This may seem like a boring topic, but establishing a schedule or routine makes training so much easier! Remember that dogs are similar to having a toddler in the house- and at time like a toddler with ADHD! Dogs have a great sense of time and adapt quickly if we do the same thing at the same time. Having a routine helps the dog know the expectations, reduces owner frustration with a dog that has bad habits and manners.
First thing in the morning, the dogs are taken out to potty or let out in the back yard to potty. While I am preparing their food, they are out. I let them in, and they all run to their individual crates. I put their food bowls in, and while they eat, I get my own breakfast and get the coffee going. After breakfast, all the dogs go out again for awhile, depending on the weather of course, but at least long enough to go potty again. Play time in mid morning with some games of tug and fetch. Everyone goes out while I prepare their dinner. Then back in their crates for their dinner, while I clean the kitchen after our human dinner. Then the dogs go back our for about an hour or two- weather depending. Any dogs that I am training will have a short training session (15 minutes max) in the mid-afternoon except during the heat of summer. During our movie time around 7:30pm, the dogs go up in their crates with a long-lasting chew bone for the next couple of hours. Then a potty time again before bed. The indoor dogs know that right about 8:15pm is their last time to go out before bed, so in good weather they might remain out until the end of the movie. Saturday afternoons are used for grooming. Each gets groomed in our large laundry/mud room. At the very least, I check ears, toenails, teeth and feel the dog over. This routine helps them know it is ear cleaning time or toenail trimming time which of course is always followed by individual petting and treats so no fuss. Having a set rest time in their crate allows you do take care of your own business without having to watch and interact with your pup every minute. This limits the pup's attention getting behaviors which can be naughty and annoying. Happy training!
Comments