Good Dog Schedule – Daily Routine

Dogs love to have a consistent schedule the same way people do in their daily routine, but every dog is unique and has different needs based on age, breed, and temperament. Even dogs of the same age and breed may not have the same needs to stay happy, so it is best to use the daily schedule provided below as a general guide for your dog. For example, an adult dog generally needs to go out for potty breaks every 6 to 8 hours (this will depend on the specific dog and their needs), but a young puppy would need to go out more frequently throughout the day. Your dog’s daily schedule will also depend on your lifestyle, but it is best to be consistent. We present you a good dog schedule.

General Daily Schedule for Adult Dog

Morning

7:00 -7:30 AM – Wake up and Potty

Dogs like to eliminate as soon as they wake up, so it is best to take your dog out for either a brisk walk or you can go out for a longer hike, such as a 30 minute or longer walk.  

7:30-7:45 AM – Short Training Sessions

It is very important to train your dog daily and make the training sessions short and spread out throughout their day vs. doing training for an entire long hour. Keep in mind that training your dog should always be fun for both of you! For example, before leaving and returning to your home from your walks, have your dog practice their door manners. Ask your dog for a sit before entering or exiting any doorway to prevent them from dashing out the door which is very unsafe.  

7:45-8:00 AM – Breakfast

Get into the routine of always asking your dog to sit before you set their bowl of food down for them to eat. It will teach them that calm behavior such as a polite sit will provide them with a reward such as their meal(s). You can even ask for an extended sit such as a sit and stay while you prepare their meal(s). It is also recommended to replenish their water bowl with fresh water daily.  

8:30-9:00 AM – Potty

Allow your dog to settle their stomach for at least 30 minutes before they go out for a potty break to prevent injuries such as bloat.  

9:00 AM-1:00 PM – Crate

If you need to leave for work during these hours, you can send your dog away to their crate. Use the verbal cue place or “Go to your crate/bed” and have your dog practice entering their crate with confidence that this is their safe haven. Having your dog go inside their crate will teach them to settle down, be calm, have some independence, alone time, or they can even take a nap! Provide them with yummy-filled chew toys to keep them busy such as a Kong stuffed with their favorite treats.  

Midday  

1:00-1:30 PM – Potty  

Your dog will enjoy going out for a potty break in the middle of the day. If you cannot leave work to give your dog a walk, consider hiring a dog walker or a dog sitter to help you.  

1:30-5:30 PM Play, Training Session, Socialization  

Dogs love to play! Try and fit some time to give your dog some playtime either with you or socialization time with other dogs at some point during these hours. You can have fun playing with your dog by a game of fetching the ball or with a toy. Keep in mind that playtime can also be a time to fit in some training time. For example, you can ask your dog for a sit, release the sit, and reward with a toy. Another example is you can teach your dog the cue give back which will help to prevent any resource guarding. You will always want your dog to be friendly and confident around other dogs, so socialization will be an essential part of your dog’s life; take your dog out to play dates so they can play with other dog-friendly dogs. You can meet and get together with your neighbor’s dogs or even your family and friends’ dogs.

Again, if you cannot give your dog playtime, consider hiring a dog sitter or bringing your dog to doggy daycare where they can get the opportunity to play and socialize with other dogs. During playtime, practice recall also known as the come cue.  

Evening

5:30-6:30 PM – Potty Break/ Walk

Take your dog out for a potty break or a long walk. The potty break and walk can be 30 minutes or for a longer hike. Taking your dog out for walks is the perfect time to practice their leash manners! It will become more enjoyable for you and your dog to take pleasant walks rather than your dog pulling you on a leash.  

6:30-7:00 PM Settle In

It may be helpful to take this time for yourself! You can send your dog to place, or their bed, or let them settle in their crate for a few minutes.  

7:00-7:15 PM – Dinner

You can feed your dog their dinner at this time or at a time that is best for you and your dog. The important key factor is to try and be consistent with the timing.  

7:45-9:30 PM – Play/ Relax

It will be a relaxing feeling to rest with your dog while you watch your favorite TV show!  

Use this time to give your dog some love and affection by cuddling, petting, or even getting in some handling training. You can also use this time to play with your dog. You can do so many fun activities and tricks training with your dog, which you can find in “Stay Active” on our Dogo App!

9:30-10:00 PM –  Last Potty/ Sleep

Take your dog out for their last potty break, and then let them go to sleep. After a long, fun day, you can be sure your dog would be ready for a restful sleep!  

Being a dog parent can sometimes feel like a full-time job, but it will keep your dog actively busy, healthy, and happy! All of the fun activities you and your dog do together will make your bond and love even stronger. Make sure to provide your dog with a daily routine and establish your own healthy good dog schedule.

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