A dog's daily routine

German shepherd lying on Omlet’s Nest dog bed in Doodle Dog.

Bringing a dog into your home is a big commitment as they need a lot of time and care; this guide will outline what a typical daily routine for a dog or puppy may look like. Routine may vary slightly from dog to dog depending on their breed, age and your current schedule, but you might find it a useful starting point if you’re in the early stages of deciding whether to get a dog and are concerned about how much time you have to commit. It’s important that you have the time to give a dog the attention they need to live a happy and healthy life.

Your dog’s morning routine

7:00 - After your dog’s long night’s sleep on their Topology dog bed, the first thing they’ll need to do is use the toilet. Take them outside as soon as you’re up before introducing a bit of playtime with some of their favourite dog toys. This gives you a chance to bond with your dog before starting the day.

7:30 - If you’ve decided to feed your dog two meals a day, this is the perfect time to give them their breakfast. Be sure to discourage any begging behaviour whilst you eat yours, too!

8:00 - About half an hour after your dog has finished their breakfast, take them outside for a walk and another opportunity to do their business if needed. For some dog breeds, it’s better to wait longer after eating before exercising. Typically dogs have a bowel movement between 10 and 30 minutes after they have eaten. Adult dogs are better at holding it in, but puppies can really struggle.

9:00 - This is when you can either allow your dog to settle down just before you leave for work or allow them to explore and amuse themselves with toys whilst you get things done. If you have a garden, they can spend some time there; but don’t be tempted to leave them loose in the garden if you’re going to work. If you’re lucky enough to take your dog to work, this is an ideal situation.

Your dog's afternoon routine

13:00 - Most dogs would love nothing more than for you to return home at lunchtime every day so that they can be let out to go to the toilet and spend some quality time playing, exercising and bonding with you. Others have to wait patiently for your return in the early evening. If there’s someone who can dog sit for twenty minutes, that’s all the better.

Your dog should have access to fresh water throughout the day; if you’re at home yourself, early afternoon is the time to refresh the water bowl. If you have a puppy, this is the best time to give them their midday meal. Most dogs will happily snooze away the afternoon, so you won’t need to tend to their every need all day. Leaving them on their own for long periods is unfair on your dog. If you are planning to be away from them during the day, they will need a dog sitter or walker to give them some attention in your absence. It’s important to consider that if you’re spending every day at work with no one to visit, your dog will not live a happy life.

13:30 - Before heading back to work, make sure you let your dog out to do their business. Encourage them to use some energy by introducing some play (and training if you have enough time), then invite them back inside where they can rest comfortably in their crate. A dog crate should be the place your dog feels safe and where they can retreat to when you’re not home. Find out how to correctly crate train your dog or puppy here.

Your dog's evening routine

18:00 - When you get home from work, be ready to make a big fuss of your dog as soon as you walk through the door. getting home from work, your dog will give you no choice but to make a fuss of them as soon as you walk through the door. Top up their water bowl again. Now is the time to give your dog their evening meal. At some point, after they have finished eating, take them out for a dog walk to use all of the energy they have built up throughout the day. This time can also be used for training. It’s a good idea to leave some time between eating and exercise so that your dog can digest their food.

20:00 - Your dog may want to relieve themselves once more before they curl up in their bed for the night. Take them outside, but don’t encourage any play. You don’t want them to get too excited, otherwise, you’ll struggle to settle them down again for bedtime.

Omlet and your dog

Deciding to make a dog a part of your family is a big commitment. At Omlet, we care for the needs of pets and their people, whether you’re out on an adventure or cuddled up at home. With luxury dog beds, dog crates, and a range of essential dog products designed to be perfect for your pooch, spending time together will always bring you closer.

Dog enjoying their time in Omlet’s Fido Classic Dog Crate.