Routines for dogs are of critical importance. Routines keep dogs sane.
I would even say that the majority of behavioral problems in dogs can be tamed by sticking with a routine.
When dogs lives are unpredictable they begin to act out to try and gain control. They do not trust their owner to provide what they need- so they begin to take matters into their own hands.
This includes behaviors like counter surfing for food, destruction from separation anxiety, accidents and many others.
These behaviors are often simply a dog has an unfulfilled need and they are attempting to take control of their lives to fill that need.
So here is the morning routine for our dogs:
- Up at 5:30
- Go out to use the bathroom
- Eat
- Come get water and pets
- Get two more bathroom breaks around 12 and 3 (if you work a full time job it’s okay to let them out again when you get home)
- Crated again at 6 for bed time.
When dogs know what to expect at what time their behavior improves phenomenally.
