One Simple Routine Shift That Transformed Our Working Dogs’ Performance
If you're a gundog owner or involved in working dog training, you already know how much the daily routine can influence your dog’s focus, drive, and stamina. In 2023, we were still a full house—two springer dogs and two cocker bitches—fed twice a day. That changed after one conversation with a highly respected trainer during a gundog training week.
While visiting Adrian and Caroline at their home in, Scotland. We got chatting about feeding routines before trials and tests. Adrian mentioned his dogs are fed once daily at 7pm, which for him signals the “end of the working day.” Before a field trial, he’ll feed slightly earlier and reduce the quantity to keep his dogs sharp.
That got us thinking.
🥣 We Changed the Feeding Routine
Back home, we decided to try feeding just once a day at teatime. Our dogs are already intermittently fasted two to three times a month for health benefits, so transitioning to one daily meal was no big deal.
Sadly, since then, we’ve lost the boys—both reaching the remarkable age of 14. We’re now down to our two cocker girls, who are still as energetic and high-drive as ever.
And here’s where things get interesting.
⏰ The Game-Changer: Adjusting “Put Away” Time
About two weeks ago, we began experimenting with last let-out time—shifting it to 9pm–9:30pm. We initially did it for practical reasons—to help Nels, our youngest, stay dry overnight in her crate.
But the difference we’ve seen since? Absolutely huge.
💥 More energy first thing in the morning
💥 Improved stamina throughout training sessions
💥 Sharper mental focus
💥 Increased drive and motivation
💥 Better sleep and overall mood
These cockers are naturally intense, but this simple change has taken their canine performance to the next level.
📋 Our Updated Working Dog Routine
If you're looking to enhance your dog’s working drive, trial readiness, or even general behaviour, here’s what’s working for us:
Feeding Schedule: Once daily at 5pm
Fasting: 2–3 times per month for gut rest and long-term health
Last Let-Out: 9pm
Sleeping Setup: Crated indoors overnight
Bedtime Routine: 9.30pm Set regardless of our own bedtime
🧠 Why This Matters for Working Dog Owners
Establishing a structured routine can significantly affect your dog’s mental clarity, energy output, and recovery. Whether you have a gundog, trial dog, or high-performance working breed, feeding time and rest windows matter more than most people realise.
If you’re preparing for a test, field trial, or just want a dog that’s calmer, sharper, and more focused—timing is everything.
🐕🦺 Your Turn – What’s Your Routine?
Do you feed your dogs once or twice a day?
Do you kennel, crate, or allow them to roam?
Have you noticed differences when tweaking “put away” or bedtime?
Ever tried intermittent fasting with your dogs?
Drop us a comment—we love hearing what’s working for others in the working dog community!