13/05/2026
My next is to create small, calming routines.
Predictability helps both human and canine brains feel safe.
My top 4 examples are;
🐾 An extra 5-10 mins in bed in the morning having a cuddle. Even Gamora who is more cat than Husky joins in with this.
🐾 Morning coffee for me, nap for my dogs after their morning walk.
Having a dedicated decompression time helps them to feel calmer and more relaxed.
🐾 Greeting them on the sofa when I come home. We used to say, ‘to the sofa’ now nothing needs said, they’re there waiting for the cuddles ❤️
🐾 I always shower before putting on my pj’s and cooking dinner.
My pooches know that shower time = they snooze on the landing, waiting for dinner. We all eat our evening meal at the same time.
All of these, and many more, help my pooches and I to communicate. We each know what the next step in the behaviour chain is 🥰 This means I largely don’t have to use cues anymore - I mean I still do cause I’m a blather and like to talk to my dogs. But I don’t neeeeed too 😂
