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Dog Care

How Dogs Play at Different Ages

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Just like people, dogs change as they grow—and that includes how they play! Puppies are little balls of energy, adults tend to settle into a rhythm, and seniors may slow down but still enjoy a good game. Here’s how play behavior shifts as dogs get older.

Puppies (Under 6 Months)

All Energy, All the Time
Puppies are super curious and love to explore the world through play.

They Play A LOT
They can go for hours and seem like they never get tired.

Learning Through Play
Play helps them understand how to interact with people and other dogs.

Figuring Out Boundaries
Rough-and-tumble play teaches important lessons like when to stop and how to be gentle.

Tip: This is the perfect time to encourage good play habits!

Adolescents (6–18 Months)

Play Gets Rougher
Teenage dogs are full of energy and might play harder than before.

Pushing Limits
They may test the rules or challenge other dogs during play.

Pickier About Playmates
They start forming preferences about who they want to play with.

Watch for Overexcitement
These dogs can get overstimulated quickly, so supervision is key.

Consider structured games to help burn off energy while teaching focus.

Adult Dogs (18 Months to Around 7 Years)

They Know What They Like
Adults often have a favorite toy, game, or playmate.

More Chill
They still enjoy playing, but usually in a calmer way.

Selective Players
Some are still super playful—others, not so much.

Different for Every Dog
One adult dog might chase a ball all day, while another just wants belly rubs.

Related: Best Toys for Adult Dogs

Senior Dogs (7+ Years)

Slower Pace
Older dogs may not have the same stamina they used to.

Mobility Issues
Things like arthritis can make high-energy games uncomfortable.

Adjust the Game
Try gentler play like short tug-of-war, food puzzles, or sniff-and-find games.

Mental Changes Too
Cognitive decline may affect how they interact or understand play.

Play helps seniors stay mentally sharp and emotionally connected.

Key Things to Remember

  • Every Dog’s Different: Age is a factor, but personality matters too.
  • Health = Playfulness: A dog’s health can affect how much (or how little) they want to play.
  • Start Young: Dogs who play and socialize early tend to grow into confident, happy adults.
  • Always Supervise: Make sure play stays safe and fun for everyone involved—especially when mixing dogs of different ages or sizes.

Keep Play Fun at Any Age

Understanding how your dog’s play changes as they grow helps you give them what they need at every stage of life. Whether they’re full of puppy zoomies or just want a quiet game of fetch, playtime is always a chance to bond.

Want more tips? Subscribe to our newsletter for weekly dog-friendly games, training tips, and more! Simply email info@theranchpetresort.com and ask to be added to the email list!

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?

Hot Weather Reminders for Our Furry Friends

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Summer is right around the corner, and The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa wants to remind you to protect our furry friends during the hot weather. Whether you’re at home, traveling, or driving, it’s important to remember that our pets can’t cool off like we can.

Tips to Keep Your Dogs and Cats Cool During Hot Weather

Dogs pant to cool off and cats cool off by grooming themselves and releasing heat through their paw pads. We can help our pets cool off with some planning and preparation.

Here are some tips to keep your dogs and cats cool during hot weather:

  • Always provide fresh, cool drinking water
  • Only exercise your pets during cooler weather
  • Never leave your pet in a car even if you think it is not hot outside; the weather inside a car can heat up quickly in a short amount of time
  • Close blinds, shades, and curtains to cool down a room
  • Provide a cooling towel, mat, or pad for your pet to rest on or near
  • Use a fan inside but allow your dog to get relief from its cooling breeze
  • Place ice cubes or ice treats in your dog’s water or dish; these also provide fun toys for cats to play with. Since their paws absorb heat, playing with ice treats can keep your cat cool
  • Fill a shallow pool with water to play or splash around in
  • Use a mister or sprinkler for outside, cooling fun
  • Bring dogs and cats inside with air conditioning, fans, or open windows; animals can easily overheat just by lying in the sun

