How important is consistency?

[Chris Smith]

Is a routine or consistency in day to day activities very important to dogs? Does it have a large impact on their behavior or does it just depend on the dog?

Lately, my life (work, personal, home-life) has been very inconsistent and stressful so I have not been able to follow a routine with Nalu in terms of when he is walked, what time I come home, what days someone else takes care of him, etc. Even his meal schedule has been a little off.

He has been acting "funny" the past week or so and I am wondering if it could be because of a lack of routine or consistency. His "funny" behavior is mostly hyperactivity and an extreme need for attention. He had a bad case of diarrhea for a day or so (with no change in food or treats) and he has done some increased inappropriate chewing. He is also barking excessively when I am around.

He has gotten lots of exercise but not necessarily from me (day care, dog walkers, play dates with other dogs but I'm not there, etc.) so I thought he was still being well taken care of.

Could his recent behavior be from a lack of routine or from him not getting as much attention directly from me?

[RubysMom]

Hi Chris -
I'm no expert, but Ive experienced a few of these same things if there are changes to Ruby's routine. When I changed my job recently and wasnt out the door at the 'usual' time, I'd be 'checked on' by the wet-nosed-one to see if maybe I didnt know what time it was!
She did have the more subtle symptoms too of runny poo, staying closer to me, more protective of the house etc. My husband's schedule changes all the time so his routine is no routine in her eyes. Still, if he is away for more than a few days, sometimes she will act a bit strange ("miffed" for lack of a word here) with him for a day or so.
She also seems a bit depressed if the routine gets messed up - sadly staring off into the yard, but snaps back to herself if we do something more to her schedule.
I dont know what to tell you the cure is here..I know its not great to have a loved one out of sorts, but sometimes life gets in the way and its sure hard to explain it to the furry ones!

[Jill Ramsey]

Yes, that could very well be what Nalu's problem is. Dogs are creatures of habit. It makes them feel safe and comfortable. When it's changed, they get stressed. Don't baby him, but do give extra attention.

[Melissa Brunoehler]

Hi Chris~

Yes, dogs definitely thrive on consistency. But because we have lives our dog’s routines sometimes get altered. Do your best not to show your stress to Nalu- I get the impression that he is very in tune to your emotions. Also make sure you are really enforcing NILIF right now. In your spare time spend quality time with Nalu- walks, play & training sessions...

[Chris Smith]

Yeah, I kinda had a feeling it might be that. I wasn't sure if they could pick up on our stress and change in routine so easily. Hopefully things will be settling down for me within a week so that I can get back to a regular routine for him. In the meantime, I will really try to give him undivided attention when I am with him.

At this point I think he and I could both use the consistency!!

[Susie B]

I've noticed the more consistent the routine, the better. However, I am late coming home 2 days per week but I come home at lunch and leave the doggie door open for them. I think they are now used to that routine and 1 day per week they go to daycare. I use Imodium for diarrhea and it works real good.

[Kendall Aliza]

Just wanted to say you asked a great question Chris and am glad you have gotten quite a few responses. Good luck!