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Pet Care

Why Does My Dog Do That? Examining Odd Behaviors in our Beloved Dogs

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The other day, our dog, Ryder, stealthily picked up the cat’s empty food bowl and brought it upstairs to his favorite human. This is the same dog who picks up full bowls of dog food and moves them away from our other dogs to eat by himself, always leaving a trail of kibble.

It doesn’t take Google to figure out why our dog brought up the cat’s dish. It was 6 o’clock, and he was hungry. The cat’s food dish is easier to pick up then his dog bowl which is sunken into an above ground feeder to make it easier for a larger dogs to eat.

But dogs can sometimes exhibit odd behavior that leaves us wondering, Why does my dog do that?

In a new series of blogs, The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa is going to examine the behaviors we often find odd in our dogs and our cats!

Addressing the Elephant in the Room-Why Does My Dog Hump Other Dogs?

Dogs hump other dogs for a variety of reasons that aren’t always sexual in nature. In fact, both male and female dogs hump; both spayed and neutered dogs hump. But why?

If a male senses a female is in heat, then he will mount her due to his testosterone. But there a variety of reasons a dog humps another dog or even humans and these include:

  • Attention
  • Excitability
  • Anxiety
  • Dominance
  • Sign of play

Dogs often seek the attention of the ones they care about the most, and humping can be a behavior a dog exhibits to greet its human or to show how excited it is. Legs are an easy target to hump, as is a back if a person is sitting down.

While annoying and embarrassing, humping a person is a normal behavior for a dog. To decrease this behavior, redirect your dog with a toy or a behavior that is more appropriate such as playing fetch, doing a food puzzle, or chewing on a treat.

Some dogs hump because they are anxious or nervous and the stress is exhibited by humping. Redirect your dog by calming it and having it sit next to you while you pet it and reassure it.

Dogs have a pack order, and a more assertive dog might turn to humping to show its status in the pack. This behavior isn’t normally the first behavior a dog exerts to gain status, but it clearly indicates to another dog who is the alpha dog and leader of the pack.

Dogs hump when they are playing. This is a common behavior often seen between a dog and a cat who are companions. When a dog humps a cat, it can be a sign of affection or a reaction to a conflict between the two.

When Does Humping Become a Problem in a Dog?

The humping behavior in a dog is usually not a problem and can be redirected with the tips we mentioned above.

In the event your dog humps obsessively, this may be a sign of a more serious behavior problem. Talk to your vet or a behaviorist who can help you determine why your dog humps and what action to take.

For more information or resources regarding humping, please refer to this article.

Choosing the Right Dog for You!

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66% of U.S. households own a dog (Forbes 2023). With so many dog breeds available, how can you choose the right dog for you?

Research Different Breeds

The first piece of advice The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa would give you regarding bringing a dog into your household is to make sure you research the breeds you are considering. Different dogs have different needs; make sure you are able to meet their needs and they can meet yours.

Consider such traits as activity level, size, height, weight, grooming needs, need for attention, affection, attachment, or a job, intelligence, physical traits such as hair or fur, long snout or short stout with wrinkles, bulging eyes, erect or floppy ears, prey dog or low prey drive, child friendly; loyal or more independent; or vocal or more quiet just to give some suggestions.

You can get advice online, by asking people who own the dog you want, getting information from a reputable breeder or rescue, speaking with your vet, visiting dog shows, your local dog shelter, or pet adoption fairs.

Consider Space When Choosing the Right Dog for You

Some dogs need a lot of room to run and roam and would fare better with a large yard, while others have low exercise needs and could do better in an apartment, condo, or townhome.

Large dogs take up a lot of space in the home, so make sure you are comfortable sharing your home with a big bestie. Big dogs need big beds whether they sleep on the floor or in bed with you!

Smaller dogs can be content in smaller dog beds and definitely take up less room under your covers.

Crates work really well for dogs, as they are used to sleeping in dens in the wild. But make sure the crate is large enough for the dog to fully stand up and turn around.

