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Why Does My Dog React Differently at the Dog Park?

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We’ve had a few owners ask us about their dogs acting differently at the dog park verses the ways they acted when they were younger or when they come to The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa to play at doggie daycare.

Many owners are surprised to learn that dogs go through different stages, much like humans do. Puppies tend to love to romp and play and make new friends and are happy to be at the dog park. But as puppies age, their interests change, and they don’t always want to be around a group of dogs, some of which have different play styles.

Dogs, again, like humans, can also become dog selective, meaning they prefer the certain company of some dogs more than others. Whether the preference is due to play style, activity level, size, age, or gender of dog, it’s common for many dogs to prefer some dogs and avoid others.

When dogs go to The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa, they can become used to the routine of the visit, our professional dog handlers, their buddies, and familiarity of the situation.

At the dog park, certain elements can cause your dog to feel “thrown off,” resulting in your dog feeling overstimulated, excited, anxious, and even fearful. Take the overprotective dog parent who doesn’t understand the noises your dog makes are playful and not aggressive.

Mix in the new dog owner who doesn’t understand a dog’s body image and intervenes during a perfectly natural play session. Or even worse, consider the neglectful or distracted dog owner who fails to control his dog’s actions, leading to fights or scuffles.

Add the new puppy who jumps on your dog, steals a favorite ball, or lacks manners, and your dog may retreat, show signs of aggression, shy away, or be clingy.

Some dogs who have a high prey drive may mistake smaller, younger, or quick moving dogs for prey and act in ways that upset owners-and rightfully so.

Aging Dogs Have Special Needs

Aging dogs who were once the fastest at the park or agile and playful have different needs. They don’t often like to be around jumpy dogs or dogs that “introduce themselves” by sniffing at their rear ends.

Aging dogs often need just space and time to socialize on their own time and with their own agendas. For an elder pup, the dog park presents an exciting trip away from home to be with their favorite human, smell some good scents, and lay in the cool grass.

Their prime motivation for going to the dog park is to rest and relax, much like an adult human who enjoys a nap on a lazy afternoon.

Dogs with Special Needs

Some special needs dogs will react differently at the dog park because they have not had the same background, socialization, or experience as other dogs.

Between the ages of 7-12 weeks, puppies are susceptible to situations that imprint on them for life. If a dog didn’t have a good experience around other dogs or wasn’t socialized during those periods, that dog may present fear, caution, aggression, or shyness at the dog park. These dogs need time, experience, and positive interactions to feel more confident at the dog park.

A dog that has an injury or illness that the owner is unaware of may also act differently. Like humans, we aren’t very social or friendly when we hurt or are in pain.

Likewise, a dog recovering from illness or injury may need more time to acclimate themselves and feel comfortable and confident at the dog park. Slow introductions are necessary to allow your dog to feel up to playing on its terms.

Considerations for Taking Your Dog to the Dog Park

All dogs need exercise to feel stimulated, avoid boredom, and socialize. If walking your dog isn’t enough exercise, your dog thrives from running “free,” or if you just want a new environment for your dog, be aware of how your dog may react at the dog park.

There is no “one size fits all” dog for the dog park, and even your dog-park loving best friend may react differently each time you take it to the dog park.

If your dog acts differently at the dog park, just be aware of the situations, circumstances and reasons your dog may react the way it does.

As a responsible pet owner, it’s our job to make sure our pets feel safe and not reactive to other dogs or situations. Enjoy your time at the dog park, but be prepared to leave if your dog shows signs of fear, anxiety, or aggression.

Looking for a Safe Place to Exercise Your Dog With Supervision by Professional Dog Handlers?

Consider booking your dog at The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa if you would like to leave your dog in a safe, protected environment that is always under the watchful eye of our professional dog handlers. We have doggie daycare and pet boarding available.

The Ranch also has the experience and knowledge to understand your dog’s behavior, redirect the dogs, and even provide stimulating toys and the East Bay’s only water park. The combination makes for a very happy and exhausted doggie and even happier parents.

When your dog starts to enjoy the routine and meets up with regular friends under our careful eye, your dog may start to assimilate The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa with confidence, excitement, and happiness. And isn’t that the greatest gift we can give our dogs?

Benefits of Owning More than One Dog or Cat

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Animal lovers such as this blogger find deep companionship in the company of multiple pets. When you rescue shelter pets, you become immune to the work, time, care, and expense that owning multiple pets requires.

So when I tell people how many dogs and cats I have, their expressions and comments vary from-I don’t know how you manage that many pets to you’re crazy-and that expression mostly comes from my kids.

