If you have dogs, you already know they somehow become part of literally every part of your routine. You wake up and they’re there. You’re making breakfast and they’re staring at you. You try to leave the house and suddenly everyone needs attention right now. Quite frankly I wouldn’t have it any other way.
I feel like there are so many conversations around being a “good dog parent” that make it seem way more complicated than it needs to be. Obviously there are the important things, food, exercise, vet appointments, all of that, but I think so much of having happy dogs comes down to the little things you do consistently.
These are a few of my dog non-negotiables.
+ Get them outside
This seems obvious, but I really try not to think of walks as just bathroom breaks.
Dogs need to sniff, explore, move their bodies, and get some stimulation outside of the house. Some days that means a longer walk and other days it’s literally me squeezing in whatever I can between everything else going on.
I’m not pretending every dog walk is some peaceful, aesthetic moment either lol. Sometimes you’re carrying poop bags, untangling a leash, answering a phone call, and trying to convince your dog that the random piece of trash on the sidewalk is not lunch.
Still counts.
+ Feed them well
I’m pretty conscious about what everyone in our house eats, and obviously the dogs are included in that.
I think pet food can become one of those topics where suddenly you feel like you need a PhD to figure out what you’re supposed to buy. I try to keep things much simpler and focus on dog food that gives them the nutrition they need and that they genuinely enjoy eating.
Purina Dog Chow is one of those familiar staples that has been feeding dogs for generations, with recipes made to provide complete and balanced nutrition for adult dogs. I also appreciate having something straightforward and dependable because, realistically, feeding your dog should not need to be the most stressful decision you make all week. Which yes, my dogs absolutely know when it’s mealtime. There is no forgetting around here.
+ Give them active attention
This is probably the biggest one for me.
Being in the same room as your dog while you’re scrolling your phone or answering emails isn’t necessarily the same thing as spending time with them.
I try to give them little moments throughout the day where I’m actually present: playing with them, sitting outside together, taking them on a walk, cuddling on the couch, whatever. It doesn’t need to be an hour-long production. Dogs are honestly pretty easy to please. Ten minutes of undivided attention can mean everything to them.
+ Keep some sort of routine
Our schedule definitely changes depending on the day, but dogs LOVE routine.
They know when breakfast is coming. They know approximately when they’re going outside. They know the sound of whatever cabinet their food or treats live in. And God forbid you’re five minutes late because apparently they can also tell time.
I think having that consistency helps them feel settled, even when the rest of life is chaotic.
+ Let them be dogs
This one sounds funny, but I mean it.
I like my house clean. I like things organized. I don’t particularly love muddy paw prints or dog hair appearing approximately three seconds after I vacuum.
But dogs are going to be dogs.
They’re going to roll around, sniff weird things, get dirty, take over the couch, and occasionally destroy something you were pretty attached to. One thing I’ve learned is that the more opportunities you give your dog to burn off that energy in the right environment, whether it’s going for walks, playing outside, or just getting some extra playtime in, the less likely they are to take that energy out on your furniture or favorite pair of shoes. You can either spend your entire life annoyed about it or accept that living with animals comes with a little bit of chaos. I choose the chaos….usually.
+ Pay attention to the little changes
Nobody knows your dog better than you do, which means you’re usually the first person who notices when something feels off. Maybe they’re eating differently, sleeping more, suddenly not interested in a walk, scratching more than usual, or just acting weird. I try not to overthink every tiny thing, but I do pay attention. They obviously can’t tell us when something doesn’t feel right, so noticing changes in your dog is kind of our job.
+ Include them in your life
One of my favorite parts about having dogs is honestly just having them around. If we’re hanging outside, they’re there. If I’m having a slow morning at home, they’re probably next to me. If there’s an opportunity to bring them somewhere dog-friendly without making everyone’s life significantly harder, I usually do.
Your dog doesn’t need some elaborate life. They mostly just want to be part of yours, plus, I think that’s probably why we get so attached to them in the first place. They’re there for the boring mornings, busy afternoons, lazy Sundays, stressful weeks, and everything in between. So yes, I’m going to obsess over their food, make sure they get their walks, talk to them like they fully understand English, and rearrange myself into an extremely uncomfortable position because they fell asleep on me.
That’s just part of it. Dog people get it.
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