Dogs are wonderful pets because they are brilliant, and you can take them with you to almost any place you go. To enhance their physical and mental well-being, you must consistently interact with them and establish a routine they will learn and adapt to. This way, they can predict events without being anxious and lessen any behavioural problems, and it also creates a healthy and happy environment for both of you.
Do you see the value of adopting a daily schedule but need help implementing it? You may not know how to build a successful routine that benefits your pet. To set you up for success, this is how to create a daily schedule for dogs.
Here is how to create a daily schedule for dogs:
Consider Both Your Needs
There are two people in this partnership, and more if you have a family. That means this schedule needs to fit your dog and the humans that care for them. For a dog, they need:
- Mealtimes
- Sleep
- Interaction
- Exercise
If your dog takes medication, this should also be considered. For you and other family members, this routine needs to align with your lives so you can work, rest, and play. Dogs are adaptable and need downtime, so don’t feel guilty if they aren’t included in all the family’s activities. Just understand their daily needs and incorporate them into your life so it all makes sense.
Schedule
Break your schedule up into morning, midday and evening. Take your dog for a walk to stimulate them and burn off any built-up energy. Serve them a nutritious first meal. This is something they will look forward to and sets the tone for their day.
You can give your dog some outdoor time on your property by taking them for a walk or jogging. Playtime can be incorporated into your walk or a dedicated session where you focus on them entirely so they are happy and engaged.
It’s time for another walk, but this is designed to tire them out so they can sleep overnight. You can serve your dog their dinner while you have yours, so they won’t bug you while eating. Now, you can cuddle them on the couch or floor as you wind down your evening. This will help them have a good, peaceful sleep.
Like any good schedule, you must document it to remember all the details. This routine can be fluid, but writing it down makes it real and is something you can refer to until you commit it to memory.
Feeding
We already covered feeding times, but you must ensure their dog food is very nutritious and schedule time for their meals. It would help if you strived to feed your dog the best food possible. Talk to your local pet store or check out recommended products like Orijen dog food. You can also feed them certain types of human food, so do your research and provide a healthy diet for them to thrive.
This is how to create a daily schedule for your dog. Most dogs easily fall into a routine, but don’t give up if your pet is resistant. Show them lots of love while implementing this schedule, and be consistent. Then you will have improved the lives of both you and your best friend.
Dogs Need Exercise
Exercise is an important part of a dog’s life for sure. While we as a species have transitioned from hunting and foraging our food to Netflixing and chilling, it hasn’t positively impacted our health. Allow your dog’s need to spur you into a more active life by regularly taking your dog for some exercise. This can be done in a variety of ways, including:
- Walking on the beach
- Hiking trails
- Playing fetch in the park
- Wrestling on the grass
- Going for a run
Adding physical activities to your dog’s schedule will give you the required fitness, and you will be better off.
Incorporate Your Training Into the Schedule
Training is very important for dog owners because it teaches dogs desirable behaviours while giving them boundaries and rewards. You only have so much time to dedicate to your pet, so try to incorporate training into your schedule while you are already spending time with them.
This could be when you go for a walk. Stop by a park or other green area to work on behaviours, and make sure to have some treats on hand for rewards. Keep your training sessions short, around five minutes, and then get right back to their exercise, as this will keep them enthusiastic and ready for the next training session.
Use this as a guide and make it work around your daily activities. Also, pay attention to your dog’s behaviour because you can easily modify your schedule to serve you both the best. If they require a midday meal, feed them after you exercise them so they can rest with a full belly.
