The Weekly High Five 🐾

One Quick Win 🙏 One Video to Watch 👀 One Post I Loved

Hey Reader,
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Your dog was doing great. Then something in your routine changed and suddenly they're barking more, chewing things they shouldn't, or acting like they forgot all their training.

Sound familiar?

Here's what's happening: dogs thrive on predictable routines. When your schedule shifts, even slightly, it throws them off. And mid-February? That's prime time for routine disruption. New work schedules, life changes, winter cabin fever breaking old patterns.

This week I'm showing you how to manage your dog when routines change, why adjusting your expectations isn't failure, and giving you a quick win that helps your dog adapt to schedule shifts.

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One Quick Win 🙏

This week's Quick Win focuses on "Small Moments of Separation":

1. Identify 5 brief moments during your day when you can practice leaving your dog alone (going to the bathroom, checking the mail, taking out trash, moving to another room).
2. Start with just 2-3 minutes of separation with a closed door between you and your dog.
3. Give them something engaging during those moments (chew toy, Kong, puzzle).
4. Gradually increase the duration by 1-2 minutes each day.
5. Practice this consistently for 2 weeks to build their confidence with your new routine.

When your schedule changes, separation anxiety and attention-seeking behaviors spike.
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Small, predictable moments of separation teach your dog that you coming and going is normal and they're safe.
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Start small, stay consistent, and your dog will adapt to whatever new routine you're building.

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One Video To Watch 👀

Think your dog's behavior issues came out of nowhere? In this week's video, I reveal five ways routine changes affect your dog's behavior and exactly what to do about it!

From separation anxiety when schedules shift to regression in training when you have less time, these issues show up whenever life gets busy or routines change.
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Learn how to prepare your dog for schedule changes, why a tired dog really is a good dog, and what to do when behaviors you thought were fixed suddenly come back.

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One Social Post I Loved 🧡

​This week's powerful post from @anna.balch.dog.trainer is about something nobody talks about: changing your expectations in training isn't failure. It's actually smart.
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Her example hits home. She loved walking her previous dogs in the woods. Her new rescue? The woods are too overstimulating.
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Instead of forcing it and failing repeatedly, she changed her expectations and found new activities where they both excel.
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The reminder here is crucial: if you're at a sticking point with your dog, adjusting your goals immediately takes the pressure off, which usually means you succeed more.
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Perfect timing for mid-February when those New Year training goals might need recalibrating.

February is when reality sets in. The new year motivation has worn off. Routines have shifted. Life got busy again. And your dog is feeling it.

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The good news? Dogs are adaptable. They just need consistency, patience, and realistic expectations as they adjust to whatever changes your life is throwing at them.

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Small moments of separation training, maintaining exercise even when it's cold, and being willing to adjust your goals based on your dog's actual needs, not your ideal vision, all help both of you navigate change successfully.

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Questions about helping your dog adapt to routine changes or adjusting training expectations? Hit reply. I specialize in practical solutions for real life, not perfect life.
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Here's to dogs who can handle whatever life throws at them!

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Pam,
CPDT-KA
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​PS. Need help managing behavior issues that popped up after your routine changed? Let's talk about what's really going on and how to get back on track. Click here to book your Free Call with Me.​
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