If you’ve ever tripped over a squeaky avocado, plush donut, or mystery toy at 2AM… you’re not alone.
It’s easy to assume that more toys = better dog parenting.
But the truth?
What makes the biggest difference are strong, reliable dog parent routines.
We all get sucked into the quick wins.
The click, the delivery, the dopamine of giving our dog something new.
But after 10 minutes? That toy’s buried under the couch… and your dog is staring at you like now what?
Here’s what they really need.
Not more stuff but more consistency.
More moments that feel safe and predictable.
Dog parent routines don’t have to be perfect or fancy.
A five-minute walk at the same time every evening.
A little tug-of-war before work.
A quiet cuddle while you sip your morning coffee.
Those are the things they'll remember.
That’s how you build real trust.
And the wild part? It helps you, too.
These little rituals ground you in the chaos. They remind you to breathe, to connect, to be fully present even if just for a moment.
So the next time you feel tempted to buy another squeaky taco… maybe start a tiny new habit instead.
Something boring.
Something small.
Something real.
Because in the end, the strongest bonds come from steady dog parent routines — not whatever ends up in your cart.
👉 Want more bite-sized insights like this? Join my free Substack newsletter — where I share dog-parent reflections, smarter finds, and weekly stories that feel like a chat with your favorite dog-loving friend.