The Ranch Pet Resort

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The Secret to Understanding Cat Behavior

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Felines, the mysterious creatures that lure many of us to love them by their distinctive “meows,” head batting, or body rubs against us, are often misunderstood. So what is the secret to understanding cat behavior? Our professionals in charge of our cat boarding programs at The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa shared some insight with us.

Cats Really Do Like Their Owners

In the competitive war of dogs vs cats, cats are often criticized for being finicky and not liking their owners where dogs are stereotyped for liking everyone!

But studies show that cats really do love their owners, just as much as dogs love theirs. Cats tend to gravitate toward the voice of their owners, often seeking them out simply through the sounds their humans make (source).

Cat owners don’t need proof their fur babies like them and resist the notion that they are only used as a source for food. Ask any cat owner to share stories with you about their cat running toward them to greet them, snuggling up with them on a cold winter’s day, or jumping on their computer during a writing session to demand attention.

“Only dog people believe the notion that cats are merely calculating fur balls who manipulate humans for the sake of a fresh plate of pate’,” jokes Sammie, who works with our cats on a daily basis.

“Cats show affection in a more elegant manner,” states Michael Gamache, owner of The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa. “They are descendants of wild cats from Africa which were solitary cats. This is a stark contradiction from dogs who prefer to show their love and affection by bounding in wildly, jumping all over their owners and covering them with kisses.”

Cats Demonstrate their Anger by Purposely Vomiting in High-Traffic Areas

Cat owners commonly discuss the occurrence of cat vomit often left in high-traffic areas. Be it fur balls, blades of grass, or undigested food, cats tend to puke and leave it for their humans to find it.

But why do cats vomit? Dog owners swear the vomit is a means to show their disdain for their humans, the dog they share the home with, their dislike of the new food, or just to irritate anyone in their path.

Truth be told, cats often vomit because they are upset. “Behavioral disorders are influenced by the immune system, and the immune system is influenced by the gut,” says Dr. Carlo Siracusa of the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine. So while our cats can show how cantankerous they are, their vomitous misgivings are often due to feeling upset, depressed, misunderstood, abandoned, scared, nervous or any number of feelings.

“Pay particular attention to the frequency of the mess,” adds Michael. “We don’t want to dismiss a medical condition, but we also like to rule out behavioral reasons for our felines leaving a mess of saliva filled grass or food.”

Cats Retain Memories and Dream

Cat owners never doubted the intelligence of their felines. Dr. Siracusa does confer that cats retain memories and dream. This may explain why a cat is hesitant to be in a situation or place that he or she has had a bad experience, such as a carrier or the vet or the groomer. At the same time, they will also be open to reliving positive experiences such as special nap time with their preferred people or friends.

Watching a cat sleep often results in seeing their paws move back and forth in a running motion, viewing their mouths twitch much like they do when “talking” to birds, or suddenly jolting awake.

“Going over the day’s events and storing things in their memory banks,” is the source of dreams cites Karen Hiestand, clinical veterinarian of the University of Sussex. “There’s no reason to think their brains would work so differently to ours in that respect.”

Choose The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa for Your Cat Boarding Needs

The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa is known for our state-of-the-art cat boarding facilities. Our four-level cat accommodations come with all the comforts of home and plenty of space to perch, play, and relax.

Our fresh, bright cat room is separated from our canine guests for an atmosphere of peace and calmness kitties prefer.

Contact us today for all of your cat boarding needs!

Howl-o-Ween is Coming to The Ranch!

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Dog owners, it’s that “wicked and ghoulish” time of year known as Howl-o-Ween! Our beloved daycare dogs transform from sweet, playful, bouncy, lovable and huggable fur babies to ghouls, ghosts, super heroes, athletes, monsters, and more!

Mark your calendars for Howl-o-Ween 2024. This fun event is a staff and owner favorite for daycare dogs who compete for the best Howl-o-Ween costume. Your fur baby will be captured in costume with a specially designed, spooktacular backdrop- just perfect for the occasion.

Big dogs, little dogs, dogs with hair, and dogs with flair pose playfully in some of the best costumes ever conceived. All of this is only available at The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa!

Stay tuned for more details, as our staff is hard at work coming up with an even better party than last year. Competition is stiff, so we recommend you start planning your dog’s costume sooner rather than later!

Check our blog and social media sites for past year’s fun and excitement!

The Bubble Party was a Popping Good Time!

We want to thank all of the dogs who participated in our Bubble Party. Based on the images snapped and all of the snapping that went on as bacon bubbles were blown for our guests, everyone had a yummy good time!

The Ranch prides ourselves in creating events that make it fun for our dogs to be away from their families. We want our guests to feel at home while in our care, and the Bacon Bubble Party is always a big hit.

Honestly, we aren’t sure who had more fun-the staff or the dogs! With bubbles overflowing and dogs chasing them, we had a lot of laughs and wore out a lot of pups!

Here are just a few images of the great time. More images and fun can be seen on our Facebook and Instagram pages.

