03/01/2026
Everyone's heard a trainer say thay dogs like a good routine. But routine doesn't always equate yo doing the same thing at the same time every day.
Sticking to a rigid schedule sets dogs up for unrealistic expectations and can lead to pushy and/or insecurity-based behaviors down the line when, inevitably, the expectation can't be met. I mean, I've seen a golden retriever chomp up her handler's arm when a work from home meeting ran over and she didn't get her normal walk "on time."
Active members of the family are flexible and aware of others. Because dogs learn through patterns, we can create micro routines within our day (instead of mapping out the whole day as one unit), without needing to stick to a rigid schedule.
For example, my own dogs don't eat at the same times everyday, and I've never been so pleased with myself on something, now that I have a newborn 😂 This practice allows for flexibility no matter what situation pops up and creates a tighter bond through clarity and leadership. As long as all needs are being appropriately considered, you can adhere to an "if/then" routine.
Some examples of this include:
- If I am cooking, then you are on your bed.
- If I am eating, then you are chewing a bone or playing with a toy.
- If I am on a work call, then you are in the backyard or in your crate.
Obviously these will vary based on your dog, lifestyle, and the day, but that is the whole point! Creating patterns your dog can fall back on with each potential curveball can allow a dog that looks to you for guidance and knows what to do, rather than getting stuck in a schedule loop.
