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Dog News

Dogs Choose Their Person Based on Bonds They Build

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woman and dog at beach overlooking ocean

Being immeshed in dog boarding, grooming, daycare, and training at The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa, we often see how much bonding occurs between a person and her dog. Even when a dog is part of a loving family, the dog attaches to one person over another.

Dogs recognize when their chosen”hooman” is at The Ranch to pick him up as evidenced by the tail wagging, whole body shakes, and vocal shrieks of pure delight and relief.

Those of us in rescue also know that when a dog is surrendered, he will often keep looking for his person or ones that look like his person as bonds last a lifetime.

So what is it that makes dogs bond to a certain person? Why does a dog choose one family member over another?

We set out to do some research, and this is what we found.

Dogs Bond Over Trust, Comfort, and Experiences

At The Ranch Pet Resort & Spa, we see bond connections all the time. While dogs are loving by nature and can form strong relationships with many people, they often have one person who feels like “home.”

One of the biggest influences is early experiences. Dogs tend to bond deeply with the people who were there for them during puppyhood—especially during those first few months when they are learning what safety and care feel like. Those early impressions can last a lifetime.

Another important factor is positive experiences. Dogs naturally gravitate toward the people who bring good things into their world—treats, playtime, affection, and encouragement. Over time, those positive moments add up and create a powerful emotional connection.

Consistency matters, too. Dogs feel safest with people they can rely on. The person who feeds them, walks them, keeps their routine steady, and shows up every day often becomes their trusted favorite. Predictability helps dogs relax and feel secure.

Personality plays a role as well. Some dogs are drawn to calm, gentle energy, while others love someone who is playful and outgoing. Dogs are incredibly tuned in to body language and tone of voice, and they tend to prefer people who make them feel understood and at ease.

And yes—sometimes it really is about scent. A dog may simply find comfort in the natural smell of a certain person, which helps them feel safe and connected.

How to Strengthen the Bond with Your Dog

Adorable Beagle dog puppy sleeping on young female owner's shoulder. Attractive woman spend leisure time and petting on her pet animal that lying down with gentle and happiness in living room at home.

If you want to strengthen your bond with a dog, focus on the little things. Spend quality time together. Take walks, play games, offer gentle affection, and stay patient and calm—especially with dogs who are nervous or adjusting to new environments. Trust grows through shared moments, consistent care, and time.

If you have recently adopted a dog, make sure you follow the 3:3:3 rule. Dogs need time to decompress, adjust, and feel safe enough to show their true personalities.

Dog Bonds are Not Accidental

A dog choosing their person is not random or accidental. It is built through kindness, reliability, and genuine connection—and that is what makes the bond so special.

So if you happen to be the “chosen one”, consider yourself lucky. You have earned yourself a place in the life of your dog.

Contact The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa for Your Dog’s Social Welfare

If you want to be number one in your dog’s life, we welcome you to try out The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa. Whether you want to pamper your dog with a day frolicking with friends, boarding with storytime, grooming, or professional training, we are here to assist. you. Contact us today to learn more.

Santa Paws is Coming to The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa

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The bigs and littles are so excited that Santa Paws is coming to The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa next Thursday, December 11, 2025.

Our Santa Paws Pawty is the talk of the play yard, with both bigs and littles suiting up for their ugly sweater contest, practicing their smiles for pictures with Santa, and wondering who is going to go home with the day’s prizes.

Santa Paws Pawty is pawsed to be one epic day, and we’d hate for you to miss out! There is still time to join the fun!

Call or contact us to add your dog to doggie daycare on Thursday, December 11, 2025. There is an additional $20 fee that goes toward providing all of the fun and activities and necessities to make Santa Paws Pawty memorable!

8 Amazing Ways Dogs Can Read People (Better Than You Think!)

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We already know dogs are smart—but it turns out, they might understand humans better than we realize. From sensing bad intentions to remembering a scent forever, here are some fascinating (and heartwarming) ways dogs pick up on behaviors we often miss.

1. They Know When Someone’s Being Mean

A study in the Journal of Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews showed that dogs can tell when someone treats you unfairly. Researchers tested this by having an actor stand next to a dog’s owner, who was struggling to open a sealed container. One actor helped, one stood by passively, and one refused to help at all.

When offered treats afterward, dogs gladly accepted from the helpful person, were mostly okay with the passive one, but avoided the person who refused to help. In other words—dogs remember who’s kind to their favorite human.

