How Dogs Understand Time: Routines and Care Tips

Hi! I'm Boris the dachshund, and today I will tell you a little secret: we dogs have a pretty good sense of Time. No, we don't wear watches or count the minutes, but we know when it's mealtime, walk time, or the moment you're about to walk through the door.

Let's look at how science explains our sense of Time—and how it can help you build a better routine for your best friend.

🧠 1. Dogs Have Internal Biological Clocks

Like people, dogs follow circadian rhythms—natural 24-hour cycles that regulate our sleep, energy levels, hunger, and hormone balance. These rhythms sync with light, temperature, and daily patterns.

"Circadian rhythms help regulate behavior and biological processes in dogs."—Zanghi, 2016; Refinetti, 2006.

What it means for you:

Regularly feeding and walking your dog supports digestion, improves mood, and helps them feel secure. Sudden changes in routine? That can cause anxiety, restlessness, or even depression.

 2. Dogs Learn by Association and Routine

We dogs are great at noticing patterns. If you grab your keys, we know you're leaving. If you make coffee, we will see the morning walk is next. This isn't clock-based—it's behavioral timing based on cues and repetition.

"Dogs use event-based memory and environmental signals to anticipate time-related events."—Fiset & Plourde, 2013.

What it means for you:

Consistency helps your dog stay emotionally balanced. A stable routine lowers stress and makes your dog more confident and cooperative, especially during training.

 

3. Dogs May "Smell" the Passage of Time

Believe it or not, dogs can even sense Time through scent. According to Dr. Alexandra Horowitz, dogs notice how your smell fades throughout the day, and use that to track how long you've been gone.

"Dogs use olfactory cues—like scent fading—to estimate time since a person left."—Horowitz, 2016.

What it means for you:

That's why your pup is often waiting right by the door at the exact moment you return—it's not magic, it's a nose clock!

 

⏰ Why Routine Helps Your Dog Thrive

Daily Activity: What to Do, Why It Works

Feeding Stick to consistent mealtimes improves digestion and sets a healthy rhythm.

Walks schedule them at similar times, build structure, and reduce behavioral issues.

Alone Time, leave behind an item with your scent. Lowers separation anxiety and offers comfort.

Predictable training windows help focus and build better learning habits.

Takeaway from Boris: Dogs Don't Count Minutes—We Feel Rhythms

We don't use clocks, but we live by rhythm. We rely on sunlight, patterns, smells, and your habits to know what's coming next. When our days are predictable, we feel calm, safe, and connected to you.

So, if you want a strong, trusting bond with your dog:

• Feed and walk at consistent times

• Keep your daily routine steady

• Please pay attention to the signals we use to understand the world

A well-timed routine reduces stress, boosts obedience, and strengthens your relationship—and of course, don't forget to reward us along the way with something tasty and nutritious, like Royal Rations freeze-dried treats. 😉

With love and tail wags, Your dachshund Boris 🐾