If you’re worried your dog isn’t getting what they need, you’re not alone. Here’s a straight path to clarity: a 2-minute, vet-behaviorist self-assessment that scores neglect risk, a minimum-care checklist, a daily time-budget calculator adjusted by breed and age, and a simple 7-day action plan. It’s built from current veterinary guidelines (AAHA/AVMA) [1] and practical welfare standards so you can act today with confidence, no judgment, just clear steps.
Step 1: Take the 2-Minute Neglect Risk Quiz (score it now)
Answer the questions below to get an immediate, honest look at where things stand. Give yourself points as directed.
- Fresh water is available 24/7. (Yes = 0, No = 2)
- Yesterday’s physical activity met the minimum for my dog’s breed/age (see Step 4 for targets). (Met or exceeded = 0, Short by up to 15 min = 1, Short by >15 min = 2)
- My dog got at least 30 minutes of mental enrichment yesterday (e.g., puzzle toy, scent game like ‘find it’ with kibble, short training session). (Yes = 0, No = 2)
- My dog was left completely alone for no more than the recommended hours yesterday (≤6 for adults; ≤3 for puppies/seniors). (Within limit = 0, Over by ≤2 hours = 1, Over by >2 hours = 2)
- My dog had an in-clinic vet exam in the last 12 months. (Yes = 0, No = 2)
- My dog is current on core vaccines and year-round parasite prevention. (Yes = 0, No/unsure = 2)
- I checked my dog’s body condition by feel today: ribs are easily felt with light pressure, and there’s a visible waist from above. (Yes = 0, No/unsure = 1, Clearly under/overweight = 2)
- I performed basic grooming in the last 2 weeks (brushed coat to the skin, checked for long nails, and checked ears for redness or odor). (All = 0, Some = 1, None = 2)
- My dog showed these red-flag behaviors in the last week: sudden fear/withdrawal, hiding, trembling, new aggression, won’t eat for >24h, repetitive spinning/licking, or new house-soiling. (None = 0, 1–2 mild instances = 1, Any severe or ongoing issue = 3)
- My training methods are reward-based only; no prong/shock collars or harsh physical punishment. (Yes = 0, Uses aversive methods = 2)
- My dog gets adequate sleep in a quiet space (around 12h for adults, 16–18h for puppies). (Yes = 0, Sometimes = 1, Rarely = 2)
- My dog has a safe, clean, indoor shelter with shade and good ventilation. (Yes = 0, No = 2)
Score Yourself:
| Quiz Item | Your Answer (Number/Yes/No) | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Water | ||
| 2. Exercise | ||
| 3. Enrichment | ||
| 4. Alone Time | ||
| 5. Vet Exam | ||
| 6. Preventions | ||
| 7. Body Condition | ||
| 8. Grooming | ||
| 9. Red Flags | ||
| 10. Training | ||
| 11. Sleep | ||
| 12. Shelter | ||
| Total Score |
| Score Range | Risk Level | Recommended Action |
|---|---|---|
| 0–3 | Green | You’re on track. Use Steps 2 and 3 to fine-tune your routine. |
| 4–7 | Yellow | There are gaps to fix this week. Move to the 7-day action plan in Step 7. |
| 8–12 | Orange | This is a high-risk zone. Start the action plan today and book a vet visit. If using aversive methods, consult a force-free trainer now. |
| 13+ | Red | Urgent. Get same-day vet or behaviorist help. Start with the safety actions in Step 5 immediately. |
Step 2: Calculate Your Daily Time Budget (fit it into your day)
Your dog does not need all your time, but they need some of it every day. Use this formula to see what the baseline looks like.
Daily dog time = Exercise + Enrichment + Care + Training + Bonding
- Exercise: Use minutes from Step 4 based on your dog’s breed group.
- Enrichment: 30 minutes minimum (food puzzles, scent games, training).
- Care: 20–30 minutes (feeding, potty breaks, quick checks).
- Training: 5–10 minutes (short, reward-based sessions).