It’s true that having more than one dog or cat is a lot more of everything! More work, more fur, more food, more waste, more money to spend on doggie daycare, boarding, grooming, veterinarian expenses and so forth.

But I find the real joy in multiple pet ownership outweighs any of the negatives.

Agree or not, here are some reasons for owning more than one dog or cat; and these reasons also benefit your dog or cat.

Why Owning More Than One Pet Is Worth It

Adopting more than one pet may require extra effort, but the rewards are well worth it. If your dog or cat enjoys the company of others, having a second pet can lead to a happier, healthier household for everyone—animals and humans alike. Pets benefit from companionship, and their owners often experience more joy and stronger emotional bonds.

Benefits for Pets: Companionship and Activity

One of the biggest advantages of having two pets is that they keep each other company. Whether you’re at work, asleep, or running errands, your pets can play, rest, or explore together. This helps reduce boredom and loneliness, which are common in single-pet homes.

Pets also tend to be more active when they have a playmate. Dogs will chase, wrestle, and run together, while cats may stalk and pounce as part of natural hunting behavior. This kind of interaction often leads to more daily exercise than a human alone can provide. Staying active is important for preventing health problems as pets age.

Each pet also brings its own personality to the household. One might be quiet and affectionate, while the other is playful and full of energy. This variety can be fun and rewarding for everyone in the home. Pets can also bond with different members of the family, strengthening connections all around.

Health Benefits for Owners

Pets aren’t just good for each other—they’re good for us, too. Owning a cat or dog has been linked to lower stress levels, reduced feelings of loneliness, and even improved heart health. When you pet or cuddle an animal, your body releases oxytocin (the “love hormone”) and reduces cortisol (the stress hormone). This can lead to lower blood pressure and a calmer mood.

Having two pets can double these moments of connection. Whether one is curled up next to you or both are playing across the room, it brings a steady sense of companionship. Pets can also help you stay more active. Dogs need walks and playtime, and even cats like to chase toys or explore, encouraging more movement and engagement in your daily life.

You might also find yourself more social with multiple pets. Animals often attract attention when you’re out and about, making it easier to meet new people. They’re natural conversation starters and can help you feel more connected to others.

Stronger Bonds and Lifelong Joy

The bond between two pets can be heartwarming to witness. Watching them groom each other, curl up together, or play chase through the house adds joy to your home. Their friendship is pure and strong—and it often mirrors the bond they share with you.

Of course, adopting more than one pet means making sure they’re compatible. Introduce them gradually and provide separate spaces at first. With patience and care, most pets will adjust and learn to enjoy each other’s company.

In the end, having more than one dog or cat often means more laughter, love, and connection. Two pets can enrich each other’s lives—and yours—every single day.

Considering adding another dog or cat to your household? Visit your local shelter, rescue group, or responsible breeder.

You Asked, We’re Answering! Here are the Responses to Some of the Questions You Asked On Our Social Media Pages

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In today’s Ask The Ranch blog, we are going to answer some of the questions we get asked on our social media pages.

Our Ranch professional dog handlers understand you want to see your dogs or cats while they are in our care, and we do our best to feature as many of our adorable guests as we can!

Why isn’t my dog featured on today’s video or pictures?

Our primary focus is on your pets’ health, happiness, well-being, and welfare, and that sometimes takes us away from adding to your pet’s social influencer status! We try our best to spotlight as many pets as possible not only to make you feel comforted, but to also share how much fun the dogs have while in our care.

It seems so unfair that we are the only ones who get to see the dogs zooming, biting at the water, resting on each other, or simply choosing that one hiding spot for some serious R&R.

And while some dogs just love to have the camera on them, some of your fur babies are camera shy!

But don’t despair! We love to post the images and videos on our Facebook, Instagram, and Google Business Listings, so keep looking. Some days your pet will be fully featured and on other days, you will see them streak by!

Just know that one fact is certain, while under our care, your pet is safe, happy, and loved!

Is it safe for our young, little, shy, bashful, (insert concerned adjective) dog to be in that playgroup?

We temperament test all of our dogs and fit them in the right playgroup by age, activity level, size, experience, personality. We typically start out by separating the dogs by size, but some owners wonder if a young pup is safe with bigger, older dogs.

We want to reassure you that we are constantly watching to make sure that each dog feels safe and fits in with the energy levels of the other dogs. We have had instances where the smalls have more energy than some of the bigs and some pups just want to run with the big dogs!

