The Ranch Pet Resort

Premium dog & cat boarding, dog daycare, play groups, dog & cat grooming, and more!

Dog Training

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

by

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?

by

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.

What Does My Dog’s Behavior Mean?

by

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.

Stay and Train Dog Obedience Program at The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa

by

Sammie and her dog!

The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa is excited to offer a Stay and Train dog obedience program. The 5, 10, or 15 day Stay and Train program is run by Ranch manager, Sammie Martinez, and trainers Amber P, Lance S, and Kristina D.

While every dog owner wants to believe his or her dog is extra special, smart, and well-behaved, the truth is some dogs just need a little more discipline to learn basic obedience.

Sammie, Amber, Lance and Kristina are well-versed in dog behavior and have made it their goal to not only educate the dogs, but also the owners.

“Educate an owner, and you educate an individual. Educate a dog, and you educate a community,” says Sammie, who also adds, “our goal is to create a strong foundation of confidence and leadership between the dog and their family.” 

Stay and Train Packages

Dog owners have four packages to choose from:

15 Day Package $1,995

On leash obedience with off leash introduction

  • 15 Days of training with overnight lodging
  • 2 Private lessons a day
  • One year phone support
  • Success guarantee

10 Day Package $1,495

On leash obedience with off leash introduction

  • 10 Days of training with overnight lodging
  • 2 Private lessons a day
  • One year phone support
  • Success guarantee

5 Day Package $795

On leash obedience

  • 5 Days of training with overnight lodging
  • 2 Private lessons a day
  • One year phone support

5 Day Puppy Package $695

Basic obedience training, home manners, healthy routine

  • 5 Days of training with overnight lodging
  • 2 Private lessons a day
  • One year phone support

Book Your Stay and Train Package Today

If you are interested in knowing more about the Stay and Train program, please contact Sammie by calling 925-447-1729 and press 5. Sammie, Amber, Lance, and Kristina will give you a free evaluation of your dog and help you decide which program will best suit your dog’s needs.

“One of the best parts about the program,” adds Lance, “is that we get to have fun with the dogs, too. It’s not all about training. They get to interact with other dogs or handlers in addition to their training.”

Amber added, “We also teach the parents what we taught the dogs so they can continue the obedience at home. Consistency is the key to a well-behaved dog. Once the foundation is set, the dog has some confidence and chance at success!”

My favorite part of the program, adds Kristina, “is that the dog and parents come back after a week to show off what they both accomplished at home. It’s a win-win for the owners and the dog, and a lot of fun for us!”

The books are open! Make your Stay and Train reservations today!

Dog Obedience Training at The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa

by

The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa is proud to offer Dog Obedience Training. From basic obedience to advanced training, our skilled dog handlers will teach your dog the commands it needs to feel happy, confident, and obedient.

Our professional dog handlers come on site to teach basic or advanced commands, correct bad behavior, socialize your dog, and reinforce some obedience skills your dog may be lacking.

Our dog obedience trainers are very well-loved and respected for their positive reinforcement, great attitudes (there are no bad dogs, only bad behaviors that can be corrected), and results!

Take a look at the video to see for yourself just how successful dog obedience training can be with the right dog handlers and the right environment.

Obedience Training at The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa

Understanding Dog Behavior and Why Obedience Training is Necessary

Dogs have no sense of right or wrong and often perform behaviors that occur “naturally” to them. Digging, chewing, and barking are all normal behaviors to dogs, but without having these issues reinforced and corrected in the appropriate manner, the dog is bound to be destructive and disappoint its owner.

Dogs whose owners fail them in their efforts to take their natural instincts and modify them appropriately are set up to fail.

These dogs can become bored, aggressive, destructive, and often times discarded. But with the right training and trainers, these dogs become the talk of the neighborhood. Everyone enjoys a well-behaved dog!

Sign Up Today for Dog Obedience Training at The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa

If you are interested in learning more about the dog training services available to your dog at The Ranch Pet Resort and Spa, please contact us.