Dogs love to ride in cars, so if you’re planning on adopting a Bernese Mountain Dog or Mastiff, a car’s back seat or rear area would work best! Little dogs often have their own car seat beds and take up little space. In either case, it is a good idea to seatbelt your dog.

Calculate Expense- Dogs are Not Cheap

Whether you are getting a dog from a breeder, rescuing from the shelter, or getting a dog from a friend, all dogs cost money. There is typically a fee for the dog. If a dog doesn’t already come with a full series of shots, he will need his vaccines.

To avoid unwanted pregnancy and reduce the risk of cancer in dogs, spaying or neutering your dog is a good idea. Check with your local veterinarian as costs do differ based on weight and other considerations.

Dogs need food all the time! Whether your dog prefers dry, wet, or homemade, you need to budget for food.

Toys, collars, leashes, training paraphernalia and classes, puppy pads, nutrients, vitamins, calming treats, bedding, treats, dog bowls, poop bags, medicines, pet insurance, boarding, and pet sitting, are not cheap! Be prepared to spend a lot of money before you even get your dog.

Emergencies might occur. This is an unexpected expense that can cost you a lot of money, so factor that in when you are calculating your expenses.

Don’t Forget Pet Care

Pet care does not just mean routine maintenance of vaccinations. Some dogs need frequent grooming, brushing, or bathing to keep them healthy and comfortable.

Some dogs have medical issues that require a monthly prescription or routine administration that adds to their care.

Routing dog maintenance is important, so don’t forget to take your pet to your favorite veterinarian.

Consider The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa for Your Dog’s Needs!

The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa is excited for anyone who is choosing a dog. As dog lover’s ourselves, we know how much joy and happiness a dog can bring to a person.

If your new dog needs behavior lessons, doggie daycare, grooming, or boarding, The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa would be happy to assist you!

Do Animals Dream? What Do They Dream About?

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Happy Dreams after a day at The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa

The other night my dog, Lola, was sleeping on my bed and she started whimpering. Her feet started moving in a running motion and her eyes, while shut, twitched.

I patted her gently to reassure her she was safe, and I was there to protect her. Her frantic motions and whimpering stopped without her waking up, at least to my knowledge.

Last night, my cat, Turkey (yes, we have a cat named Turkey), was sound asleep on my chest. Suddenly and without any warning to me, he jumped up, opened his eyes, and looked around. He immediately settled back to sleep with no further jumping motions.

These actions, and years of watching my many animals and fosters make motions when they sleep, made me question if animals dream like humans do, and if they do, what do they dream about?

Mammals Do Dream During REM

According to an article in Psychology Today, mammals do dream during periods of REM sleep, our deepest sleep cycle. REM, Rapid Eye Movement, allows for vivid dreams and occurs during the end of the sleep cycle (source).

If your dog or cat is experiencing twitching sensations, it is in REM sleep and dreaming about a sensation it experienced during wakefulness.

So, the dog moving its legs in a running or swimming motion is very likely chasing the ball you threw it, re-enacting the swim it took, or possibly running from something frightening.

In my case, my dogs’ whimpers may have been from a trauma she suffered before we adopted her just a few months ago.

Turkey jumped in fear of something, and for Turkey, that something could be his own shadow, as he really is a scaredy cat.

Animals Dream Based on Their Sensory Factor

Daniel Graham, Ph.D. explains that animals dream based on what senses they use most often. Cats, Dr. Graham said, explore the world visually, so their dreams would be based upon actions, events, people, or animals they see.

Mice, on the other hand, experience the world via smell. So, their dreams are about food, flowers, garbage, other mice, or whatever fascinating item they smelled that day.

Imagine dreaming in smells over sights. That dream experience could be wonderful if you visited a bakery, flower shop, or bread store; if you visited the junkyard or changed your baby’s dirty diaper, you may not want to go to sleep that night.

Should You Wake a Dog or Cat if it is Having a Bad Dream?

