Your daily dose of doggy goodness!
Every day, we celebrate our shared love of dogs and hopefully brighten your day. Enjoy!
Dog of the Day: Shiro & Dobby!
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Meme of the day: Zero toys!
Helping Your Furry Friend Wag Through a New Schedule!
Life is full of changes, and sometimes those changes mean a new routine for us – and for our beloved canine companions! Whether it's a new job, a return to the office, a move, or even just a shift in seasons, helping your dog adjust to a new schedule can feel like a daunting task. But fear not, fellow dog lovers! With a little patience, preparation, and plenty of positive reinforcement, your furry friend will be wagging through their new routine in no time.
Dogs are creatures of habit, and their days are often built around predictable rhythms: wake-up time, potty breaks, meal times, walks, playtime, and quiet naps. When these rhythms shift, it's natural for them to feel a little disoriented, anxious, or even a bit rebellious. Think of it from their perspective – suddenly their favorite human isn't there for that midday cuddle, or dinner is arriving at an entirely different hour!
So, how do we make this transition as smooth and stress-free as possible for our four-legged family members?
The Power of Preparation: Small Steps, Big Wins
The key to a successful adjustment often lies in gradual implementation. If you know a schedule change is coming, start introducing elements of the new routine in small increments.
Gradual Time Shifts: If meal times or walk times need to change significantly, begin shifting them by 15-30 minutes each day over a week or two. This subtle adjustment is far less jarring than an abrupt switch.
Practice Alone Time: If your dog will be spending more time alone, start by leaving them for short periods, gradually increasing the duration. Make these departures and returns calm and low-key. A special, long-lasting chew toy can be a great distraction.
New Routines, Old Favorites: Try to maintain some elements of their old routine that are important to them. If they always got a specific kind of treat after their morning walk, keep that tradition alive, even if the walk time shifts.
Consistency is King (or Queen!): Building New Habits
Once the new schedule is in place, consistency is absolutely vital. Dogs thrive on predictability.
Stick to the Schedule: As much as possible, adhere to the new feeding, walking, and playtime schedule. This helps your dog understand and anticipate what's coming next.
Bathroom Breaks are Key: For puppies or older dogs, ensuring sufficient potty breaks during the adjustment period is crucial to prevent accidents and reinforce good habits. Consider a dog walker or a trusted friend/family member if you'll be gone for extended periods.
Designated Spaces: Ensure your dog has a comfortable, safe, and consistent space for rest and sleep that aligns with the new schedule. This could be a crate, a dog bed, or a specific quiet corner.
Enrichment and Engagement: Keeping Minds and Tails Happy
A new schedule might mean less direct interaction time, but it doesn't mean less mental stimulation!
Puzzle Toys and Kongs: These are lifesavers! Fill them with kibble or treats to keep your dog engaged and mentally stimulated while you're away. They can turn mealtime into a fun challenge.
Chew Toys Galore: Provide a variety of safe, durable chew toys to help alleviate boredom and anxiety.
Post-Work Adventures: Make your time together count! After work or on your days off, dedicate quality time to active play, longer walks, or training sessions. This helps solidify your bond and burns off excess energy.
Patience, Love, and Understanding: The Ultimate Ingredients
Remember, every dog is an individual, and some will adjust more quickly than others.
Positive Reinforcement: Shower your dog with praise, treats, and affection when they successfully follow the new routine. Celebrate the small victories!
Observe Your Dog: Pay attention to their body language and behavior. Are they showing signs of anxiety (pacing, excessive barking, destructive behavior)? If so, you might need to backtrack and introduce changes even more gradually.
Don't Get Discouraged: There might be a few hiccups along the way – an accident inside, a whimper at the door. It's all part of the process. Stay calm, be patient, and avoid scolding. Re-direct their behavior and continue to reinforce the desired actions.
Consult a Professional: If your dog is experiencing severe anxiety, destructive behaviors, or showing no signs of improvement, don't hesitate to reach out to a professional dog trainer or a veterinary behaviorist. They can provide tailored advice and strategies.
Adjusting to a new schedule is a team effort, and with your unwavering love and understanding, your furry family member will soon be thriving in their new routine, reminding you with every happy tail wag that home is truly where the heart – and the dog – is
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More people than ever are protecting their pets
Since 2020, the average annual growth rate of insured pets has grown by 20%. So if you’re also part of the growing movement of pet parents who want to go the extra mile to protect their furry children, check out this list of top-rated pet insurance companies.
Dog Food and Supplement Recalls
Here are the recent recalls and advisories:
Savage Pet - Cat Food Chicken for potential bird flu exposure
Wild Coast Raw - Frozen Boneless Free Range Chicken Formula raw pet food for cats for possible bird flu exposure.
Blue Ridge Beef - Natural Mix for potential salmonella.
The Smile Section
Family Photo of the Day:
Lulu!
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