Altering your dog's schedule can have unintended consequences, since most dogs thrive on routine and predictability.
Routines can change for any number of reasons: a house move, a time change, the addition of a new family member (human or dog), and of course, times of year like back-to-school.
The shift from a freewheeling, active summer with all their favorite humans around to a more structured, fall and back-to-school schedule can throw many dogs off their usual rhythm and calm behavior.
Understanding your dog's need for consistency
Always, but especially when your daily life changes, understanding the importance of consistency is crucial for creating a comfortable, supportive foundation for a happy, well-adjusted, well-behaved dog. Why do our dogs seem to be hardwired for consistency?
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A consistent routine is essential for a dog’s happy life. Consistency promotes both emotional and physical health and reduces anxiety. Consistent routines help dogs feel calm and secure, reducing stress and destructive behavior.
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A daily routine helps dogs predict activities, which is key for our dogs who are instinctively more at ease when they know what to expect and what's next. Most dogs benefit from a predictable routine. Unlike humans, dogs find a repeating daily schedule comforting (rather than boring)!
Creating a daily routine for your dog
Establishing a daily routine, revised to fit new schedules, with consistent elements from regular walk times, to feeding schedules, to playtime, to mental exercise, can help reduce potential anxiety in your dog. A consistent daily routine helps dogs feel secure and can reduce separation anxiety tendencies when you’re away from home.
Things to keep in mind:
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You'll want to create a routine that works for you and your dog that includes time for exercise, training, and relaxation. That might mean shorter walks in the morning, with longer walks in the evening and weekends.
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A morning routine that includes physical activity, mental stimulation, and quality time with your dog can work off excess energy and set a positive tone for the day.
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A dog walker or family member can help maintain your dog’s routine when you’re not available.
Pro tip: Mental exercise for your dog doesn't have to be complicated. You can give your pup textured lick mats or lick bowls that let your dog work a little for food or treats, practice some self-soothing licking, and mentally stimulate and relax your dog at the same time.
Your dog eats anyway -- why not take the opportunity to make eating more fun and mentally satisfying?! Check out our favorite calming lick pad and lick bowl for an easy way to keep your dog mentally stimulated and happy.
Or try giving your dog an all-natural and nourishing chew like our Yak Cheese Chews during your down-time together. The simple act of chewing is an instinctive self-soother for dogs. Their brains are hardwired to release all those "feel-good" hormones as they happily chew away, providing both mental stimulation and de-stressing.
Training and socialization
Positive training sessions are a helpful and healthful part of your dog’s daily routine. Dogs thrive on the mental stimulation and rewards of positive learning, especially in brief sessions (even 5-10 minutes a day is great!). And of course, training helps reinforce good habits while reducing behavioral and stress issues. Cumulative bonus: As positive training reduces anxiety and stress in your dog, your pup is more receptive to learning. A positive spiral effect that's a win all around!
Socialization is critical for dogs, and regular socialization sessions can help your pup become well-behaved and calm in new environments. Make the most of your tighter post-summer schedule by taking the opportunity to include your dog when you're having dinner at an outside restaurant or other activities at outdoor dog-friendly venues. You'll be getting more time together, and your dog gets more socialization and experience being out and about.
The best part? Every time you use positive reinforcement training methods during training sessions or socialization, you're strengthening the bond between you and your dog.
Potty training essentials
Changing a dog's routine can sometimes impact even a well-trained dog's potty behaviors.
How you can help your dog:
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Potty breaks are an essential part of a dog’s routine, and consistent potty breaks can help prevent accidents.
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A regular feeding schedule can help regulate your dog’s digestive system, making sticking to potty training easier.
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Most dogs learn to associate certain times of the day with potty breaks, making it easier to establish a routine.
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Be patient and consistent when potty training your dog, as it may take time for your dog to learn or re-learn potty skills.
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Giving your dog a voice and sense of control can go a long way toward helping potty breaks happen smoothly, consistently. Many trainers and dog parents swear by our Mighty Paw Smart Bell to help set your dog (and you) up for success in potty behaviors.
Managing family dynamics
When there are multiple people in the household, it’s essential to establish a consistent routine that works for everyone.
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Remember, a family member or dog walker can help maintain your dog’s routine when you’re not available.
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Communication is key when managing family dynamics and your dog’s routine, ensuring everyone is on the same page.
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Consistency is crucial when introducing new people or pets or experiences into your dog’s life. The more consistent and predictable everything you can control is, the less stress and anxiety your dog will feel with the introductin of new things.
Dealing with separation anxiety
Separation anxiety can be a significant issue for dogs, but a consistent routine can help reduce stress and anxiety.
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Leaving a familiar object, such as a blanket or toy, with your dog in a cozy, safe space can provide comfort when you’re away.
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A morning routine that includes exercise and mental stimulation can help reduce separation anxiety in dogs.
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Gradually increasing the time you’re away from your dog can help your pup become more comfortable with your absence.
Pro tip: Use natural calming aids to help take the edge off your dog's anxiety in any stressful situations. Our all-natural Mighty Calm stress and behavior support supplements were formulated with vets to give dogs a calmer foundation to feel more at ease and relaxed amid potential stressors.
Adapting to routine changes
Changes in routine can be challenging for dogs, but with patience and consistency, your pup can happily adapt to new schedules.
What helps?
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Introducing changes gradually can help reduce stress and anxiety, making the transition smoother for your dog.
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Maintaining some consistency in your dog’s routine, such as feeding times or walk times, can provide a sense of security during changes in other parts of your dog's routine.
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Be prepared for some adjustment time and stay flexible when changing your dog’s routine, and offer plenty of positive reinforcement and rewards!
Spending time with your dog and making it quality time
Spending quality time with your dog is essential for strengthening your bond and reducing stress and anxiety. With changing, possibly tighter schedules, it's worth making sure your times together provide mental and physical interaction and bonding with your dog.
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Regular play sessions and training exercises can help provide mental stimulation and physical activity for your dog.
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A daily routine that includes time for relaxation and calming activities can help reduce stress and anxiety in your dog.
Overcoming challenges
Every dog is unique, and getting through change requires patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement geared to your pup's personality and needs. Senior dogs, for example, are likely to need a bit of special attention as older dogs may need more support in adapting to life or routine changes.
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Seeking professional help from a dog trainer or behaviorist can provide valuable guidance and support when overcoming challenges. If your dog has true separation anxiety, for example, that can result in serious physical, emotional, and behavioral issues, it's worth reaching out to a CSAT (certified separation anxiety trainer) to help and support your pup with scientifically-based, positive techniques.
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Stay calm and consistent, and remember that overcoming challenges is a process that takes time and effort.
Remember to be patient and flexible when introducing changes to your dog’s routine, and prioritize your pup's needs to ensure your dog feels loved and cared for amid the hubbub of changing schedules. With time and positive reinforcement along the way, you can help your dog overcome any challenges to continue living your happiest, healthiest lives together.
Here's to smooth, happy transitions for your dog (and you)!
All of us at Mighty Paw are here for a simple reason. We're here to find ways to help you give your dog the biggest, best, fullest life we all want for our pups, every day, in every adventure large and small -- no matter what changes come at us.
That's why we're committed to creating high-quality products that are healthful, safe, and practical for everything you need: from supplements like our Mighty Calm, to satisfying, all-natural Yak Cheese Chews, to durable, comfortable equipment for all your adventures together.
