Now that many of us have been home with our pets for most of 2020, we may be annoyed by more misbehavior. 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 being a Karen? First and foremost, consider changing up your pets’ daily routine. 

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 to hunt for. 

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. 

Meow, here’s a proposed daily schedule for your 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. Play Through a Cat’s Ear. This should encourage your cat’s natural habits to groom and sleep after a play and eat session.

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 class, Training Takeout. Teach your dog fifteen fun new tricks! Plus, when you sign up, I pay-it-forward and give a healthcare worker the class for free on your behalf!