Some mornings can feel just right, steady, quiet, and full of intention. It can be the difference between a crazy start and a normal start for those of us with dogs. I’ve come to realize over time that starting my morning slowly and in a structured way makes me feel more balanced. What’s interesting is that my dog is also prospering because of it.
Source: https://www.pexels.com/photo/a-person-walking-a-small-dog-on-a-leash-18423161/
Start the Night Before
The morning can be busy and stressful. So I’d prepare the small details the prior evening. I’d fill the bowl for my pup, place out clothes, and leave the blinds partly opened so the light could enter. These little rituals kept mornings less panicky and more about gradually waking up. The best news is that my pup was now also waking up peacefully.
Quiet Before the Noise
Those first ten minutes waking up are sacred. No social media, no email, no small talk. I just stretch while my dog stretches with me. No need to strike yoga or turn it into some routine performance. It’s just gentle, slow stretches on the rug while my mind wakes up. My dog used to bark a lot in the morning, but now, his anxiety has mostly been relieved.
Consistency Beats Flash Every Time
We take morning walks around the neighborhood. Usually, it’s just around the block (we take longer walks in the evenings). Sometimes we hang out at the little grass patch and enjoy the birds and the breeze. We walk side-by-side, with him always looking up at me, asking for approval for where he wants to go. This walk has become important in our morning routine, and it gets our day started on the right track. Without the walk, the day feels off. So we are sure to always go!
Add Something That’s Just for You
Once we’re back, I pour coffee and sit down on the floor with my mug. My pup settles down beside me. When you’re creating a morning routine, experiment with incorporating a single, humble habit that’s for nobody other than you. The feeling that you have that space to yourself in the mornings? It genuinely does translate to the rest of life.
When I Needed Help
This wasn’t always our life. At some point in the past, my pup used to run around our living room, bark at the delivery drivers, and tug me around the block before 7 am. I asked for help from All Dogs Unleashed in-home dog training. They came into our house, trained me in making the world less uptight, and trained my dog where we live. It wasn’t intrusive; it was just helpful and tailored exactly to what we specifically needed.
Start Small and Make It Stick
If you’re building a better morning, don’t aim for perfect. Just aim for consistency. Wake up five minutes earlier. Choose one habit and make it your anchor. Include your pup. You’ll be surprised how much smoother the day feels when both of you start on a peaceful note!
Thank you for reading!
lyndsinreallife