Table of contents
The New Year is the perfect time to hit the reset button—for ourselves and our dogs. Every year people make new year’s resolutions such as “go to the gym more often or “go to bed before midnight” (Guilty of that one), or “eat fewer crips” (Guilty of that one). However, it is also worth considering how we can improve the routines and habits that impact our dogs. This could be a well-structured routine.
Why Routine Matters for Dogs
Dogs are creatures of habit, and many thrive when their days are predictable. While every dog is unique—some adapt well to a more flexible lifestyle—many feel more balanced and content when they know what to expect. Routine can provide security, helping your dog confidently navigate its day.
A good routine can also help reinforce positive behaviours. For example, if your dog knows it’ll be walked every morning at 8 a.m., it’s less likely to seek attention or get restless at other times. Regular feeding times support healthy digestion and help manage energy levels, keeping your dog calm and focused.
Beyond the benefits for your dog, a clear structure can make life easier for you as an owner. Predictable schedules mean fewer surprises, smoother transitions, and a more harmonious household. Whether it’s setting consistent times for walks, meals, or rest, a little planning can go a long way in creating a happier, more balanced life for you and your dog.
Key Components of a Healthy Routine
Feeding times
Feeding your dog at around the same time every day can help provide a more sense of routine. Feeding at the same time can also help regulate their internal clock, allowing their body to anticipate mealtimes and aiding healthy digestion. This predictable schedule can also minimise behaviours like unnecessary begging, as your dog learns when to expect their next meal. Most adult dogs thrive on a routine of two meals daily—once in the morning and once in the evening—providing consistent energy throughout the day.
It’s also important to consider the timing of exercise. Feeding your dog right before or immediately after physical activity can increase the risk of bloat, particularly in larger breeds. Bloat is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition. If possible, allow a gap between meals and exercise to ensure their safety and comfort.
Another key aspect of maintaining your dog’s health is portion control. Measuring their food accurately helps prevent overeating and keeps their weight in check, which is vital for their overall well-being. Don’t forget to account for any treats as part of their daily food allowance, as extra calories can quickly add up and contribute to obesity. If your dog tends to eat too soon, consider using a slow feeder bowl to encourage slower, more mindful eating. This promotes better digestion and can enrich your dog’s mealtimes. You may even want to ditch the bowl, use puzzle toys, and scatter-feeding.
Exercise and walks
Daily exercise is essential for maintaining your dog’s physical health and supports the ritual well-being. Regular activity helps keep your dog fit, prevents obesity, and reduces the risk of developing health issues like joint problems or heart disease. Beyond the physical benefits, exercise provides much-needed mental stimulation, alleviating boredom and reducing unwanted behaviours like excessive barking or destructive chewing.
Establishing a consistent walking routine helps create a sense of rhythm in your dog’s day, something they’ll come to anticipate and enjoy. This predictability can help reduce anxiety, as dogs often feel more secure when their daily routine is stable. Walks also offer opportunities for exploration, socialisation, and exposure to new sights, sounds, and smells—all of which are important for your dog’s mental enrichment.
Regular walks are also an excellent way to strengthen the bond between you and your dog. Spending this quality time together reinforces trust and connection, making your relationship even more rewarding. When planning your dog’s exercise routine, it’s essential to tailor the intensity and duration to their specific needs. Factors like age, breed, size, and overall fitness level should guide the type of activities you choose. For example, a young, high-energy breed like a Border Collie may benefit from running, agility training, or games of fetch, while an older or smaller dog might prefer shorter strolls.
Consider mixing up your routine to keep things engaging. Incorporate physical and mental activities that challenge your dog, such as interactive games or training sessions during your walks. And don’t forget to pay attention to your dog’s cues—if they seem tired or uncomfortable, adjust the pace or duration accordingly. Making exercise a regular and enjoyable part of your dog’s life will contribute to its happiness and health.
Mental Enrichment
Mental stimulation is as vital to your dog’s well-being as physical exercise, especially with working breads. While regular walks and playtime keep dogs’ bodies active, activities that engage their minds help prevent boredom, reduce stress, and curb undesirable behaviours such as chewing, digging, or excessive barking. Dogs are intelligent animals that thrive on problem-solving and variety, so providing mental challenges is essential for their happiness.
Incorporating mental enrichment into your dog’s daily routine doesn’t have to be time-consuming. Activities like puzzle toys, interactive feeders, or treat-dispensing balls are great for encouraging your dog to think and work for rewards. Scent games, such as hiding treats around the house or garden and encouraging your dog to sniff them out, tap into their instincts and provide an enjoyable challenge. Basic training exercises, like practising sit, stay, or recall, are another excellent way to stimulate your dog mentally while reinforcing good behaviour.
