09/15/2024
Kerry/ Pet Sitter
The best things you can do to have the best dog!
Routine.
All dogs need to be on a routine, which starts in puppyhood and then evolves as they grow.
Routines with your dog would be your day to day lives with them.
The times you take them out, the times you feed them. This should be a set time but with a little wiggle room.
It doesn’t have to be the exact time, but it should be within an hour or so of their usual.
Imagine your entire life, safety, and well being dependent on someone. This is what your dog experiences. Their entire lives are in your control and that’s why it’s so important not to leave them wondering what is going to happen next.
If you adopt an adult dog, you can easily get them onto your routine. Keep in mind that with adopted dogs or dogs who have been rehomed, that it may take up to one year to fully settle into their new home and environment. Be patient and have a routine.
Schedule.
The schedule, simply put is one of the most important things in a dog’s life.
Having a schedule for going out whether it’s letting them out into your yard accompanied or taking them on walks is key. Not making your dog wait too long to go outside is also key. This all needs to be done on a schedule.
I’m an advocate for walks. Even if your dog is let out, they need some walks during the day to experience the world.
Dog’s sniffing the scents of other dog’s and people and the other stimulus outside is what mentally awakens and stimulates them. It keeps them from bored. We all know that if a dog is bored they get themselves into trouble. This can also manifest in an anxious dog and anxious behavior.
Having a schedule is so important for a happy, well adjusted dog.
Socialization.
Walking your dog is also the way to socialize them.
This does not necessarily mean going up to every person and dog you meet. It means maintaining control of your dog on the walk allowing them to see people other dogs at a distance.
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