8 Morning Habits That Can Make Your Dog Happier All Day

Quick Take

• A consistent, synchronized feeding schedule helps with routine, especially by serving breakfast at the same time every day.

• Morning workouts with your pup can boost their dopamine levels and count as bonding time.

• Swapping nighttime strolls for morning walks boosts metabolism and uses up morning energy.

Dogs can surprise us in the best ways, but at the end of the day, they’re creatures of habit. Your dog appreciates routine just like you do. Knowing what to expect and when, especially at the start of the day, makes a huge difference in their lives. No one likes unpredictability, least of all a puppy or a senior dog. In between brushing your teeth and making coffee, you might not even realize that the little moments matter to your dog.

These eight morning habits can easily be worked into your routine and benefit your pup. You’d be surprised by how quickly the little things boost your dog’s happiness, and, by extension, the happiness of their owners!

Breakfast, at the Same Time, Every Day

This simple gesture can change the entire course of your pup’s day. Dogs anticipate patterns in their routines, and one of the most important is feeding time. Breakfast is a powerful tool: it’s motivation, fuel, and a reward all wrapped up in one. And for a dog, getting food is just plain exciting! Providing it at or around the same time each day adds much-needed stability to your dog’s life alongside their love of food.

If you have a puppy, setting the same breakfast time each day becomes the core of their routine. It sets a precedent for what they can expect upon waking. During those formative training months, steady feeding time supports your dog’s regulation. Senior dogs also need this type of stability, especially as they age. Confusion is often a side effect of aging, and any deviation from their mealtime—or any other regular activity—can throw off their entire day.

Turn Potty Time into a ‘Sniffari’

Studies show that sniffaris are extremely beneficial to a dog’s well-being. Their noses were made to sniff, so who are we to stand in the way of that? If you have the time, try going on a sniffari walk with them. This could be as simple as walking around the block or even walking around your own backyard. The goal is simply to let your pup exercise their sniffer.

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This is a strong and excellent way for dogs to start their morning. Most pups are full of energy in the morning, and sniffaris push their brains to keep up with their legs. While they could do this on their own in a fenced-in yard, doing it with them creates a bonding activity. Feel free to encourage their incredible sense of smell and cheer them on along the way!

Try An Early AM Walk Rather Than a Nighttime Stroll

Have a pup that’s a little on the eccentric side? Try taking walks first thing in the morning rather than in the afternoon or evening. Some dogs wake up with bursts of energy that only increase after eating and interacting with humans. Daily morning walks release all of that pent-up energy, so your furry companion is less likely to chew your couch cushions later.

Early walks also have the added benefit of expending calories consumed first thing in the morning. Rather than waiting until your pup’s energy has lapsed and those calories have settled, their metabolism gets a hefty boost with some AM activity. Plus, watching the sunrise has some serious benefits for humans, too.

Make Space for Puzzle Time

Puzzles are an excellent alternative to sniffaris and offer the same type of enrichment. Many puzzles come in different levels based on your pup’s skill level. Start with low-level puzzles and add more challenging ones as they get the hang of sniffing out treats. If you do this first thing in the morning, they’ll be fully engaged and locked in, reducing the risk of boredom.

If puzzles don’t interest your dog, consider a treat mat. They can sniff out where treats are hidden in various pockets of the mat. It’s easy to set up and will be yet another thing your pup looks forward to after they wake up. And while they’re working those mental skills, it gives you time to drink coffee or make breakfast.

Incorporate a Double Bathroom Break

It might seem excessive, but this is no different than using the bathroom once when you wake up, and again before you leave the house. Even if your pup doesn’t need to potty, it gives them a chance to get some fresh air twice before you go to work or out for the day. The benefits of this are numerous, but primarily reduce the risk of accidents, allow your pup to expel some zoomies, and reinforce the notion that they have two chances to potty in the morning.

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This is even better for senior pups, who tend to drink a lot of water in the morning. Combined with an aging bladder, this extra water consumption typically leads to accidents when they can’t hold it for eight hours. Letting them out first thing after they wake up and right before you head out the door is a small mercy, both for your dog and your new rugs.

Five Minutes of Affection to Start the Day

We all have extremely busy lives, which makes it challenging to devote the time we want to everything. Our dogs should be pretty high on that list, even if it’s only for a few minutes every morning. Showing affection to your pup doesn’t necessarily mean cuddling on the couch (unless they enjoy that!). It can also look like daily brushing, head scratches, a game of catch, or playing tug-of-war.

Those few minutes might seem like nothing to us, but they’re precious to our dogs. Every minute spent bonding is another minute their brains release dopamine, the feel-good chemical. This boosts their mood overall and sets the tone for the rest of the day. In your absence, they’ll continue feeling happy, secure, and loved.

Make Your Morning Workout Pup-Friendly

Obviously, your dog isn’t going to lift weights with you. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t other dog-friendly workouts you can do that benefit them, too. Walking can become part of your morning exercise or playing fetch can provide a good arm workout. If your dog is keen on running, jogging is another great way to start the morning with fresh energy.

If your morning workouts are a little more intense, there’s another option that counts as bonding. Coexisting in the same space is often enough for a dog, especially if they can look forward to it at the start of their day. As you’re heading to the treadmill or your home gym, bring their favorite toy or buy them a new one to keep them occupied for a while. Anything that busts boredom and provides 15-30 minutes of entertainment lets them do their “workout” while you do yours!

Never Too Old to Learn New Tricks

The saying “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks” is a myth. You can teach a dog new tricks at any age, and they can easily be worked into a morning routine. For older dogs, this is often better, as many experience cognitive dysfunction or a doggie version of sundowning. Even easy tricks, such as balancing a treat on their nose, giving paw, or spinning in a circle, are enough to trigger their work-and-reward instincts.

It goes without saying that this is great for dogs of any age. It’s another way to tap into that early-morning energy while also giving them a short-term goal. Dogs are more motivated by rewards (especially food!) than anything else, making this the perfect way to start the day on a positive note.

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