Perhaps the phrase, “let sleeping dogs lie” should be rephrased to “let dogs experiencing what looks like a nightmare lie.”

When your dog or cat is experiencing what appears to be a nightmare-legs twitching, eyes blinking rapidly, body shaking, voice whimpering, it’s best not to wake your dog or cat.

The dog or cat may awaken in a dream state (similar to when we wake not knowing where we are or what day it is) and cause injury to you, thinking you are part of its dream (source).

If your dog or cat is having a bad dream, gently call its name until it comes out of the dream state.

No Bad Dreams at The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa

The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa is such a fun, active, and safe place that we can’t imaging your dog or cat going to sleep afraid or experiencing nightmares.

During our boarding sessions, dogs get story time with our friendly and compassionate staff, and then they get tucked into our soft beds!

Cats get purr time when they are boarded, with staff making sure all bedding is soft and clean and nightmare free! Our cats are houses away from the dogs, making their stay quiet, peaceful, and serene.

Book Your Stay at The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa

The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa is the premier dream destination for your dog or cat. We would love to have your dog or cat stay with us. Simply click here to make your reservation!

What Does My Dog’s Behavior Mean?

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Before we had dog behaviorists to analyze what our dog’s behavior meant, we may have misinterpreted what our best friends wanted to communicate with us.

Does a wagging tail really mean our dog is happy to see us? Does sitting by the food bowl and barking really signify our dogs are hungry? Could she really be manipulating us to get an extra meal, snack, or treat?

Does a dog who is whining and whimpering need medical care, exercise, love, attention, or a friend?

Are dog owners correct in imposing our feelings and sensations onto our dogs, or do does have they own form of communication?

The research team at The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa sought ought these answers (no, we don’t really have a research team, just a behaviorists who are “in the know” and want to share this information with others)!

Common Dog Behaviors and What They Signify

Tail wagging: you aren’t wrong if you assumed tail wagging is a sign of happiness in a dog. According to pet experts at Pet Helpful, tail wagging also signifies that a dog wants to play, is friendly, or is being submissive. A rapidly wagging tail is indicative of a happy, carefree dog; a steady wagging tail held in a natural position suggests your pup wants to play; and a rapidly wagging tail held in a downward position means your dog is being submissive.

Digging: a digging dog, especially one that is digging in your flower bed, doesn’t mean to be naughty and bothersome! He is reacting out of a natural tendency to bury or uncover a treat or treasure, protect young, cool off, or uncover a small critter. This last behavior is especially common in dogs bred for hunting.

Yawning: A yawning dog doesn’t necessarily need a nap. She may be anxious, confused, stressed, experiencing a new situation or presence that makes her uncomfortable or threatened, or meeting a new dog. Yawning eases pressure and tension. (source).

Panting: a dog can’t sweat like a human, so it pants to cool itself and to avoid overheating. A dog may also pant if it is in pain or about to deliver a litter of puppies.

Staring: Most parents have taught their kids that staring is rude! But be aware that a dog who stares at you can either be showing aggression, love, or submissiveness, or awareness. A dog who stares with wide eyes is alert; if he shows the whites of his eyes he most likely feels threatened and may be prone to attack. A dog whose stare is intense and narrows is trying to dominate you. A polite or submissive dog will look away after staring for a brief time. Should your dog blink at you, she is showing how much she loves you, that she wants to play, or both!

Showing the belly: A dog who lays on its back feels safe and secure. This is a very vulnerable position and expresses deep comfort and relaxation and trust. He may also be signifying to you or another dog that he has accepted a more submissive role, that he is cooling himself off, or he is just more comfortable sleeping on his back. Like humans, dogs have preferred comfort positions when sleeping.

Raised hackles: Raised hackles are a result of a surge in adrenaline either from fear, curiosity, excitement, arousal, or if it’s a hunting dog, smelling prey (source).

