The Ranch Pet Resort

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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.

Why Does My Cat Rub Against Me?

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Cat Expresses Affection Through Leg Rubbing, Marking Territory And Showing Trust. This Behavior Signifies Comfort, Creating A Bond Between Feline And Human. Cartoon Vector Illustration

When The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa has the pleasure of boarding our clients’ cats, we often fall in love! Soft purrs, gentle nose bumps, tiny meows, the occasional reach out with the paw, and soft, full body rubs us often melt our hearts.

More often than not, our visiting cats rub against us, which led us to share with the simple answer to the question, Why Does My Cat Rub Against Me?

Top Reasons Your Cat Rubs Against You

Cats are pretty clear about their intentions, and their needs are few. When a cat rubs its body against you, it is trying to communicate with you. Here are the Top Reasons Your Cat Rubs Against You:

Communication Through Physical Touch

Cats use body language as their primary means of communication. When a cat rubs against you, which is also called bunting or head butting it is showing affection towards you.

Consider rubbing as cat speak for “I love you,” “I’m happy and content,” and “I care about you.” It’s their way of communicating how secure they feel and reinforcing their bond with you.

Marking Territory

Cats rub against you to mark their territory. Cats have scent glands located around their head, cheeks, and base of the tail. When they rub against you, they’re depositing their scent as a form of marking.

This behavior is rooted in their instinct to mark their territory and claim their space. It also serves to make their environment smell more familiar and comfortable.

Seeking Attention

If your cat rubs against you, it might be asking for something—whether it’s food, playtime, or a petting session. As time goes on, you will be able to determine what need your cat has when it rubs against you. But understanding all of these cues can help you better respond to your feline friend’s needs and strengthen your bond.

Social Bonding

When cats rub against each other, it’s often a sign of social bonding. The same behavior directed towards you is a sign of affection and trust. Your cat sees you as a close companion, much like they would another cat they get along with.

Comfort and Security

For many cats, rubbing against their favorite human or object is a way of seeking comfort and reinforcing their sense of security. It’s especially common in senior cats who may be more focused on maintaining their comfort and safety.

Health Concern

If you notice changes in how or how often your cat is rubbing, or if they seem unusually persistent, it could be a sign of discomfort or a health issue. If the behavior changes significantly, it’s always a good idea to check with your vet to ensure everything is okay.

Enjoy the time your cat is spending with you! These special moments make for a firm bond and socially prepared cat. A cat who shows love by rubbing is a happy and content cat!

Ways to Keep Your Pet Safe this Fourth of July

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Fourth of July, the Nation’s birthday, is a time for fun, family, friends, food, and fireworks in some areas. But for our furry friends, who aren’t used to the crowds, noises, amount of people, and certainly the boom of explosions, this can also a time of fear and anxiety.

The Ranch Pet and Resort and Spa offers these suggestions to keep your pets safe this Fourth of July.

  • Keep your pets home while you enjoy Fourth of July festivities. Not only can the experience cause stress and anxiety, the hot weather can cause stroke or heat exhaustion.
  • Put a GPS tag on your pet’s collar in the event it does escape. The Fourth of July is one of the busiest times of the year for already over-crowded shelters, and you want to make sure you get your dog or cat back.
  • Bring your cats and dogs inside well before fireworks could possibly go off. Even in areas where fireworks are not allowed, some people will set them off. With your dog and cat inside the house, you eliminate, or at least severely decrease, the possibility that your pet can escape.
  • Consider putting a Thundershirt or tight piece of clothing on your cat or dog to make it feel safe.
  • Turn on the TV or radio to eliminate or diffuse the sounds of fireworks.
  • Close all windows and doors. Close curtains to eliminate visual stimulation.
  • Provide a safe and quiet space for your pet to retreat in the event it gets scared and wants to hide. A crate or room can serve as a safe place to retreat while you enjoy the nights’ events. Include toys, treats, and lots of blankets to hide under.
  • Provide air conditioning, cooling blankets, and plenty of fresh water for your pets to keep cool.
  • For severe trauma, ask your veterinarian about anxiety medications or CBD products.
  • Consider hiring a pet sitter to stay with your dog or cat while you go out.
  • Be very careful when opening the door or allowing your dog outside to go to the bathroom. Even the most well-behaved and most trusted dog can get spooked and run away.
  • Make sure your dog or cat is wearing a collar with your current address or phone number on it.
  • Put a leash or harness on your dog when taking it out to the bathroom in the event it gets spooked.
  • Check all fences for loose boards and secure all latches on gates and doors.
  • In the event your dog does escape, immediately put an alert out to your Neighborhood Outlets such as Nextdoor and social media platforms. Put up fliers around the neighborhood, vet offices, and make a report with your nearest animal shelter while you look for your dog.
  • Microchip your pet! You have a much higher chance for getting your pet back.

Happy Fourth of July from The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa

The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa wishes you, your family, friends, and pets a very happy Fourth of July. Celebrating the birthday of our nation is a time to celebrate, and we want to make sure all of you enjoy the day while keeping your pets happy and safe as well!