3 Reasons Why You Should Ditch Your Dog's Routine

Now, this is often a controversial topic, but I personally feel there is great importance behind it. Most dog professionals often stick solidly to the necessity that your dog requires a totally structured routine in order to be happy. However, I have found that desire to maintain such a rigid regime can inadvertently cause problems in certain scenarios.

Here are 3 great reasons to consider making your dog's daily routine a little bit more flexible:

1. Increases Adaptability

Both us as humans and our dogs do require an element of routine so we all know what to expect and when. However, if this routine is rigid and unchanged for long periods, it can make it nearly impossible for your dog to adapt to any changes within it. For example, if your dog is used to being fed breakfast at 8am sharp every morning, they may find it confusing when they are refused breakfast on the morning of an operation for example.

Or, you may religiously take your dog for 2 walks per day, on the same route, no matter what the weather. Let's then say you are unfortunate enough to break your leg and be out of action for several weeks. As you are unlikely to be able to maintain this usual routine, this will likely be stressful for your dog. 

Dogs whose routines are a little more fluid, will find it easier to accept missing the occasional walk, or their meal being at a slightly different time to usual. This reduces the potential for them feeling stressed as they are able to take it in their stride.

2. Reduces Anxiety

As we touched on in the first point, changes to your dog's routine can leave them feeling anxious. Dogs who are used to deviating slightly from their routines will feel much more comfortable with changes than those whose routines are stricter.

By giving your dog the skill to be able to adapt to change effectively, you will empower them and increase their confidence and reduce anxiety. What is not to love about that?

3. Allows Flexibility

Now obviously, I am not saying throw all routine and structure out of the window, but if you can't feed your dog until an hour later than normal, then that is fine! Or if you can't walk them until the evening, when you normally go at lunch time, then that's fine too!

It goes without saying that your dog's needs are a huge priority in your life, but your own needs are important too. No harm will come to your dog if they get their breakfast a little later than normal or if they have to miss a walk. I am a huge believer in enabling and empowering dogs to fit in with their owners lifestyle as much as possible, and the best way to do this is to teach them that it is okay to be flexible.

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