2. They Can Spot a Liar

In a Japanese study, dogs learned quickly not to trust someone who had tricked them. First, a person pointed to a container with treats. The dogs happily ran to it. But the second time, the person pointed to an empty container. When that same person later pointed to the treat container again… the dogs didn’t buy it. Once lied to, they weren’t fooled twice.

3. They Never Forget Their Owner’s Scent

Your scent is imprinted in your dog’s memory for life. When they catch a whiff of you—even after years apart—it triggers the “happy” part of their brain. Scientists have compared it to how a favorite perfume or cologne can instantly remind a human of someone they love.

4. They Read Facial Expressions

In an Austrian experiment, dogs were shown photos of unfamiliar people with happy or angry expressions. They consistently avoided touching the angry faces, even without knowing the people. This shows dogs understand the emotional meaning behind human expressions—even from strangers.

5. They Can Smell Bad Intentions

If your dog growls or avoids certain people, it may be because they sense your subtle, subconscious signals. You might be smiling and polite, but your body gives off tiny cues—like changes in scent caused by stress hormones—that your dog picks up instantly.


And yes, they really can smell fear. In one study of 694 people, anxious individuals were bitten more often by intimidating dogs than confident, calm people.

6. They Read Body Language (Like a Pro)

Dogs are masters of reading movement. Just as they watch other dogs to determine safety, they also pick up on every gesture we make. Even tiny shifts in posture, the way we hold our head, or how fast we move can give them important information about our mood or intentions.

7. They Can Detect Serious Illness

A dog’s nose is powerful enough to detect certain cancers, diabetes-related changes, and even diseases like malaria and Parkinson’s. Some trained dogs can predict seizures or migraines before they happen—literally saving lives.

8. They Know Which Dogs They Like (and Which They Don’t)

Just like with people, your dog’s reaction to another dog often comes down to body language and scent. If another dog’s stance feels threatening or their scent signals something “off,” your pup might bark, growl, or keep their distance.

Trust Your Dog’s Instinct

Dogs are incredible observers of the world—and of us. They’re not just reacting to what we say, but to how we move, smell, and feel.

So the next time your dog reacts strongly to a person or another dog, remember—they might just be picking up on something you can’t see.

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?

Fun Facts About Dogs

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For dog owners, our pups are more than just pets—they’re loyal friends, companions, and family members. Naturally, we want to know as much about them as possible. So, whether you’re a seasoned dog lover or just starting your pet journey, here are some fun dog facts.

Dogs’ Noses Are Wet for a Reason
A dog’s wet nose isn’t just cute—it’s functional. Dogs secrete a thin layer of mucus to help absorb scent chemicals. They often lick their noses to “taste” these smells, which enhances their ability to process and identify scents.

Dogs See Some Colors, Not Just Black and White
Contrary to popular belief, dogs aren’t completely colorblind. While they don’t see the full spectrum like humans, they can see shades of blue and yellow. Plus, their superior night vision gives them an edge in low-light situations.

Dogs Have a Paw Preference
Like humans, dogs can be right- or left-pawed. A study involving over 17,000 dogs found that about 74% had a preferred paw, with more being right-pawed than left.

Bloodhounds’ Noses Are So Accurate, They’re Used in Court
Bloodhounds can follow scent trails over 130 miles long and up to 300 hours old. Their tracking abilities are so reliable that their scent evidence is admissible in court.

Dogs Sweat Through Their Paws
Dogs primarily regulate body temperature by panting, but they also sweat—just through their paw pads. They have merocrine glands in their feet for sweating and apocrine glands that release unique scents for identification.

Dogs Have a Super Sense of Smell
Dogs have around 300 million scent receptors in their noses (compared to our 6 million). They also use a secondary system called the accessory olfactory system to detect pheromones, giving them incredible scent-detecting abilities.

A Dog’s Nose Print Is One of a Kind
Just like human fingerprints, every dog has a unique nose print. Some companies even offer dog nose print ID services for this reason!

Why Dogs Kick After “Going”
When your dog kicks up grass after doing their business, they’re not trying to cover it—they’re marking territory. Their paw pads release pheromones during this backward “scraping” motion, leaving a lasting scent behind.

Dogs Have a Third Eyelid
Dogs have an extra eyelid called the nictitating membrane. It helps clear debris from their eyes, distributes tears, and even supports immune defense.

Dogs Bring Out the Best in Us
Beyond all these facts, one truth stands out: dogs enrich our lives every day. Their loyalty, love, and quirky habits make them truly special companions.