Have you ever put some thought into your puppy’s schedule?
If not, it’s time for you to give it a go, and even if you’ve already established a daily routine for you and your adult dog, it might be about time for you to revisit it and make sure that it’s working for both of you.
The good news is that help is at hand, and there’s plenty of information on the best routines to establish if you know where to look. On top of that, every animal is different, and what works for one dog won’t necessarily work for another.
Still, you’ve come to the right place if you’re looking for somewhere to start because we’ve done the hard work and pulled together the best tips that the experts have to share.
Let’s jump on in and get started.
Why it’s essential to create a daily routine for dogs
1. Puppies mimic their owners
A study from Michigan State University recently found that dogs start to take after their owners and mimic their traits.
That means we must lead by example, creating a daily dog routine they can anticipate and expect to follow on any given day.
Dogs love predictability. They want to make you happy, and having a daily routine helps them know what to expect and to meet expectations.
2. They need to pee
Most dogs need to go potty as soon as they wake up, so you’ll have to be ready to let them out immediately.
You don’t need to take them for a walk, but you should at least let them out into the yard.
3. Puppies aren’t as flexible as you are
Flexibility isn’t a problem because I work from home, but the same isn’t true for my dogs.
They wake up and fall asleep at the same time, eat at the same time, and play at the same time.
A dog routine should be designed with the dog in mind first and foremost and with your convenience second.
Dogs, especially dogs with high energy levels, thrive with a routine. Having a set schedule can help reduce behavior problems.
4. Setting a schedule helps you care for them
If you feed and exercise your dogs by following the same routine, you ensure that you never over or underfeed them and that they get enough activity and playtime.
This, in turn, can help keep them in the best possible shape and ensure they’re a part of your family for longer.
Having a morning routine helps start your day. After you get your dog out to potty, feed your dog and then take your dog for a morning walk.
Putting your dog first will help you spend time with the dog and help you achieve your goals.
Remember, a tired dog is a good dog, so if you need to leave your dog home alone, a brisk morning walk helps reduce the risk of problem behavior.
5. Dogs don’t know what a routine is
Your dog can’t Google “what is a routine?” and learn these tips themselves.
You have a responsibility to your dog to understand why they need a routine and to ensure that they follow one.
If you’re struggling, you can get started by reading WikiHow articles or other articles about dog routines.
Final thoughts on creating a daily routine for your dog
Remember that it’s just as important to consider your dog’s needs as it is to consider your own, and so if they’re not comfortable in the cold, then you might need to take them out for a walk in the daytime, even if it means changing your schedule.
Routines are flexible, and you can break them now and then or even change them slightly to establish new ones, for example, re-establishing your schedule after summer vacation to help your dog get ready for the time when his favorite small companions go back to school.
The problems usually start to occur when we have no routine at all.
The good news is that it’s never too late to get started, and all you have to do is put a little thought in and ensure you’re not just coasting along on autopilot. Good luck.
Elizabeth Skinner is a freelance online essay editor and essay writer. A lifelong dog owner, she believes any household can benefit from a four-legged friend. She lives with her husband, two children, and three dogs.