Our experienced professionals take into account each dog’s personality, energy, age, size, and needs to ensure a positive and rewarding daycare or dog boarding experience. We want all dogs to want to return and have you feel confident that your best friend is treated just as we would want our dogs to be treated.

Can You Help My Dog Be More Social? I Want Him to Play with Other Dogs

We understand the fun of a playgroups, and we also understand some dogs take longer to warm up than others. That is why we make sure to do a thorough temperament testing with your dog. Dogs have unique personalities and depending on their background or experience, they may need some additional assistance to be added to our social playgroups.

We offer dog training services with professional trainers who can help your dog with obedience, behavioral issues, and socialization skills. Since no two dogs are the same, it’s best you speak to one of our trainers about your particular pooch!

If you are interested in booking a session or one of our stay and train packages, please register here!

The Growing Popularity of Homemade Pet Food: A Trend Driven by Health and Quality

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In recent years, there has been a significant shift in the way pet owners approach feeding their dogs and cats. More and more, people are opting for homemade pet food over commercially produced kibble or canned options.

This trend has grown in popularity due to various factors such as concerns about pet health, a desire for transparency in ingredients, and the increasing awareness of the potential risks associated with mass-produced pet food.

With an emphasis on nutrition, quality control, and personalized diets, homemade dog food has become a preferred choice for many pet owners seeking the best for their furry companions.

Health Concerns and Quality Control

One of the primary drivers of the popularity of homemade dog food is the growing awareness of the potential risks associated with commercial dog and cat food. While many high-quality brands exist, there have been instances of recalls, contamination, and the discovery of harmful ingredients in mass-produced pet foods.

These issues have led to a shift in trust, with many pet owners now preferring to control what goes into their animals’ meals. Homemade pet food provides an opportunity to choose fresh, natural ingredients that can be tailored to the dogs’ and cats’ specific health needs.

Additionally, some commercial dog and cat food products are filled with fillers, artificial additives, and low-quality meats that may not be ideal for a pet’s health.

Homemade meals allow pet owners to focus on high-quality proteins, fresh vegetables, and wholesome grains, reducing the risk of exposure to undesirable ingredients.

With the rise of dietary concerns such as obesity, allergies, and sensitivities in animals, many pet owners feel more comfortable preparing their own food to ensure their dogs and cats are receiving a well-balanced and nutritious diet.

Personalized Nutrition

Another factor contributing to the popularity of homemade pet food is the ability to customize meals based on the specific needs of individual dogs and cats. Each animal is unique, with different dietary requirements depending on factors such as age, breed, size, activity level, and any medical conditions.

Homemade pet food allows pet owners to create personalized meals that meet their pet’s specific nutritional needs, ensuring optimal health.

For example, senior dogs and cats with joint issues may benefit from recipes that include ingredients like turmeric or fish oil, known for their anti-inflammatory properties.

Similarly, dogs or cats with sensitive stomachs or food allergies can avoid triggering ingredients, such as grains, dairy, or common meat allergens, by creating customized meals at home.

For active dogs or working breeds, owners can focus on high-protein meals to support muscle growth and energy levels.

This level of personalization is difficult to achieve with pre-packaged pet food, making homemade options an attractive alternative.

Transparency and Control Over Ingredients

Pet owners are becoming increasingly conscious of the ingredients in the products they buy, and this extends to dog and cat food as well.

Homemade pet food offers transparency and control that commercial pet food simply cannot provide. With homemade meals, pet owners can choose organic, non-GMO ingredients, ensuring that their dogs and cats are eating food that aligns with their values and preferences.

Additionally, by cooking their pet’s food at home, owners can avoid any unwanted surprises and know exactly what their pets are consuming, which builds trust and confidence in the meals they provide.

The Growing Popularity of Homemade Dog Food: A Trend Driven by Health and Quality

The popularity of homemade pet food is expected to continue growing as more pet owners seek healthier, safer, and more personalized options for their dogs and cats.

With an increasing focus on transparency, high-quality ingredients, and nutrition, homemade dog and cat food provides a viable and often superior alternative to traditional commercial pet food.

As the trend gains momentum, pet owners are embracing the opportunity to take control of their dog and cat’s diet and health, ensuring their beloved pets live longer, healthier lives.

Wrapping Up a Year of Fun at The Ranch

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2024 has been a fun and productive year at The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa. From birthday parties and holidays to twinning and bedtime stories, The Ranch sure gets a kick out of our guests. Here are some of our favorite activities from 2024.

