08/05/2026
Being unwell this week has reminded me why I don’t believe every dog needs an extremely strict routine.
When puppies are very young, routines around sleep, rest and awake times can be really important. Overtired puppies often struggle to regulate themselves, so that structure helps.
But as dogs mature, I actually think there’s a lot of value in teaching them a bit of flexibility too.
This week, walks have looked different, timings have shifted, and some days have been slower than normal because I simply haven’t felt well enough. And that’s real life sometimes.
If dogs are used to everything happening at exactly the same time every day, even small changes can feel stressful or frustrating for them.
Teaching dogs that sometimes walks happen later, enrichment replaces a walk, or dinner is a bit delayed can actually help them become far more adaptable and resilient
Balance is key, and the “perfect” routine won’t look the same for every dog.
Does your dog have a strict routine, or is it a bit more flexible?