure facility.

Newsletter

Stay up-to-date with events and announcements!

Copyright © 2025 The Ranch Pet Resort
FacebookInstagram
LocationPrivacyTermsContact