Puppy Bowl 2024

Puppy Bowl is one of the most popular events at The Ranch. Bigs and Littles compete for the coveted title of Puppy Bowl winner with prizes given for MVP and more. Dogs go all out to bring the football past the goal line after a morning of warm ups and “pup” talks.

Here are some of our best players!

Puppy Training

Our certified trainers make training dogs look like a walk in the park. But most owners know that it takes a special kind of person to train a dog. Here is our latest success, Jayce, who is showing off his stellar leash walking skills. Just look at the confidence in this sweet baby’s face!

Seeing Double

When one dog isn’t enough, we twin! Here are some of our adorable twins!

Story Time

The Ranch loves to read bedtime stories to our pups who board with us. We make our dogs feel right at home.

Halloween

Our dogs make Halloween one of the best holidays at The Ranch. Their creative disguises get better year after year. We can’t get over how well they model for the camera! This year, we added bobbing for apples, and that activity went over very well with many willing participants.

Bacon Bubbles

Bacon bubbles! We think this is the dogs’ favorite activity. Mix bubbles and bacon together and you have a rip roaring good time! Add some cute photo souvenirs with some plush bacon and you have an event that sells out every year!

Birthday Celebrations

Our pups at The Ranch become like family to us. As such, we love to celebrate their birthdays! Here are a few recent birthdays of some of our favorite guests.

The Meows Have It

The Ranch isn’t complete without our feline friends who add so much to our family. Take a look at our happy campers!

Caught on Camera

One of the best parts of The Ranch is capturing the day-to-day antics of our guests. Here are a few of our favorite photos!

Happy New Year!

The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa wants to wish all of you a very happy, healthy, safe, and prosperous New Year. We can’t wait to see you all next year and hopefully meet some new friends.

Halloween Advice for Your Furry Friends

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Happy Halloween from The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa! With all of the excitement of trick-or-treaters, costumes, parties, pumpkin carving, and our own Howl-o-Ween Dog Party, we’d like to offer some Halloween advice for your furry friends.

Keep Chocolate Away from Dogs and Cats

Chocolate is toxic to both dogs and cats so be careful to keep your pets away from candy or desserts. Should your dog or cat show signs of poisoning, such as vomiting, diarrhea, increased thirst or urination, restlessness, rapid breathing, seizures, or collapse, it’s urgent you call your vet or the Pet Poison helpline (855) 764-7661 immediately.

Take Precautions During Trick-or-Treating Time

Whether you’re heading around the neighborhood or staying home to pass out candy, it’s important to take precautions to keep your dogs and cats safe. Opened doors mean easy escapes for curious dogs or cats which can lead to them getting lost, hurt, or scared.

Confine Anxious Dogs and Cats

Consider shutting dogs and cats in bedrooms or crates during the hours you expect trick-or-treaters. Even the friendliest of pets may bolt when scared by a child, costume, or decoration. Doorbells, kids screaming with delight, and the hustle and bustle of Halloween activity may be too much for anxious or reactive dogs.

Thunder shirts, CBD treats or other anti-anxiety medication, or warm snuggles under covers may be just what your pet needs to help you both enjoy a fun and festive night.

Make Your Dog Visible

If you plan on taking your socialized dog around the neighborhood, it’s a good idea to have your pet wear a reflective collar, leash or harness. For more safety measures, consider a lit-up collar or harness to make your pet easily seen and safe from cars, other dogs, excited candy go-getters, and other adults who may not be able to see your dog at night.

Double Check ID Tags and Microchips

Double check your dog’s tag to make sure it is up-to-date, secured safely, and attached to a collar or harness in the event your dog runs off. Even the most best-behaved dogs can get spooked by noises, Halloween decorations, cars, Halloween partygoers, or costumes.

This is also a great time to make sure your dog or cat is chipped, and the contact information is current. More pets end up in shelters during holidays than other times, and ensuring your pet can be returned to you will make you both feel better.

Ensure Comfort Over Cuteness for a Costume

Costume-loving pet parents should make sure the costume does not impede the dog’s sight, breathing, or ability to walk. Double check that the costume is comfortable and not too tight or too loose to trip over. Despite a cool evening, a dog may overheat while exercising and wearing a thick but cute costume.

Keep in mind that most pets do not enjoy dressing up and that they are the perfect cuteness without a costume.

Keep Glow Sticks in the Hands of Kids or Adults

Glow sticks are fun accessories that can help kids and adults be seen, but they should be kept away from pets. The chemical tastes badly and can make your dog or cat ill.

Have a Safe and Fun Halloween!

Most of all, we wish you a safe and fun Halloween full of good times, good friends, and great memories for you and your fur babies!