Can you imagine what life would be like without schedules? It would be messy, chaotic and a lot of ‘what next?’ However, when it comes to dogs, they don’t seem to mind the lack of a schedule. Some dogs do just fine without any kind of regular schedule. Is this your dog too? On the other hand, other dogs need their humans to give them structure. 

Physical activity, regular diets, downtime to rest and relax, and other pleasurable social encounters should all be part of your pup’s day. A healthy daily routine will contribute to your dog’s general well-being. Who doesn’t want their dog to have a longer life?

Regular feeding schedule

Every dog should be fed twice a day on average. This may vary depending on the dog’s age or breed. Young puppies and dogs typically require more than two meals daily to guarantee proper growth and development. Certain dog breeds may require more than twice daily feedings to maintain proper blood sugar levels. 

Always feed your young puppy at the same time each day. Suppose you have any specific queries about how often you should feed your dog. In that case, your local veterinarian is the best resource.

When feeding your dog twice daily, it is important to maintain the same distance between daily feedings. A typical feeding schedule for most pups is once in the morning and once in the evening. 

When feeding your dog in the morning, ensure enough time to allow it to go outside or go for a short walk to relieve itself. For supper, feed your dog enough time to allow them to digest and relieve themselves before bed. This will give you a full rest, making your pup feel comfortable all night long!

Regular exercise 

Regular exercise and a consistent eating plan are critical to a dog’s health and well-being. Dogs are wild creatures, and by bringing them into our homes as pets, we sometimes forget they were once wild. With their activity diminishing as these once-wild animals become house pets, scheduling time for movement and exercises each day is critical. Make sure you take your dog for that morning walk. 

Your dog will enjoy moving and challenging their muscles and minds, whether playing catch in the backyard, walking around the block, or having a day at The Barking Lot daycare.

Sense of security

Routine reassures your dog that lives with you is secure, logical, and orderly. Of course, if you stray off schedule for a day or two, your dog can take it. Even so, offer verbal praise and a head pat to reinforce confidence. A dog associates familiarity with safety and security, and habitual sights and smells are critical in producing happy experiences when canines are separated from their owners. In certain cases, routine is more beneficial than others. 

Knowing what to expect is crucial, yet deviating from a strict routine can bring tension and concern. It is critical to vary a routine and timetable while maintaining a framework for the dog’s day that fosters confidence.

Remember, potty training pups should have very rigid schedules. Puppies must be allowed to potty often while awake and must be kept on a routine for sleeping in a safe, contained place during naps and bedtime. As the puppy matures, he or she will begin to signal that they need to go potty. You should follow these signs until the puppy is physically mature enough to synchronize its schedule with its owner.

Building trust

If you feed your dog twice a day at roughly the same time, they will expect such activities and, as a result, look forward to those meals at the designated times.

Consistent schedules are beneficial to dogs. By developing a routine with them, they will know what to expect from you and when, which will only increase their trust in you. Furthermore, they will learn and deliver what is expected of them, and we all know how much dogs like making their owners proud!

Maintain continuous communication with them as well. To avoid misunderstandings, use cue words they already know. Our pets want to know what we expect of them.

Understanding your pet’s needs

 Developing an optimal schedule for your pet will be determined by your dog’s needs and circumstances. Puppies are well-known for being early risers. You must take her to the elimination area when your puppy wakes up at dawn. Be patient with her, even if it feels inconvenient at first.

Routine keeps your dog healthier

Depending on your pup’s size and health, setting a feeding schedule helps ensure their metabolism is consistent and will help prevent overeating and weight gain.

Some dogs require multiple smaller-serving meals per day, whilst others require only one or two larger meals per day, possibly with some treats in between. Consult your veterinarian to determine what is best for your dog. Kids must also have a pleasant and secure area to eat.

Taking your dog out at least twice a day, preferably more, is crucial for them to receive some needed exercise and go pee and relieve themselves. 

Some of our pet parents may work the entire day, leaving your pup alone at home. If you have the time, five to ten minutes of short play before you leave or when you arrive home will help alleviate their separation anxiety and loneliness.

Routines can help reduce anxiety

If your dog’s day is unpredictable, it may increase his stress. In certain pets, inconsistent daily schedules can contribute to anxiety. Predictability is important to dogs, especially regarding their basic requirements of food, shelter, and protection. 

Safety and survival are vital concerns for all living organisms. A routine establishes a consistent flow of information regarding primary resources. This information relieves tension and allows the dog to survive and enjoy life.

Although routines are beneficial to dogs, it is critical to remain flexible to prepare your dog for changes. Always remember that a schedule for your young puppy helps train your dog. House training will be an absolute treat if your dog follows a good and well-balanced schedule.

When the routine is disturbed, the dog must be able to function. A dog must be versatile to travel through life without undue stress.

When establishing routines for your dog, it is critical to be practical and create a plan that works for your lifestyle. Dogs are adaptable, so if you need to tweak your routine to accommodate your schedule, do so.

Are you struggling to provide your dog with a consistent routine?

At The Barking Lot, we know that structure is important for your dog’s development and health. Our 18,000 square foot facility and an ideal timetable provide our guests with plenty of areas to play indoors, in completely air-conditioned parks, and outdoors, in shaded parks. Everything we do is focused on safety, and we carefully group our guests based on their size, age, and temperament. Contact us for more details.