How to Help Your Dog Adapt to a Change in Routine

Change can be intimidating for anyone, even dogs! So, knowing how to support your pup when they experience a change in routine can be a huge help. Our latest blog offers some advice and tips that you can use to help your dog adapt to a change in their daily schedule.

Why do dogs like routine?

Routines are important for our pups, and having a daily schedule can contribute to your dog’s well-being. For starters, a dog’s routine can help them predict what activities will happen and when. This allows them to know when to settle, and in turn, helps them feel secure.

In contrast, without a routine, dogs can find it harder to settle and can get frustrated as they don’t know what to expect. When their routine is disrupted, it can affect their physical and mental well-being, especially if there is less time for activities such as walks or training. When you are first developing your dog’s schedule, it’s a good idea to not be too rigid. This is so that your dog has some flexibility when unavoidable things do happen, such as being delayed getting home by traffic. 

What are some common reasons for a change in routine?

There are many changes that can affect your dog’s routine. Some of these are controllable, and some are not. So, it’s important to understand what can make your dog feel like their routine has changed.

Some of the most common reasons for changes in your dog’s schedule are: 

• Moving to a new home – Moving house can disrupt a dog's sense of security as all their familiar things, spaces, and walks are changed all at once.

• Changes in work schedule – If you get a new job or your shift patterns at work change, this can alter the time you spend with your dog and their previous routine. 

• Family changes – Sharing the space with a new family member, such as a baby, another pet, or a long-staying visitor, can affect your dog's routine as their usual schedule is disrupted. 

• Seasonal changes – Adjustments in daylight hours or weather can have an impact on the walking and feeding times your dog is used to.

• Travel – If you’re going on holiday or away for a business trip, this can lead to temporary changes in routine, such as coping with a new environment or new person.

How to recognise if the change in your dog’s routine is upsetting them

These changes to a daily dog’s routine can cause stress and anxiety for your pup, which in some cases can lead to behavioural issues. This makes it essential to know when your dog is not coping well with certain changes so you can help them.

Some important signs of stress and upset include: 

• Destructive behaviour (chewing, digging, and other destructive actions)

• Excessive barking or whining

• Changes in appetite

• Restlessness or pacing

• House soiling (accidents in the house despite being house-trained)

How to help your dog adjust to a change in routine

There are many ways you can help your dog adjust to the changes in their schedule. It’s important to remember that all dogs are individuals, and some may react better to change than others. However, knowing these tips can help you put your dog at ease when they experience a change in routine:

• Make gradual changes – Introduce new routines slowly, and if possible, break these changes down to one at a time. For some changes, you may be able to introduce your dog to certain elements before the change occurs. For example, playing the recording of a baby crying can help with desensitisation before your new family member arrives. 

• Maintain consistency – Try to keep as many other aspects of their routine, like feeding, exercise and playtime, as consistent as possible.

• Provide mental stimulation – Providing activities such as puzzle toys and interactive games can keep their mind engaged so they don’t get frustrated. 

• Physical exercise –Make sure they are still getting plenty of physical activity in the day to help them with settling easier. 

• Positive reinforcement – Reward them for calm and desired behaviours with treats and praise. This helps your dog learn what is expected of them. Using positive reinforcement is also a great way to build their confidence in general.

• Create a safe space – Ensure your dog’s resting space is a safe and reassuring haven. Using ADAPTIL Calm diffuser can help create a calmer environment that provides comfort to your dog to help them cope with stressful situations. It’s also important to make sure their bed is comfortable and that they have access to their favourite toys, food, and water. 

• Monitor their health – Make sure your dog is healthy and up to date with all their routine preventative healthcare. If you notice your dog is not coping with a change as well as they have done previously, check in with your vet, as there may be an underlying medical condition. 

Some dos and don’ts of establishing a new routine

When establishing a dog’s routine, you should: 

• Set a schedule – Create a consistent daily schedule for feeding, walking, playtime, training, and resting, so your dog can start to predict what happens when.

• Involve all family members – Ensure everyone in the household is aware of and follows the new routine! Inconsistency can be confusing for your dog. 

• Monitor behaviour – Keep an eye on your dog's behaviour and body language so you can adjust their routine as needed. For more help understanding your dog’s body language, check out our training course here.

• Gradual adjustments – Make changes in small increments to avoid overwhelming your dog. 

Some things you should avoid when establishing a new routine include: 

• Sudden changes – Avoid making abrupt changes to your dog’s routine. 

• Inconsistency – Inconsistent routines can be confusing for your dog. Not giving your dog consistent exercise and mental stimulation can feed into your dog displaying signs of boredom, frustration, fear and anxiety.

• Punishment – Don’t punish your dog for stress-related behaviours, as this can worsen anxiety and affect the bond you have with your dog.

If you’d like to know more information and tips about dogs’ routines, check out the rest of our blogs online! You can also stay up to date with all the latest news and product info by signing up to our newsletter.