Signs of Heatstroke in a Dog or Cat

In the event that you think your dog or cat is overheated, be aware of these symptoms:

  • Panting in cats-cats don’t pant naturally like dogs do. In the event your cat is panting, this may be a sign that your cat has heatstroke.
  • Glazed eyes
  • Lethargy
  • Lack of appetite
  • Loss of balance or wobbly walking
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Rapidly beating heart
  • Vomiting
  • Seizures
  • Gums or tongue being exceptionally red
  • Collapsing

If you see any of these signs in your dog or cat, please contact your vet immediately. Take your pet to a cooler location, or place in front of a fan, place a cool towel on your pet, and give your dog or cat cool water but not ice water. Cool the pet slowly, not quickly, as that can be more dangerous.

For a Fun Summer Getaway for Your Dog or Cat, Consider The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa

If you are looking to get away for the summer, consider sending your dog or cat to The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa. Our dog suits and cat condos are temperature-controlled to keep your pet safe, cool, and happy.

Our state-of-the-art water park offers a fun time for dogs to splash in water and stay cool. Even dogs who didn’t like water have a great time running and splashing in the pool. It’s like summer camp for your dog or cat at The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa.

Contact us today for a stay and play for your dog or cat as we are filling up quickly!

Have a safe and fun summer and remember to keep cool!

It’s National Hug Your Dog Day! But Does Your Dog Really Like to Be Hugged?

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April 10 is National Hug Your Dog Day, but those of us at The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa know most dogs don’t like being hugged and can, in fact, stress them out. Hugging a dog is not a natural action for a dog, an in fact, it can cause a dog to feel tense, anxious, and trapped. Dogs show affection by loose body moves and by leaning into you.

The best way to show your dog you love him or her on National Hug Your Dog Day is to pet your dog on the chest, pat her on the head, or give her a good ol’ fashion belly rub!

At The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa, our dogs in doggie daycare or boarding are loved every day! For a list of fees or services, please click here. Pats and affection given daily!

National Dog Bite Prevention Week

The second week in April is also delegated as National Dog Bite Prevention Week. A great way to prevent being bitten is to be educated and aware of a dog’s propensity to bite with these tips:

  • Don’t hug a dog for the reasons mentioned above
  • Never approach an unfamiliar dog
  • Ask permission before petting someone’s dog
  • Watch the body language of a dog-avoid dogs that are tense or growling
  • Never run from a dog-whether in chase or on a “hunt,” the risk of being bitten goes up
  • Avoid touching dogs that are sleeping, eating, or protecting something
  • If a strange dog approaches, stand still with your hands to your side until it goes away
  • When meeting a dog, allow it to approach you, and offer a clenched fist
  • Avoid the face and mouth of a dog
  • Do not tug on a dog or allow children to crawl or climb on a dog. Even the most well-meaning dog is capable of biting
  • Avoid looking a dog straight in the eye
  • Never tease a dog
  • Socialize your dog
  • Spay and neuter your dog
  • Train your dog
  • Supervise children when near dogs and teach them to respect dogs and their bodies
  • Avoid moving quickly around a dog who may be startled and reactive
  • If possible, ignore a barking dog until it stops barking at you. Either remove yourself from the situation if it is not your dog or wait for the behavior to stop before interacting with the dog.
  • Never pin down, hit, or punish a dog for a natural behavior that you see as “aggressive” as doing so may cause the dog to become aggressive

Any Dog Can Bite

No one wants to believe their dog is capable of biting or causing harm or injury to anyone. But the fact remains, a dog who feel threatened, scared, trapped, or is under socialized and untrained is capable of biting.

Avoid the consequences of a biting dog by reading our tips, clicking on the links for more information, or enrolling in our behavioral training programs.

“Dogs don’t bit out of the blue. So stay safe and know the signs.”





Why Does My Dog Do That?

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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.

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.