A dog schedule

Every dog is different from each other.  Some of them are mellow an easy going by nature whereas others are a little "more spirited" and headstrong.  But no matter what their personality is...they kind of like to test our mental and in my case also physical strength (I usually walk two big dogs at the same time)  from time to time.

It is at those moments that you have to take a big breath and remind your self how much you love them and continue your routine of reinforcing the good behaviors and not the negative behaviors.

In my case I use several techniques and tools to help me on my day to day with the dogs but if I were to pinpoint the most basic "tool" I used I would have to say "the dog schedule".

I know that it may seem like I am cheating a little...after all a dog schedule is comprised of several "steps" or "tasks" but if you look at it as a whole you will probably agree with me that the schedule is the back bone to your dog's life.  A way to provide a proper structured environment on which they can rely  to help them develop into a loving and stable family member.

I personally like the proposed schedule posted by Dr. Debra Primovic on PetPlace.com

An ideal schedule through the eyes of a dog might be: 

7 am– 7:30 am

• Wake up and go for a brisk walk with the opportunity to urinate and defecate. 

• If you have 10 minutes for a little playtime, that would be great. Fetch or something interactive is a welcome game.

• Spend about 10 minutes of quality time just talking and petting your dog. Notice anything unusual about his demeanor, attitude, hair coat, look of his eyes etc.

7:30 am – 8:00 am

• Time to eat; change the water to make sure the bowl is full and fresh. 

• Offer food if you feed your dog more than once a day.8:00 am– 9:00 am

• Dogs like to have the opportunity to go out again after they eat for the opportunity to urinate and defecate.

9 am – 12 pm

• Nap time!? Or time to follow you around as you do your housework. If you are off to work – then naptime it will be.

12 pm – 1 pm

• Ideally, most dogs would enjoy some interaction again with the opportunity to go out, exercise or play.

1 pm – 5 –pm

• Nap time again? Or another opportunity to observe you working!

5 pm – 7:30 pm

• Drinks, dinner, and playtime. Again, change the water and offer dinner. Monitor your dogs' appetite. Offer a longer and more extensive playtime than this morning. Let him really play and burn off some of that pent-up energy.

7:30 pm – 11 pm

• Quiet family time. This may be a good opportunity to brush and groom you dog, brush his teeth and spend some quality time, or even jump on the couch and watch some TV.

Before bedtime

• Most dogs appreciate another opportunity to go out and do their "business" on last time.

Bedtime!

At first it might seem like you are working for your dog but believe me, once in place "the schedule" will turn out to be a blessing and remember that the use of proper dog training techniques and consistency will be the key to a happy life together!