Bedtime Rituals

We know your dog probably didn’t lean over the kitchen sink for dinner last night eating a piece of cold pizza with a soda chaser (it counts as exercise too if you stand while you eat, right?). So much for leading by example. While, as the less than perfect species that we humans are, we know that the best life to lead is a well-balanced one even if we don’t always practice those behaviors. That balance includes nutrition, exercise and sleep and it is no different for the pets we love. We asked the resident expert for tips for best practices for our dogs to be well-rested. Those of us in the less than perfect species might do well to pay attention for ourselves too. Consistent routines and rituals, especially at bedtime, can help your dog feel safe and relaxed, and promote calm behavior. Bedtime Bones alone aren’t the only answer to restful sleep.rnBelow are guidelines and ideas to help you create and implement an effective bedtime ritual. Having a relaxed dog at night starts long before the sun sets, in fact, it starts when the sun comes up! Play, play, play and exercise your dog everyday. Feed your dog’s meals around the same time everyday, providing a sense of consistency and predictability that she will find comforting. Try to Feed no less than three hours before bed time, to allow time for the body to begin to digest. You will want to limit water intake just before bed as well until your dog can self-regulate and not have overnight accidents. In order for your dog to be comfortable for the night, her last bathroom break should take place right before she goes to bed. Make sure she know its time to take care of business, not to rough house or be distracted. If she tries to go to bed after being recently overly excited or without doing the deed, she will have a more difficult time relaxing to get to sleep. Create a calming environment for your dog just like you would for yourself. Encourage a more relaxing activity, such as chewing on a safe and appropriate toy or bone. She is more likely to settle down if she’s lying down. Your dog will be more willing to settle down and go to bed if he has a special place all of his own in which to do so. Establish a place for her to sleep. Teaching your dog to exercise self-control and lay in a designated area, is a great way to enforce calm, relaxed behavior in the evening. Dim lights, close blinds and windows and turn on some ambient noise or soft music to drown out sounds that may cause your dog to become alert. A Bedtime Bones, of course, accompanied by a pet and a kiss on the nose is an ideal way to complete the ritual. Some dogs even like a story...You just might get a kiss back or a few... rnAt Bedtime Bones, the VP of Quality Assurance likes attention. She goes to bed at the same time every night with a Bedtime Bone, a pet, and a kiss on the nose. She almost always kisses back. She also kisses her brother and sister-and they are cats-who knew? We’d love to hear about the Bedtime Stories you share with your dog. Feel free to post them our Facebook page for us and others to see. Oh, and please “Like” us too. For more information regarding obedience training please contact PawsnMotion to arrange training and/or consultation in the Twin Cities area.