- Bonding: 10–20 minutes (petting, calm hanging out).
| Breed Group/Age | Exercise (min) | Enrichment (min) | Care (min) | Training (min) | Bonding (min) | Total Daily Minimum |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Herding/Sporting (e.g., Collies, Retrievers) | 60–90+ | 30 | 20–30 | 5–10 | 10–20 | 125–180+ min |
| Terriers/Huskies (e.g., Jack Russells, Siberian Huskies) | 60+ | 30 | 20–30 | 5–10 | 10–20 | 125–150+ min |
| Guard/Working (e.g., Rottweilers, Boxers) | 45–90 | 30 | 20–30 | 5–10 | 10–20 | 110–180 min |
| Sighthounds/Small Breeds (e.g., Greyhounds, Pugs) | 30–60 | 30 | 20–30 | 5–10 | 10–20 | 95–150 min |
| Giants/Seniors (e.g., Great Danes, older dogs) | 20–40 | 30 | 20–30 | 5–10 | 10–20 | 85–130 min |
Flag: If your available time is more than 20 minutes short of the daily total, split activities into two blocks (morning and evening) and use indoor games to stay on track.
Step 3: Run the Minimum-Care Checklist (tick every box)
These are the non-negotiables. Check that you’re hitting each one at the right frequency.
- Daily: Keep fresh water out all day.
- Daily: Feed measured meals matched to your dog’s ideal body condition [1].
- Daily: Meet the exercise target from Step 4.
- Daily: Provide 30 minutes of mental work (see Step 13 for ideas).
- Daily: Offer age-appropriate potty breaks, with the last one right before bed.
- Daily/Weekly: Brush coat according to breed needs and wipe paws; check ears, eyes, and skin for changes (see Step 14 for how-to).
- Weekly/As needed: Trim nails or check for length to keep them from clicking on the floor.
- Weekly/Yearly: Brush teeth at least 3x/week; schedule a professional dental cleaning when your vet recommends it.
- Monthly/Year-round: Give parasite prevention on schedule.
- Yearly: Book and attend an annual wellness exam; keep core vaccines current.
- Yearly: Check that your dog’s microchip is registered with your current contact information.
- Daily/Weekly: Ensure a clean, safe sleep space; rotate toys and throw away broken ones.
- Daily: Use only reward-based training methods.
- Weekly: Provide positive social contact suited to your dog’s comfort level (avoid forced greetings).
Step 4: Adjust for Breed, Age, and Health (right-size your effort)
One size does not fit all. Match your daily effort to what your dog was bred to do and their current life stage.
| Group/Age | Examples | Exercise Target | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| High Energy | Herding (Border Collies, Shepherds), Sporting (Retrievers, Pointers), Terriers (Jack Russells), Northern (Siberian Huskies) | 60–90+ min | Needs a “job,” like fetch, running, or structured training. Thrives on vigorous activity [2]. |
| Moderate to High | Working (Boxers, Dobermans), Guard (Rottweilers, Akitas) | 45-60 min | Benefits from structured walks, tasks, and consistent training [2]. |
| Moderate Energy | Sighthounds (Greyhounds, Whippets), some Non-Sporting (Poodles) | 30–60 min | Built for sprints followed by long naps. A mix of leash walks and off-leash running in a safe area [3]. |
| Lower Energy | Small/Toy (Pugs, Chihuahuas, Shih Tzus), Giants (Great Danes, Mastiffs) | 20-45 min | Needs shorter, low-impact walks. Giant breeds require care to protect joints [2]. |
| Puppies | All breeds | Short sessions, socialization focused | No high-impact running; focus on positive new experiences. Sleeps 16–18h [2]. |
| Seniors & Brachycephalics | Older dogs; flat-faced breeds (Bulldogs, Pugs) | Vet-guided, 20-40 min | Low-impact, gentle walks. Watch for overheating and breathing difficulty [2]. |
Step 5: Spot Red Flags and Act (safety first)
Some signs are emergencies. If you see these, act now.
Behavioral Signs of Fear, Anxiety, or Distress
These signs show your dog is struggling and needs help to feel safe.
