Consistency of walks each day

[Duncan Hagstrom]

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Hi all, new to the forum.

I've had my puppy (red lab) for just over one month now and have recently started taking him for daily walks in the morning. How important is it that we go for a walk at the same time each day? I know that routine and structure is important for a dogs' wellbeing but how much difference is going for a walk at 7:20 instead of 7:00 going to make? I'm getting had a go at for 'not taking good care of the dog' - how much does 20 minutes mean to a being that can't tell the time?

Thanks!

 

[lurcherman]

If it's a young pup then slowly slowly does the trick, you don't want to do too much too soon, routine is very good but dogs can adapt and 20 mins means nothing to a dog as it's you that sets the rules not the dog.

 

[Biker John]

In reply to your question, in my opinion dogs are very adaptable, the only reason you could have a problem is if you say took him out at the same time for a long time then it would get used to it and expect it to continue, but in general if you vary when you take him out he will be happy. And as lurcherman says a young pup should only have short exercise sessions.

 

[RosieB]

Hi John,

Some wise old dog sage told us once that dog's have no concept of time, they only worry about the same things happening in pretty much the same order....how long between those things doesn't therefore matter (within reason). It made us feel better about having to leave our dog for a few hours occasionally - provided we came home and did what he was expecting, he didn't care.

Good luck with the pup

 

[hollysh]

As long as he's not causing a fuss, I can't see that it's a problem for him. Though my dog can tell the time. He knows at 4.30 it's dinner time and he knows when this is I'm not sure how. Just a sixth sense I guess. That's when he starts barking for it.