6:47am. Harley is already awake. He has been awake for some time. He would like you to know this.
This is what mornings look like in a DC apartment with an 8lb chorkie, and after some negotiation, we've landed on a routine that actually works for both parties.
6:00am — The wake-up.
Harley does not use an alarm. He uses sustained eye contact from approximately four inches away. It is effective.
7:00am — Water first.
Before anything else, fresh water in his bowl. Small dogs dehydrate faster than people expect, especially if they've been sleeping hard. We refill his ceramic bowl every morning without fail. It takes ten seconds and it matters.
7:15am — The walk.
Non-negotiable. Even on cold days. Even on days when you really don't want to. Twenty minutes minimum. Small dogs need more mental stimulation than people give them credit for. The walk isn't just exercise, it's information. Let them sniff. Let them be slow. It's their newspaper.
Harley wears his step-in harness for every walk. No collar pressure, no pulling, no drama.
7:40am — Breakfast.
Elevated bowl, measured portion, same time every day. Consistency matters for small dogs, it reduces anxiety and keeps digestion regular. Harley eats with the energy of someone who has not eaten in three weeks. He has eaten in the last twelve hours. He is fine.
8:00am — The post-breakfast sit.
This is Harley's time. He picks a window. He watches the street. He has thoughts. We have learned not to interrupt this.
8:15am — You can have your coffee now.
He's done with you for a bit. You're dismissed. Go be productive.
The morning routine is the foundation. Get that right and the rest of the day with a small dog falls into place, mostly.
Everything in Harley's morning routine is available in The Collection →