The dogs routine

[Lloyd90]

Right I was wondering if you guys have a routine that you follow with your dogs ? Some people tell me you need to be up the same time every morning, take the dog out and and give them exercise and food and training. First thing as the dog is up, but then others tell me not to jump as soon as the dog wants and to go when you are ready, not when the dog is ready

What sort of routine do you guys follow then please ? Theres so many contradicting things over so many topics Its hard just to stay sane when looking into something

[shanagan]

I adhere to the no routine principle including feeding at different times ...keep em guessing or they soon get wise !!!!

[Polmaise]

Its not so much "When" you do something?,,,more "How" you do it
Dogs like 'routine'...so if its at 7:30 ,or 9:30?...it makes no difference to the dog?...It aint got a watch on anyway?...as long as you do the 'same routine', the dog will then 'expect that ,whatever the clock says?

[Sal]

I live in 2 places, and often stay away from either so my dogs have no routine, other than fed within a 2 hour period each day, but because they can't outguess me I think it keeps them on their toes. The only time they deeply relax rather than watching with one eye open is after some sort of long walk/training session, or in the car, and last thing at night.
They bounce into life if I finish a phone call, shut my laptop, brush my hair, put on a gilet if its cold.... ever attentive and hopeful, but easily relaxed again if its "not for them" this time.

[Darwen]

No real routine for me either.
I sometimes get up at 530am and feed then, or it can be as late as 930am. Second feed anything from 5.30pm - 7.30pm.

Walks / Training etc fit in around my shifts.


Paul.

[beth.james]

On an average day I do have a general routine - altho not consciously for the dogs sake... the pigs, hens, cows etc get pretty upset if they're neglected for too long!

I tend to feed the dogs at around half 8, 9ish in the morning and then very last thing at night, around 10pm-ish. Although, with more dogs being added, it's becoming highly likely that they'll have their evening feed slightly earlier, merely for management purposes
Beth

[trekmoor]

My dogs usually get out between 7.30 and 8 a.m. in the morning. My wife takes them out while I lie in my pit ! Quite often though I do dawn raids on places to try to let my dogs find some game. So the dogs are sometimes out as early as 4.30 a.m. Both times seem to give my dogs no problems.

The feeding times are usually kept much the same which does cause a problem when the clocks change . The dogs don't understand that and want their grub at the usual time .

Wullie

[Snicklefritz]

Dogs can become anxious in a chaotic environment. So, some structure and routine is good for the dog. The younger the dog, the more routine and structure they need.

However, dogs in today's world need to be able to deal with change, or they become distressed by it. So, as a dog matures, it's not a problem to vary meal times a bit, mix things up once in awhile while maintaining overall structure. It helps the dog the learn to deal with change in a more healthy state of mind.

I can't prove anything I've said. But, that's my story, and I'm stickin' to it

By the way, I feed adult dogs once a day, at about the time I start to prepare dinner. So, it's not precise, and it helps keep them from trying to come into the kitchen.

Snick

[Sal]

I can't really agree with you Snick. I don't work, have no set routine at all in my day... yesterday I was transfixed by the UK politics on TV, and it was freezing outside so I hardly moved from the TV all day. The dogs just snoozed. Monday was a regular day, walk and gardening. Today we went off on a gallivant, just me and the mutts, down to the river for a few hours, in hot sunshine, great fun for all of us. Last weekend we were at a show, sharing the car, all travelling together with a friend and his dogs, then mixing with hundreds of others at the show. They were fed within a 2 hour period each day. This weekend I am off to my "other" house, more changes! Its how we live.
Damaged by this... I don't think so!

[mugi]

I work shifts over a 24 hr period but only 3 a week ........... so my adult dogs are used to a fairly flexible schedule which also includes travel. Beds are a constant and they will be fed twice a day but it is not set in stone, after my cancer scare they also had to learn that some days exercise would be limited and all are doing ok. Now pup is different as I have taken her on knowing she has health needs that will be with her for life so 'we' are awake at 5.30 whatever shift I am on (or on nights she is out at that time as she comes to work with me) and first feed is 6am - but she and the others will let me have a nap if I didn't get in till the early hours and it is manageable (and I knew what I was taking on so can hardly complain). Even so Hope is learning that while her food is a constant there are other things in life that are fluid and she too can miss a day of formal exercise (something I now actively encourage after learning the hard way that life can make it impossible).