Ever wondered what it’s really like to care for a dog day in and day out? Well, I decided to find out before committing to getting one! If you think I’m crazy for testing out dog routines before actually having a dog, you’re not alone—but I believe in being prepared. In this post, I’ll walk you through how I set up routines that I expect to have with my future dog, and what I learned along the way.
Setting Up the Routine Experiment
This week, I decided to test all the routines I think I’ll need to follow when I finally bring a dog home. These routines included:
- Feeding
- Walking
- Giving medication
- Playing
- Grooming
- Training
Each routine was adapted to the type of dog I imagine having, but I wanted to cover a range of needs to see how they would fit into my daily life. My goal was to figure out how much time these tasks would take and how they might impact my schedule.
Day 1: Walking at 4 PM (Breaking the Flow)
The first challenge hit me right away. At 4 PM, when I’m usually deep into my work, I had to break away for a “dog walk.” Initially, I planned for a 30-minute walk, but ended up doing 50 minutes because work kept pulling me in, and I delayed the walk. This showed me how easy it is to push non-essential tasks aside when they don’t feel urgent. It was a wake-up call—if I can’t prioritize a pretend walk, how will I manage with a real dog?
Day 2: Oversleeping and Morning Walks
Waking up late threw off my routine entirely. At 8:30 AM, I was out for a walk (with my imaginary dog), and while it felt good to be outside, I realized how easily oversleeping could disrupt my day. I ended up skipping some planned activities. This was a reminder that dogs thrive on routine, and I’ll need to work on sticking to mine, especially in the mornings.
Bringing in a Helper
For the next few days, I had a “helper” join me. This four-legged friend helped me test mental stimulation routines like food puzzles and medication schedules. We practiced with feeding, playing, and engaging her in mentally stimulating activities. It was a fun, productive few days, and I learned a lot about how these routines would fit into my daily life.
Mental Stimulation and Training
One of the key routines I wanted to practice was mental stimulation. After our morning walk, I worked on some exercises while my helper enjoyed a food puzzle. This is part of my regular routine, so integrating the dog into it felt natural. I learned how to make the puzzles engaging without frustrating her, which was important for keeping her interested and happy.
One thing I realized is that mental stimulation doesn’t have to be complicated. By making small adjustments, like holding the toy or opening it slightly, I helped her figure out the game without getting discouraged. This type of activity is essential for a dog’s happiness and development, especially in breeds that need to use their brains.
Evening Walks: A New Favorite
By day five, I’d reintroduced evening walks into my routine, and they quickly became a favorite part of my day. These peaceful, 30-minute walks allowed me to unwind and enjoy the quiet outdoors. I found that this routine was easy to stick to and made me feel more relaxed and energized.
Interestingly, when I had my helper with me, evening walks didn’t work as well—she wasn’t as keen on them as I was! But when I was on my own, it became a time I looked forward to.
The Challenges of Keeping Up a Routine Without a Dog
Once my helper left, sticking to the routines became harder. Without a dog by my side, I found myself skipping walks, especially during the workday. When you don’t have that little reminder nudging you to get outside, it’s easy to stay in the flow of work. This made me realize how much having a dog can positively impact your routine—giving you that extra push to break up your day and step outside.
I struggled most with stopping work in the middle of the day for a walk. Without the dog, I just kept working, but when I did take those breaks, I noticed how much better I felt afterward. It reinforced how important it will be to maintain these breaks even before I have a dog.
My Takeaway: A Dog Is in My Future!
After this week-long experiment, I’ve realized a few key things:
- I definitely want a dog.
Testing out these routines has shown me that I enjoy the structure and the added activity a dog would bring to my life. - I can handle a more energetic dog than I originally thought.
Initially, I was worried about getting a dog with too much energy, but after seeing how easily I integrated walks and training into my day, I feel confident that I can manage a dog that needs a bit more exercise. - Routines matter—but you need to enjoy them.
By establishing a routine before the dog arrives, I’m setting myself up for success. This way, the dog won’t feel like a burden, but rather a joyful part of my life.
Final Thoughts: Preparing for a Dog
If you’re considering getting a dog, I highly recommend doing something similar—try out the routines in advance. It helps you prepare mentally and practically for the responsibility of dog ownership. Plus, you’ll figure out what works for your schedule and where you need to make adjustments before the dog arrives.
Thanks for following along on this journey! Stay tuned for more posts, as I’ll be diving deeper into how to choose the right breeder, dog temperament, and more. See you soon!
