Introduction:

Balancing work and the needs of our canine companions can be challenging; I know from decades as a guy with a canine and career. With a structured routine though your dog and your job can both thrive. Further, the bond and fun you have with your dog will increase with the structure and leadership you provide. Let's dive into the art of achieving a harmonious work/dog balance through a well-thought-out schedule and then I'll show you the daily routine I specifically follow with my high-drive dog, Magnus. And you can see our routine here for yourself: https://youtu.be/LC7Co5NZXww?si=PJLsOv5E6xL8H0k2

The Morning Walk:

The foundation of a successful day with your dog is your morning walk. This isn't just any stroll; it's an opportunity to demonstrate your leadership through the structure you provide and also to let your dog explore, sniff, and engage with the environment. A good walk sets a positive tone for the day, allowing your dog to expend energy, stimulate their senses, and build a stronger connection with you. Magnus and I do a bike ride every morning first-thing and walk later in the day.

Crating with Care:

While you might not be familiar with crating, when done correctly, it becomes a safe haven for your dog. The key is to focus not on the time spent in the crate but on what happens outside of it. Ensure that your dog's crate is a comfortable space, filled with familiar toys and a cozy bed and cover it while he's in there. During these crate times, I get most of my work done or run errands, go to the gym, do human things.

Structured Feeding and Naptime:

I plan crate time around his 3 small daily meals: around 8 am, 12 pm, and 5 pm. He stays in the crate and naps for 2-3 hours following each meal.

Events:

Whether it's another walk around the neighborhood, a bike ride, a trip to the park, or engaging in some structured training, these activities are the highlights of your dog's day. Quality always trumps quantity, and making the most of the time you have together will strengthen your bond and enhance communication. Training should always be reinforced when you are with your dog. This not only stimulates your dog's mind but reinforces your role as the pack leader. When your dog looks to you for leadership, doing things together, events, are more fun for you both.

The Importance of Consistency:

Consistency is key to any successful routine. Dogs thrive on predictability, and a consistent schedule provides them with a sense of security. Stick to the established meal times, walks, and post-meal events, even on weekends. This consistency reinforces the structure you've created, making it easier for your dog to truly accept you as the leader. Otherwise, he will try to fill the leadership gap and that will result in bad behavior.

A Daily Schedule:

The sample schedule below is appropriate for a high-energy dog like my Magnus and a busy remote worker like me.

Wake Up

• 6:30am - 7am Wake up, exit crate to backyard to do his business

Event 1

• 7:00 am - 7:45am Morning Walk or Bike Ride:

  • A mix of structured walk and free time to kickstart the day.

  • Demonstrate your leadership

  • You control when he can sniff around and be a dog and when he is to follow your lead.

  • Sets a positive tone for the day.

Breakfast

• 8:00 am - 10am Breakfast and Nap in the Crate:

  • Establishes a sense of routine and predictability.

  • Provides comfort and security to your pup.

  • You can work or focus on what you need to do.

Event 2

• Spend at least half an hour together. Some suggestions: dog park, run errands together, eg Target, Home Depot; obedience training, agility; walk around the block/bike ride, etc.

• Afterwards, let your dog hang out by themselves in your back yard or in permitted indoor spaces. Give him toys or a bone.

Lunch

• 12:00 pm - 2:30 pm Lunch and Nap in the Crate:

  • Meals should be appropriately small since he is eating 3/day.

  • What matters most is what your dog does when outside the crate; not how much time he is in the crate.

  • Dogs sleep a lot; he is OK in the crate until you are ready for your next event. If you are busy working, you can extend this crate time.

Event 3

• Can he hang out with you while you work? Can he hang out in the back yard for a while and be a dog?

• At 4:30 or 5 pm we often do Happy Hour in my front yard.

Dinner

• 5:30 pm - 7:30 Dinner and Nap in the Crate

Event 4

• If he did not get good exercise during the day, get out there now.

• Magnus stays on his comfy dog bed in the living room when he is in the house, unless he is in his crate. I can go about my business or sit with him and watch TV (Magnus likes watching Dog Training shows on YouTube); massage him; hang out. Go for an evening walk if you feel like it or something else together.

• Eventually wind down a bit.

Bedtime

• 9:30 pm

  • Magnus, my Doberman mutt, is perfectly good all night in his crate. If he whimpers it's a rare pee or poo emergency and I'll let him out for that.

Conclusion:

Remember, everyone's routine will vary based on their dog's needs and their work schedule. Customize your's to suit your dog's personality and your daily commitments. The key is to establish consistency and make the most of the time you have together. With a well-structured routine, you can create a work/dog balance that nurtures your relationship with your Canine, no matter how busy your career is keeping you.