Does Your Dog or Cat Ask to Speak to a Manager?
Many of us provide plenty of physical exercise for our dogs and cats. Sometimes our focus on physical exercise for our dogs and cats has been at the expense of their rest and restoration. A common thread I see contributing towards pets’ misbehavior is less sleeping and umpteen walks a day. Think of your pets’ misbehavior as them asking to speak to a manager.
What should you do when your pet is asking to speak to a manager? First and foremost, consider changing up your pets’ daily routine. Dogs and cats find safety and comfort in routines. These proposed daily schedules for dogs and cats are also useful when taking them on vacation with you.
Here’s a proposed daily schedule for dogs:
Morning
First thing in the morning, let your dog outside for a quick potty break.
Next, give them a working breakfast via training and/or a food puzzle. Create a sniffari by hiding his kibble around your home for a foraging challenge. Think of these activities as your dog’s wordle.
Play Through a Dog’s Ear and encourage your dog to take a morning nap.
Afternoon
When he wakes up, play fetch or tug. Take a leisurely sniffy walk.
When you return, take two minutes for training.
Give your dog a long-lasting chew.
Play Through a Dog’s Ear and encourage your dog to take an afternoon nap.
Evening
Repeat the sniffy walk and train along the way.
Play with your dog.
Give your dog his dinner in a food puzzle as you sit down for your dinner.
Feed your dog snacks for laying on his bed while you watch TV.
Here’s a proposed daily schedule for cats.
Morning
First thing in the morning, take ten minutes to encourage your cat to play with a wand toy or toy she can bat around.
After playtime, feed your cat out of a food puzzle or while you train. This should encourage your cat’s natural habits to groom and sleep after a play and eat session.
Play Through a Cat’s Ear during feeding and nap times.
Afternoon
Play, train, and hide kibble for your cat to hunt for.
Evening
Repeat the morning routine.
These changes may seem like a big deal, but they really don’t take much time or effort. I encourage you to replace some of your dog’s walks with mental stimulation via training and food puzzles. Channel your cat’s energy towards hunting for her food rather than starring in your video calls.
If you are looking for a virtual summer camp type of experience for your dog, look no further than my on demand classes in Behavior Buddies. Teach your dog not to jump on guests, come when called, pay attention with distractions, stay put, cooperate at the vet’s office, plus fifteen fun new tricks!