Licking: Dogs lick, it’s what they do. The important piece of information is why dogs lick. Dogs lick themselves to groom, relieve allergies, clean a sore, and to feel calm and relaxed. If you are the lucky recipient of a dog’s lick, it means your dog loves you and wants to bond with you. Licking is a natural and instinctive action and a way for your dog to express itself (source).

Pay Attention to Your Dogs Behaviors

While this list of dog behaviors is only a short one, and we may never understand why dogs behave the ways they do, it’s more important to pay attention to your dog and the conditions under which it behaves.

The more you understand about your dog’s behaviors, the better of a relationship you have with your dog. A better-behaved dog makes for a happy dog-human relationship.

The Challenges and Joys of Bringing Home a New Dog

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The staff of The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa are huge animal lovers, with many of us accepting multiple animals into our homes. When the situation arises with adding a new dog to our home, there can be complications as well as joys.

Whether you are adding a new dog into your family because of the passing of your dog, as in our case, or want a companion for your current dog, also in our case, want a dog for protection, companionship, or just happened to come across a dog that needs a home, The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa would like to address the challenges and joys of bringing home a new dog.

Filling the Void of a Beloved Dog

When our family decided to fill the void of our beloved dog of 14 years who had just passed, emotions were mixed. A few family members chose to keep the status quo and let our older dogs live out their lives without adding a new dog, and a few others wanted to fill that void with the pitter patter of new paws.

We carefully chose not to use the word, replace, when filling the void, as that word suggests our former dog could be replaced.

We chose to look at our situation as choosing to bring a new dog into our home to relieve the sadness that came with losing a family member who was with us through good and bad for 14 years.

Decide What Characteristics You Want In a New Dog

The Ranch has the benefit of seeing so many breeds of dogs, sizes of dogs, and both genders. What we can say is, “No two dogs are the same, and we can’t stereotype a breed of dog.”

With that thought in mind, we searched for a dog that had the qualities we wanted in a dog. We are an active family, so we wanted a dog that wanted to hike, swim, play, go on trips and adventures, and play in the snow!

We wanted an older dog, as we didn’t want to go through puppy hood all over again. We had hopes of getting a dog that was already potty trained and also wanted a dog that was crate trained!

We set our sites high for a dog that would get along with cats and our Giant Flemish Rabbit.

But most of all, we wanted a dog that would love us unconditionally and who could serve as a sense of support for our son to carry on the mission of our dog who just passed.

When Looking for the Right Dog, Take Your Time

When we decided to get serious about adding a new fur baby to our family, we searched the internet for dogs who needed homes, starting with PetFinder, the rescue sites, reputable breeders, sites that specialized in breeds we wanted, and Nextdoor!

Our list of what we wanted in a dog was long, so we focused on the importance of a breed that wasn’t a herding dog for the safety of our cats and Giant Flemish Rabbit. We relied on the knowledge of the caregivers of the dogs to get to know their varied personalities, and then we sought out to meet them.

As we met dogs in person, we made three evaluations:

  1. The dog just wasn’t a right match.
  2. We needed a second visit with the dog to see if the dog got along with our older dogs.
  3. We instantly loved the dog, but weren’t ready to commit. As the matriarch of the family, I knew the dog was going to be with me long after all my children left home, and I wanted to make sure the dog was as much a match for me as it was for the rest of my family.

In the case of numbers 2 and 3, we found that we waited too long and the dog got adopted, which made us both happy for the dog and sad for us. But we knew there was another dog out there for us, and that we needed to take time to find the right dog.

Finding the Right Dog to Bring Home to our Family-Or Did We?

When we met Rio, he had the look and characteristics we wanted-an active younger dog with the personality of a giant love bug. Short fur, though not a priority, was exciting to me as I just gained hours of time for not having to vacuum!

He was two-years old, gorgeous, cuddled up to my son, lived with another dog, had all of his shots and vaccines, was neutered, walked well on a leash, lived with a family including a baby, and was labeled a lab mix, a breed we had owned several times and always co-existed with our cats and rabbit without any issues.

