Training Hack: Creating Routines for Your Dog

Just like humans, dogs love a good routine. While it can sometimes work against us, for instance, when the time changes and our dogs are looking at us like “Excuse me, where’s my supper?”, having routines can make life easier for both you and your dog.

For some examples, I have a nightly routine where my dog goes out to potty one last time, then he comes in and goes straight to his crate where he already has a treat on his bed waiting for him. I never have to make him go to his crate or try and trick him.

I also have a routine for giving any medication, where my dog hops up on a raised bed near his treat station where I also keep any medication he may need (such as for thunderstorms). He waits on the bed, I say “Open”, then I open his mouth, drop the pill in, and rub his throat for him to swallow it . Once he swallows it, he gets lots of praise and several treats. He knows these routines and what to expect so I don’t have to worry about chasing him around!

What routines can you think of that you can do with your dog to make things easier for you?