At the very least, why not dedicate 10–15 minutes a day to mental activities, even if it’s done in small chunks while you are waiting for the kettle to boil? This can significantly impact your dog’s well-being, keeping its mind sharp and engaged. To maintain interest, rotate your dog’s toys and enrichment activities weekly. This keeps them fresh and exciting, ensuring your dog doesn’t lose interest in their playthings or games.
Enrichment also fosters a deeper bond between you and your dog, as many activities require teamwork and interaction. By prioritising mental stimulation as part of your dog’s routine, you’ll prevent boredom and contribute to a happier, calmer, and more balanced pet.
Rest and Sleep
Adequate rest and sleep are essential for your dog’s health and well-being. Just like us, dogs need downtime to recharge both physically and mentally. Sleep allows their bodies to recover from daily activities and helps regulate their mood and energy levels. A well-rested dog is likelier to be happy, healthy, and well-behaved. Puppies, senior dogs, and those recovering from illness or injury may require even more sleep, so it’s essential to ensure they have the opportunity to rest as needed.
Creating a quiet, comfortable space for your dog to relax is key to helping them settle. Choose an area in your home free from excessive noise or foot traffic, and consider a cosy bed or mat to provide extra comfort. This designated rest area is a haven where your dog can retreat whenever it needs quiet time. Consistency is essential—if your dog knows it has a dedicated resting place, it’s more likely to relax fully.
Avoid disturbing your dog during its rest periods unless necessary. Consistent, uninterrupted sleep is critical for our health; the same applies to dogs. Disrupting their sleep too often can make them irritable or less able to cope with daily activities.
Establish a calming bedtime routine to support good sleep habits. This might include a final walk to help them settle, followed by a quiet wind-down activity like gentle grooming or low-energy play. These cues signal your dog that it’s time to relax, making it easier for them to drift off. Ensuring your dog gets enough high-quality sleep is essential to their care, helping them stay happy, balanced, and ready to enjoy life to the fullest.
Setting Achievable Goals for You and Your Dog
The key to successfully implementing a new routine is setting realistic goals. Small, manageable changes are easier to stick to and are more sustainable in the long term. Here are some examples of goals you can set:
- Increase Activity Levels: Walk 10 minutes daily or add play sessions.
- Focus on Training: Work on one specific behaviour or trick each month. For example, teach your dog to “stay” or improve their recall.
- Enhance Enrichment: Incorporate one new mental stimulation activity, such as hide-and-seek or scent training, into their weekly routine.
- Weight Management: If your dog is overweight, set a target to reduce its weight gradually through portion control and exercise. Consult your vet for guidance.
Remember, your goals should suit your lifestyle and your dog’s needs. Don’t compare your progress to others—what matters most is creating a happy, healthy routine for you and your dog.
Sticking to the Routine
It’s natural for life to throw curveballs, but maintaining consistency is key to making your dog’s routine stick. Here are some tips to help:
- Plan Ahead: If you have a busy schedule, block out time for your dog’s activities just like you would for any other priority.
- Be Flexible (When Needed): While consistency is important, it’s okay to adjust the routine if necessary—try to keep key elements, like feeding times, as stable as possible.
- Involve the Family: If multiple people are in your household, ensure everyone understands the routine and their role in sticking to it.
- Track Your Progress: Use a calendar or app to track goals and activities. Seeing your progress can be motivating.
Overcoming Common Challenges
Even with the best intentions, establishing a new routine can be challenging. Here are some common obstacles and how to tackle them:
- Busy Schedules: If you’re short on time, combine activities. For instance, practice training commands during walks or use feeding time as an opportunity for enrichment with a puzzle feeder.
- Uncooperative Dogs: If your dog resists specific changes, introduce them gradually. For example, if they’re not used to longer walks, add a few minutes each week rather than pushing them too hard.
- Loss of Motivation: Keep things fun and rewarding for you and your dog. Celebrate small wins, and don’t hesitate to seek help from a professional trainer or behaviourist.
The Rewards of a Healthy Routine
Building and maintaining a healthy routine takes effort, but the rewards are worth it. A consistent structure will help your dog feel secure and loved while supporting their physical and mental health. You’ll also find that a straightforward routine strengthens your bond, creating a more profound sense of trust and understanding.
As you embrace the New Year, take this opportunity to focus on the little changes that can make a big difference. With patience, consistency, and determination, 2024 can be the year of healthy habits and happy tails.
So, grab your calendar, set your goals, and start your new routine today—your dog will thank you for it!
I’m part of an Amazon group of dog professionals. Together, we share ideas, insights, and expertise to support each other and our clients. One of the things we do is participate in a blog circle, where each of us writes and shares posts to inspire and inform. Find out what’s on the Love to Paws‘ New Year list.
Below are some of my other posts you may be interested in
Below are some other posts you may be interested in