We agreed to foster to adopt and much to the fosters’ sadness, Rio hopped in our car happily as we drove away.

While Rio looked great on paper, the dog we brought home was a hot mess. Through no fault of his own, he was a rescue dog who lived the first year and nine months in a shelter.

When a dog isn’t socialized as a young dog or has had a traumatic experience, that fear stays with them.

Rio was very timid and shied away from new events and situations. While “housebroken” at his foster home, he had several accidents at ours. He didn’t follow basic recall and loved to be “chased” when we wanted him to come or drop something or take him for a walk.

Worst of all, Rio chased our rabbit and cats at first. Upon looking at him more carefully and watching his habits, we believe we had indeed just brought home a hound dog, whose very love is following the scent of prey!

Three Days, Three Weeks, Three Months-Tips to Dog Adjustment in a New Home

Behaviorists like to share their tips about having a new dog come into your home with the 3-3-3 rule.

Three days-give the dog three days to decompress and settle into your new home. Life in a new home is full of excitement! Think of going on vacation-for most people, it takes us a good few days to settle in and enjoy our time away from our every day life. A dog is no exception.

Three weeks- by three weeks, a dog’s routine is fairly adjusted to yours.

Three months- at this milestone, the dog learns to bond and trust you. He accepts that he is part of the family, and the honeymoon has begun!

Rio, now Ryder, has just completed his three month milestone, and while he still is a work in progress, he has come so far! He has bonded with my son, which was the most important feature, and has learned to adjust to the cats, not without a few scratches.

Sadly, our Giant Flemish rabbit passed away while in the vet’s care, so that obstacle has been removed.

We also discovered that Ryder has a very playful nature when he is comfortable, so we decided to pay it forward by rescuing a dog off death row.

Ryder’s pal, now Charlie, went from the dog house to the pool house and lives happily on a golf course with a family who loves him enough to promise him a lifetime of love and affection!

We can’t wait for Ryder to become part of the pack of dogs at The Ranch Pet Resort’s doggies daycare or boarding. He will definitely be signed up for our Stay and Train Dog Obedience Program.

Stay and Play at The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa

If you have a new dog or an old dog, we would love to have you visit The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa.

The Ranch Pet Resort & Spa is a pet destination like no other, and we’re located in the heart of California wine country. A beautiful setting, fresh air, luxury dog and cat lodging, exciting dog daycare in our one-of-a-kind playground, and full-service grooming await lucky pets.

And if that wasn’t enough, we even have a state-of-the-art doggie water park! A trusted name in pet care since 1947.

Time to Get Beautiful With Our Grooming Special!

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Take advantage of The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa’s Grooming Special on Bath, Brush, and Nail services now through March 3. Discounts of 20% for new clients and 15% for existing clients will only be available Tuesdays through Fridays.

Bath, Brush and Nail Special

Treat your pooch to the following Bath, Brush, and Nail treatments at a discount!

  • Double Shampoo
  • Conditioner
  • Blow Dry
  • Brush
  • Nail Clipping
  • Nail Dremeling

A well-groomed dog looks, smells, and feels better. Show your best canine how much you love and care about their health and well-being.

Add-On Grooming Services

Why not give your bestie the full spa treatment by adding on the following services?

Teeth $15

Glands $15

Or our favorite, the Pampered Pooch Special! For $28, your dog will be treated to teeth, glands, and a blueberry facial! Your dog will be the talk of the neighborhood with this extra pampering session! Doesn’t your dog deserve only the blueberry best?

Sign Up for Your Grooming Special Today!

To book your best friend’s Grooming Special, please contact our grooming facility. Let them know that you want the Bath, Brush and Nail Special and if you want to include teeth, glands, and/or the blueberry facial.

Remember to book your appointment from Tuesday-Friday to qualify for the 20% discount for new clients or 15% discount for existing clients.

Is it Time for a Hair Cut?

Is your pooch overdue for a haircut? The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa’s grooming facility is accepting new clients for haircuts. Interested in learning more? Contact grooming today!