Owning a dog means being responsible for another creature — one that is dependent on you for its food, water, shelter, safety, exercise, and walks. Dogs are social animals. And just like humans, they feel more comfortable in a routine.
From when you leave for work until you come home, your pup can have many different experiences. But a lack of dog routine can lead to anxiety, erratic behaviour, and harmful activities. Your dog needs structure and training to feel secure and remain healthy and happy.
Reduce Stress and Anxiety
Pups, just like people, experience stress and anxiety. When a dog’s day is unpredictable, it can cause anxiety. This can lead to destructive and unhealthy behaviour. Routine helps reduce stress and anxiety and improves your dog’s health and mood.
When a dog knows what to expect throughout the day, it is less likely to chew on your furniture, jump on guests, or bark incessantly. This can improve the quality of life for you and your dog. Structure helps calm down your canine and makes them feel safe and secure.
Promote Good Behavior
Dogs thrive when they have a routine. This helps them know what to expect and when to expect it. Knowing when to eat or go outside can help your pup learn how to behave.
A lack of a schedule for playing, sleeping, and feeding can instill confusion in your dog, promoting bad behaviour. For example, it could lead to barking or chewing something they shouldn’t be! Setting a routine is the best way to discourage bad behaviour in dogs.
Ensure Your Dog is Safe
Having a routine can ensure your furry fellow feels safe and secure. For example, if your dog is left alone too much, it may feel unsafe. Being in the same place daily without knowing your schedule can make them feel trapped, which may cause them to try harmful activities like jumping the fence or getting lost. They must know when you go to work and at what time you’ll return home. Plus, routine helps establish structure in your dog’s life, giving them a sense of order and control.
Routine Helps With Dog Training
Routine is the foundation of dog training. Your dog knows what’s coming next and what’s expected when you help set a schedule. It is a good idea to make basic commands like sit, come, leave it, and lie down a part of your pup’s routine because it can make dog training less hassle.
Routines can also help you stay consistent. Consistency is critical in dog training. Your dog won’t learn what you’re asking if you are inconsistent. You can also use routines to help train your dog in other ways. For instance, taking your dog out for walks at a set time each day will become a routine.
Routine Keeps Dogs Healthy
A routine can promote good health in dogs. It keeps their body and mind in check and prevents stress and anxiety. For example, by setting a schedule for feeding, exercising, and walking your dog, you ensure your furry friend is healthy. It also helps keep your dog’s weight in check.
While routine is essential for your dog’s physical and mental health, it can also help you spot an underlying health problem your dog might experience.
For example, if your pup does activities outside his routine or if it resists doing things set in his daily schedule, you’ll know there’s a health problem. In such a case, take him to a vet clinic. And if you live in Ontario, you can bring your dog to our veterinary clinic in New Hamburg for examination.
