Developing Trust And A Routine
My sweet Jake when he was a puppy!
I thought I’d show you some adorable pictures of Jake when he was 8 and 10 weeks old. He was this small for a minute and now he’s my 109 pound chocolate chunk!

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.


I love hearing from all of you and do my best to respond to each and every one of you. I always enjoy your comments, feedback, and suggestions so keep them coming! If I’ve posted a recipe (for our human and our furry friends) and you try it, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram @twoadorablelabs and use #twoadorablelabs.

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