Does Your Dog Have A Routine?

Dogs need a structure to feel secure and to behave appropriately.

Knowing when they will be fed, walked and played with on a regular basis is key to making your dog feel more relaxed and secure.

Without routine your dog will not adapt well to life changes.

Some situations that could disrupt your dog’s routine and cause stress are:

• Traveling
• New Home/New Owner
• Boredom
• Your Absence
• New Family Member or Visitor
• Thunder/Fireworks/Loud Noises
• New Pet
• Environmental Changes

You can look to pet sitters to help with your dog’s routine when you can’t be there.

Pet sitters can come in and walk your dog and provide exercise as well as feed your dog on a timely basis when you have to work long hours.

Here are some ways you can help your dog in stressful situations:

• Crate Trained. Once accustomed, a crate becomes a place your dog can always count on to feel safe in
• Confinement. If you are having a gathering, or introducing new people into the home, confine your dog to one room where they have a bed or crate. This makes them feel safe, especially if they are territorial.
• There are some new products out (Shirts) for dogs that have anxiety caused by loud noises. Examples: fireworks, thunder etc. These shirts wrap the dog as if they were being held and help them feel more secure. Some dogs react well to these products.

By maintaining the daily routine in your dog’s life and keeping them healthy, active, mentally stimulated and well fed, you will go a long way toward preventing or treating any stress they may encounter.

If you are in the Raleigh, NC area, we at Four Paws Pet Sitting Services offer mid day dog walks at a discounted price for 5 days a week.

We will be glad to help you keep your pets in a routine!

Give us a call. 919-388-7297 or Request Info