Halloween is over. The costumes are coming off, the candy is getting put away, and Central Oregon is settling into November.
And this year, November 1 brings another little change.
The clocks fall back one hour, which means earlier sunsets and a little more morning light.
For us, it may just mean changing the clocks.
For our dogs, it can mean their daily routine starts looking a little different too.
Dogs like a routine too
Dogs tend to do well with predictable routines. Regular times for meals, walks, play and rest can help make their days more predictable. Veterinary behavior specialists recommend using consistent schedules and enrichment as part of a healthy routine.
That doesn't mean your dog's walk has to happen at exactly 4:17 every afternoon.
It just means that when life changes, keeping some familiar pieces of the day can help.
And November brings plenty of changes.
The days are shorter. The temperatures are cooler. Evening walks may happen earlier. Weekend schedules start filling up with holiday plans.
It is easy for the dog's exercise routine to be the first thing that gets bumped.
A little consistency goes a long way
Regular exercise is important for both physical and mental health. VCA Animal Hospitals recommends steady, progressive conditioning and notes that consistency is key when building a dog's fitness routine.
That doesn't mean every dog needs the same amount of exercise.
A young, energetic dog may need much more activity than a senior dog. Breed, age, fitness level and health all matter. Your veterinarian can help determine what type and amount of exercise is appropriate for your dog.
The goal is simply to find something that works and make it part of the routine.
Maybe that's a morning walk before work.
Maybe it's a lunchtime adventure.
Maybe it's a weekend hike when you have more time.
Or maybe it's a 30 minute run in the Bend Barks & Rec mobile dog gym when your schedule is packed and you need a little help fitting exercise into the day.
When your schedule changes, theirs doesn't have to
This is one of the reasons we love what we do.
Your dog doesn't have to wait for the perfect weather, the perfect daylight or a wide open afternoon on your calendar.
We bring the gym to you.
Your dog gets a trainer guided 30 minute walk or run in our mobile dog gym while you get to keep your day moving. No trip across town and no need to rearrange your entire schedule around a workout.
Because sometimes the hardest part of keeping a dog active isn't finding something they enjoy.
It's finding the time.
November is a good reminder to look at your dog's routine and make sure exercise still has a place in it.
The days may be getting shorter.
The calendar may be getting fuller.
But there is always room for a little movement.
IN EVERY SEASON. IN ANY LOCATION.
And yes, it's always a good day for a walk. 🐾