Dogs Love Routines
As many families prepare for the upcoming back-to-school season, I got to thinking about routines and our dogs. Predictable routines make for happier pets. And, as we’ve discussed many times before, dogs are creatures of habit. They like to anticipate daily events because it helps keep them calm and at ease. If it were entirely up to our dogs, they would maintain the same routines every day. And, these routines would include a few of their favorite things. Today – just for fun – we’re going to discuss the best part of a dog’s day. These are in no particular order because, as we have also shared in the past, every dog is an individual and will enjoy some daily events more than others. Yet, we can all agree that these activities top the list for most dogs of the CT Shoreline and beyond.
“I gotta go!”
No matter what time your pup gets up – whether an early waker or late sleeper – dogs look forward to that initial morning pee and, if they’re regular, poo. After holding it all night, they are ready to go out into nature and let it all out. The older they get, the more this rings true. Once dogs are potty trained, they will do their best never to mess indoors, which can put a lot of pressure on their bladders and bowels. it’s such a relief when it’s time to get up and do their business.
Please don’t keep them waiting!
“Oh, Boy, it’s Mealtime!”
No matter how many meals they get, most dogs love to eat. The vast majority of our clients’ dogs are fed twice a day and that morning meal is a definite highlight. After relieving themselves, most dogs are ready to chow down. They can almost taste the food as you serve it up in their bowl and set it down.
If you have a finicky eater or a dog that isn’t very food motivated, they may still be looking forward to that first meal. Maybe they’re hoping it will be something extra special, something they had on a special occassion… Think about sprucing up their dog food bowl with canned pumpkin, bone broth, or low-fat greek yogurt and watch them wiggle and wag as you scoop up their delicious food toppers.
“My Beloved Dog Walk”
Not to brag, but our clients are always happy to see us, especially for their midday dog walks! They cannot wait as they hear us unlock the door to come in. They know it’s us, of course; they know everything. Once they get to know us, dogs recognize the sound of our car engines, the pace of our steps, and our scent long before we come inside. Once inside, our daily walking ritual begins – the dance as they greet us, the wiggles that ensue while we grab harnesses and leashes, and the surgeon-level focus when heading out the door. Dogs know the routine and the pay-off, which includes sniffing around their neighborhood and leaving pee-mail where so inspired.
Dog walks are always welcome – even if they are quick trips up the street or around the block. If you’re thinking about starting a dog walking routine with your pup, now’s the time. The weather is about to get great and you can still take advantage of the longer days before Daylight Savings ends on Sunday, November 3rd, 2024. The benefits of dog walks are endless – both for you and for your dog(s)!
“Yay! The Humans Are Home!”
After an eventful morning routine and midday walk, most dogs spend the afternoon napping in their favorite spot – or two – or three. They move around the house to seek comfort, just the right temperature, and, in many cases, sunlight. Dogs love to rest, especially after a midday walk. But, it gets old because they miss their humans. That is, until they hear you walking up to the front door.
The second their humans get home, dogs let out a sigh of relief – excited to have us back after – in their opinion – too long. They’re excited because they know what comes next – lots of pets, high-pitched praises, a potty break, and – wait for it – DINNER. Hurray!
“Yawn, it’s Bedtime”
With the exception of puppies who are still learning the family routine, dogs can tell time better than most humans. They know when you’re usually up in the morning, when you will heading home after work, and, of course, when it’s time for some shut-eye. As they age, dogs often look forward to bedtime, feeling safe in their home environment, retreating to their favorite sleep space – often, your bed – and catching some restorative zzzzzs with their favorite human(s.)
Most pet parents agree that there comes a time in every dog’s life when staying up late isn’t so fun. If the human stays out late or has company, they tend to retreat on their own, waiting for the human to be ready for the same.
At Shoreline Happy Paws, we live for making a dog’s day. The joy we feel when their needs are met and they are thriving is our “why.” It’s also a great reminder that dogs recognize all we do for them. We are accepting new dog walking and dog hiking clients – get started today and let us make your dog’s day daily, weekly, or a few times per month. We happily work around your schedule.
New Shoreline Happy Paws clients can create an account. We will be in touch to further discuss your needs and set you, your family, and your pet(s) up for success. Existing clients may book dog walking and pet sitting services by logging in to your client profile.
Shoreline Happy Paws serves the following areas of the Connecticut Shoreline:
- Old Saybrook
- Essex, Ivoryton & Centerbrook
- Deep River
- Chester
- Westbrook
- Clinton
- Old Lyme
- East Lyme
- Niantic
Certain Parts and Certain Service Hours in:
- Lyme and Madison
- Waterford, New London, Groton
- Uncasville, Gales Ferry, Mystic, Noank
