Life with dogs Blog

Cruz the mountain wine roads with your pup

Santa Cruz County's mountain wineries offer far more than a beach-town reputation suggests. The Santa Cruz Mountains appellation and Corralitos Wine Trail feature a dozen dog-friendly wineries along winding roads, pouring pinot noirs and chardonnays kissed by coastal fog.

Moving water in Marin

Cataract Falls on Mount Tamalpais is the Bay Area's most popular waterfall hike, with nine cascades plunging through a mossy, fern-draped forest. The 2.6-mile out-and-back trail is strenuous but spectacular, especially after a good rain.

East Bay SPCA dog training classes

The East Bay SPCA offers revamped dog training classes in Dublin and Oakland, from entry-level Skill Builders to specialty courses for reactive dogs. All classes use positive reinforcement methods and are taught by experienced, credentialed instructors.

Orphan dog rescue

Since 2004, Orphan Dog Rescue has saved more than 3,000 dogs from overcrowded shelters in Lake County and beyond. Founders Mike and Karen Schaver run the 80-acre Clearlake ranch where dogs receive vet care and love before finding new families.

Separation anxiety in dogs

When your dog can't handle being away from you, separation anxiety may be the cause. Destructive chewing, barking, and house soiling are common signs. Your vet can help with medication paired with crate training and behavior modification.

Noyo Harbor Inn, Fort Bragg

The Noyo Harbor Inn in Fort Bragg reopened after a six-year renovation, blending craftsman-style charm with modern comforts. Set on a bluff above the Noyo River, this 15-room B&B offers easy access to an off-leash beach and harbor views.

How to choose your next rescue dog

Whether you've already fallen for a specific dog or you're open to possibilities, choosing your next rescue companion starts with honest self-assessment. A veterinary behaviorist explains how to work with adoption counselors to find the right match.

The benefits of crate training

A crate can become your dog's favorite den, reducing stress and housetraining accidents while making travel easier. A veterinary technician shares practical advice on choosing the right crate, building positive associations and avoiding common mistakes.

Socializing your dog

Socializing your dog is essential whether you have a puppy or an adult. Introduce puppies to new experiences gradually with positive reinforcement during their first six months. For adult dogs, work with trainers to reshape negative associations.

Why does my dog eat grass?

Nearly 80 percent of dogs eat grass, and most don't vomit afterward, so the upset-stomach myth doesn't hold up. An SF SPCA veterinarian explains that grass-eating can signal stress, sensory curiosity, or GI issues, but is usually perfectly normal.

Bringing home a new dog

Bringing a new dog home involves more than food and vet visits. A veterinarian explains how to socialize puppies and adult dogs, with tips on making introductions positive and managing each pet's unique temperament and triggers.

Five tips for helping your dog deal with grief

Dogs grieve the loss of a canine companion just like people do, showing signs like appetite changes, restlessness and lethargy. A veterinarian shares five practical tips for recognizing grief in your surviving dog and helping them through the process.

The importance of play for your dog

Play keeps your dog healthy, mentally sharp and bonded to you. Whether it is walks, swimming, fetch or puzzle toys, regular fun activity helps prevent obesity, anxiety and destructive behavior while keeping both of you in good shape.

Sacramento: A beer-lover’s magnet

Sacramento's craft beer scene is thriving, with over 40 breweries and nearly all of them dog-friendly. From Ruhstaller's downtown taproom to Bike Dog Brewing's Doggie Sundays, the city's hop-growing heritage makes it a great destination for beer-loving dog owners.

Little River: A canine paradise on the Mendocino Coast

Little River on the Mendocino Coast rolls out the red carpet for dogs. Stay at the historic Heritage House Resort or the five-generation Little River Inn, where pets get welcome treats, designated exercise areas, and even indoor dining privileges.

Tri-Valley Animal Rescue 2019

Tri-Valley Animal Rescue in the East Bay pulled scruffy terrier mix Poco from the shelter, nursed him back to health, and fixed his painful teeth. This sweet, gentle fellow gets along with everyone and is ready for a loving home.

Around Clear Lake we go

Nearly a dozen communities ring Clear Lake in Lake County, each with its own dog-friendly appeal. From Lakeport's dog parks and boat rentals to Kelseyville's wineries and Clearlake's waterfront cabins, there's plenty for you and your pup to explore.

Enchanted dog-friendly hiking in Santa Cruz

Byrne-Milliron Forest in Santa Cruz County combines hiking with outdoor art, featuring sculptures of sprites and goddesses along the trails. Dogs with solid recall can go off-leash, and nearby Henry Cowell Redwoods and Nisene Marks offer even more trail options.