Happy Wednesday everyone!  Developing Trust and A Routine!  We all want that in our lives and as I said in my last post, animals are just like humans which means they want trust too.  Animals learn to love and protect as soon as they are born and it is up to us humans to nurture these habits and personalities.  Establishing a routine and schedule for your pet in turn allows them to adapt easily and trust you and their environment.

We all know that pets can sense whether you’re happy or sad. But did you know that they figure out when people are misleading and stop paying attention to them? This is why it’s important to be consistent with them as they learn to know what to expect.

If they seem stressed, try enriching activities, from taking a walk or throwing a ball, to learning a new trick or playing with food toys.

If introducing them to a new space, sit quietly and let them explore at their own pace. They’ll know you’re there for them if they need you.

Showing them that you’re there for them helps develop trust.

Be on the lookout for things that might stress your pet or make them scared.

Patience and understanding goes both ways.

Routines can help to reduce anxiety since pets love to know what to expect. They can learn to associate each activity with the time of day and remind you when it’s time to eat, go for a walk, get a treat, etc.

Environmental enrichment is great for stress relief.  Letting them spend solo time to rest and relax, or giving them different toys to play with, are great to incorporate as part of their routine.

Maintain their routine as best you can, but especially during hectic times as this can help keep their anxiety at bay.

Add some variations to their routine — such as introducing new treats, toys, or tricks. This helps your pet become (or stay) adaptable.

Create daily rituals that you can share together.

Feel free to combine activities, such as training and playtime. They’ll also love knowing they’ll have this time with you.

Create a routine that feels sustainable for everyone.

Consistent routines create feelings of safety and comfort.

Routine can help shift your mindset.

Looking for more pet related posts, check them out here:

Pets, Wills, and Trusts