Feeding routines
How do I transition my dog's schedule when I go back to office work
Last updated 23 September 2026 · How we write and check this
Short answer
Start shifting meal times toward your future office schedule about a week before you go back, moving them in small 15 to 30 minute steps each day. This gives your dog time to adjust gradually rather than facing an abrupt change on your first day back.
Starting the shift early
If your office schedule will mean breakfast an hour earlier and dinner a couple of hours later than your current work from home routine, begin nudging both meal times in that direction about a week ahead, rather than switching everything on the first day.
Practicing the new gap between meals
If the office schedule creates a longer gap between meals than your dog is used to, practice that longer gap during the transition week so your dog is not adjusting to both a new time and a longer wait at once.
Handling the alone time change too
Since returning to the office often means more time alone as well as a new feeding schedule, introducing both changes gradually together tends to go more smoothly than dealing with either one on its own suddenly.
Key takeaways
- Begin shifting meal times about a week before returning to the office.
- Move times in small 15 to 30 minute steps rather than all at once.
- Practice any new, longer gap between meals during the transition week.
- Introduce feeding and alone time changes together gradually.