Contact The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa for all of Your Dog Boarding, Grooming, and Daycare Needs

The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa would be honored to be your go-to place for all of your dog and cat boarding, grooming, and daycare needs. Please contact us for more information or to reserve your stay!

Sign Your Pup up for the Bacon Bubble Party on September 16!

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Dogs love chasing bubbles, and when those bubbles are flavored with bacon, it’s a combination that’s simply irresistible!

There’s something magical about watching a dog leap, twirl, and dart around trying to catch those floating orbs, especially when each bubble brings a burst of delicious bacon flavor.

We are thrilled to announce that the beloved Bacon Bubble Party is making its return to the Ranch Pet Resort and Spa on September 16!

This exciting event is designed to give your furry friend the chance to indulge in a delightful bubble-chasing adventure unlike any other. Imagine your dog jumping joyfully through the air, surrounded by bubbles that taste like bacon—a dream come true for our four-legged guests!

Join the Fun! Here’s the Scoop on Our Bacon Bubble Party on September 16

Here’s how your pup can join in on the fun: dogs who are registered for doggie daycare or boarding on March 10th will automatically be eligible to participate in the Bacon Bubble Party.

For just $20, in addition to the cost of daycare or boarding, your dog will have the chance to enjoy an unforgettable day of playing and chasing lickable, bacon-flavored bubbles.

It’s the perfect opportunity for your pet to have a blast, get some great exercise, and maybe even make a few new friends!

Don’t Miss Out on Bubble Fun!

Don’t let your pup miss out on the bubbly bacon fun! If you have any questions or are ready to sign up your dog for this special event, reach out to our friendly team at The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa.

We’re here to help you make your dog’s day as amazing as possible. Become your dog’s best friend for life by treating them to this one-of-a-kind experience!

Contact us today to reserve your spot at the Bacon Bubble Party—spaces are limited, and the fun is guaranteed!

Professional Dog Training Offered by The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa

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The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa offers professional dog training services. Whether you want your dog to brush up on basic obedience skills, get training on basic commands, or unlearn bad habits, our professional dog trainers can help!

No one wants to be around a dog who lacks manners, but without training, a dog only acts out of impulse. When a dog is trained to behave in a manner that comes naturally to their actions using positive reinforcement, both the dog and the owners are happier.

The Benefits of Training Your Dog

Dogs who are trained are less likely to destroy your property, ingest materials that could be harmful or deadly, avoid getting hit by cars or running away, get into fights with other dogs, experience situations with ease and calm versus anxiety, and maintain a friendly disposition that makes others want to be around them.

Trained dogs exhibit more self-confidence rather than fear or anxiety and are really fun to be around. The training process causes a bond between owner and dog and teaches the dog the leader of the pack is always the owner, not the dog.

Dogs are very social animals, meant to be part of the pack. Training reinforces their basic needs to be mentally stimulated and allows them to be more social with others.

Why Does an Untrained Dog Misbehave?

A dog doesn’t knowingly get into trouble or cause you stress. He misbehaves out of boredom, stress, anxiety, to get your attention, health reasons, inconsistencies in his routine, or to serve a purpose from his bloodlines.

Huskies, for example, are meant to pull objects, work in packs, and run. They also like to dig to provide comfort, protection, or to cool off. These dogs aren’t acting badly if they run away or need a lot of exercise or dig a hole in your garden-these are their natural tendencies. What you may perceive as bad behavior may be an action that is bred in their bloodlines.

Understanding why your dog behaves in a certain way is the key to a better relationship between you and your dog.

With Professional Dog Training by The Ranch, we can train your dog to use its natural behaviors to be a good dog each and every day.

Types of Behaviors Trained by Our Professional Dog Trainers

Our professional dog trainers are used to dealing with dogs with a variety of behaviors. Some of the behaviors we overcome are:

  • Chewing
  • Anxiety
  • Pulling
  • Leash reactivity
  • Jumping
  • Manners
  • House training
  • Mouthing
  • Anxiety
  • Socialization
  • Destructive Tendencies
  • Barking

Benefits to Professional Dog Training at The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa

When you bring your dog to The Ranch for Professional Dog Training, you are putting your dog in the hands of some of the best dog trainers in the Tri-Valley area.

Our trainers are educated in a variety of training techniques based on positive reinforcement and natural canine motivations.

We create personalized training plans for every dog and owner, and we work with you to fit the training into your schedule and focus on what your dog needs.

We use a balanced approach to training that’s tailored to your dog’s unique personality.

Our facility is top-notch, offering a secure and organized space with minimal distractions so your dog can learn effectively.

Owners can choose from our Stay and Train or our Play and Train packages. Dog enrolled in Stay and Train enjoy overnights in our state-of-the-art facility, play with other dogs, and have access to the Tri-Valley’s one and only dog water park.

Contact The Ranch to set up your Professional Dog Training package. You and your dog will be happy you made that call!

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.