Why Daily Routines are Important for Pomsky Dogs

When you first adopt a pomsky dog, you will likely begin with potty training and have a set schedule for your dog. You might also plan specific times of the day that you will train your pomsky basic commands. Pomsky dogs are the most successful with learning new information and behaving when they know what to expect. This post includes the importance of daily routines for pomsky dogs, how to establish a routine and how to make changes in your routine without causing your pomsky to become stressed.

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Do Pomsky Dogs like Routines?

From the moment you first bring your pomsky puppy home, your dog is learning about their new environment. They will begin to associate these new sights, smells, and sounds with their home. Pomsky dogs benefit from having daily routines so they know what to expect. Dogs like to have a predictable schedule and routine associated with when they have access to their food, water and when they will be taken outside to go potty. Pomskies are a dog breed that can be prone to having separation anxiety, so establishing a routine helps your dog understand and be prepared for when you are leaving. Your dog will also learn to associate specific actions you perform with consistent routines. For example, when you put your coat on at 9:00 pm, this likely means it is time to go potty outside - NOT that you are leaving for work.

Importance of Routines for Pomsky Dogs

Pomskies feel more secure and less stressed when their owners follow a routine. Pomsky dogs are intelligent and will quickly learn the order of events that take place in the morning or evening. They will likely pay close attention to the actions that you complete before they are fed or taken outside for a walk. You might notice that your pomsky dog will even sit and wait by their food bowl or by the door when it is the time of day that they are expecting to be fed or to go outside on a walk.

It is also important to note that you do not need to follow such a strict schedule that your dog becomes anxious when there is a slight change. In general, it is beneficial for you to have routines related to your dog’s basic essential needs including when your dog receives food and water, exercise times and potty breaks. This will reduce your dog’s anxiety and they will know that they will have the opportunity to go potty or receive more food at a certain time of day.

Even the slightest actions you perform could signal to your pomsky dog that it is the time of day for something. Pomskies with separation anxiety will likely become anxious if you perform actions that typically signal you are leaving them. Some of your actions that your dog might pick up on include:

Picking up your car keys
Putting your coat on (or even moving it from one spot to another)
Opening a cupboard where your dog’s toys, treats or food is kept
Any other routines you do specifically before leaving, eating a meal or going for a walk

How to Establish Your Dog’s Daily Routine

A daily routine should have a balance of all of your pomsky dog’s essential needs including exercise, food and water, potty breaks, and play time/bonding. Every family will have a different schedule and routine for their pomsky so you can determine what works best for you.

A basic example of a daily routine for a pomsky could include:

Morning: Take your pomsky outside for a walk and potty break. Once you get back inside, give your pomsky fresh water and food.

Lunch time/Middle of the day: Take your pomsky for another walk and potty break. Do a quick training session with some basic commands such as sit, shake, or lay down and give your pomsky some treats or a small snack.

Late Afternoon/Evening: Take your pomsky for a longer walk, especially when the weather is cooler such as in the fall and spring. Refill your pomsky’s water bowl and give them some food for dinner. Once your pomsky has had adequate time to digest their food, play fetch, tug, or other games with your pomsky to provide fun mental stimulation and bond with them.

Just before bed time: Snuggle up together on the couch. Take your pomsky outside one more time to go potty before going to bed.

When There Are Changes in Your Routine

If you are going on a vacation, getting ready to have people over at your house or have another change in your schedule, your pomsky will likely notice a change in your daily routines. In general, it is best to make gradual changes over time so your pomsky doesn’t become stressed about a sudden, unexpected change from what they have been accustomed to.

Prevent your pomsky from becoming anxious about changes in your routines by:

Waiting to pack for a vacation until just before you leave OR leaving suitcases out on the floor a few weeks before your vacation so your pomsky doesn’t associate it with you leaving
Cleaning and preparing a little bit each day in the week leading up to your guests coming over (instead of appearing stressed the day of)
Giving your pomsky toys to keep them distracted such as a snuffle mat, new nylon bone, frozen treat, lick mat, or puzzle toy
If you live with another person, take turns playing with your pomsky while the other person works on packing or preparing the home for guests

If there is an unavoidable change such as a change in your work schedule, or a new family member living with you, your dog will just need to adjust to the new situation, but you can always praise them with treats, calm words and gentle massages.

Summary

Pomsky dogs thrive when they have a predictable routine. It is especially important that your dog feels secure about their essential needs, such as when they will receive food, water and have the opportunity to go potty outside. If you need to change your routine significantly, it is best to ease your pomsky gradually into the new changes whenever possible.