- Trembling or shaking
- Panting when not hot or thirsty
- Hiding, avoiding people, or freezing in place
- Lowered head, tucked tail, or ears pulled back
- Excessive lip-licking, yawning, or whining
- New or increased aggression or reactivity towards people or animals
- Sudden destructiveness or house soiling regressions
Urgent Action Required:
| Urgency Level | Signs & Required Action |
|---|---|
| Same-Day Vet Visit | Won’t eat or drink for over 24 hours, labored breathing, repeated vomiting or diarrhea, collapse, or signs of severe pain. |
| Vet Visit Within 48 Hours | A mix of old and new wounds, severely matted fur, visible parasites (fleas, ticks), extreme thinness or obesity [4]. |
| Vet Check + Behavior Help | New or sudden aggression, complete withdrawal, repetitive behaviors (circling, obsessive licking), or a sudden loss of house-training. |
| Fix It Now | No clean water, no shelter from weather, filthy living space. Provide a clean, dry bed, fresh water, and a safe spot immediately. |
Step 6: Interpret Your Score and Set Your Action Level
Combine your results from the quiz, time budget, and red flag check to find your action level.
- Quiz Score (Step 1): ________
- Time Shortfall (Step 2): ________ minutes
- Red Flags (Step 5): Yes/No
| Action Level | Criteria | Recommended Action |
|---|---|---|
| RED | You identified any urgent red flag from Step 5. | Actions are not optional. Start the 7-day plan today and call your vet for a same-day or next-day appointment. |
| ORANGE | Your quiz score was 8–12. | Start the 7-day plan now. Book a vet exam and consult a reward-based trainer this week. |
| YELLOW | Your quiz score was 4–7. | Follow the 7-day plan to close the gaps. If your vet exam is overdue, schedule it within the next month. |
| GREEN | Your quiz score was 0–3. | You’re doing well. Use the plan for a tune-up or to build even better habits. |
Step 7: Follow the 7-Day Action Plan (do the next right thing)
This is about momentum. Do one thing each day.
| Day | 30–60 Minute Tasks | Notes | Done |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Book vet/trainer if needed. Fix water/sleep space. 10-min walk + 10-min puzzle. | Set a daily schedule on your phone. | [ ] |
| 2 | Hit your dog’s baseline exercise target. Add a 5-min training session (sit, touch). Brush for 3 minutes. | Focus on consistency, not intensity. | [ ] |
| 3 | Add a 10-min scent game (scatter kibble in a towel). Check nails and ears. Confirm parasite meds are current. | Mental work is as important as physical. | [ ] |
| 4 | Rotate in a new puzzle or toy. Go on a slow, 20-minute “sniffari” walk, letting your dog lead. | Novelty prevents boredom. | [ ] |
| 5 | Practice social skills: reward your dog for calmly looking at things from a distance. Clean food/water bowls and bedding. | Build confidence, do not force interaction. | [ ] |
| 6 | Do a home safety audit: remove chewing hazards, organize leashes and meds. Do 30 mins of mixed play (fetch, tug). | A safe environment is a kind environment. | [ ] |
| 7 | Weigh your dog or do a body condition check. Review your quiz score. Adjust your time budget for next week. | Measure your progress and plan ahead. | [ ] |
Step 8: Lock in a Daily Routine That Sticks
A predictable schedule reduces anxiety and problem behaviors [5].
- Morning: Potty break, 15–30 minute walk or play, breakfast served in a puzzle feeder.
- Midday: Potty break, 5-minute training drill, nap time. Refresh water.
- Late Afternoon: Main walk or activity to hit exercise targets. Rotate toys.
- Evening: Dinner, calm sniff walk, 10 minutes of grooming or petting, last potty break.
- Sleep: Ensure a quiet, dark, comfortable spot where your dog will not be disturbed.
Step 9: Track Progress With Simple KPIs
What gets measured gets managed. Track these four things weekly.
| KPI (Key Performance Indicator) | Target | Your Weekly Average |
|---|---|---|
| Minutes of Exercise & Enrichment | Hit target ≥5 days/week | |
| Body Condition Trend | Ribs feelable, waist visible, stable weight | |
| Behavior Trend | Less frantic barking, less destruction, calmer greetings | |
| Health Tasks Done | Parasite meds on time, teeth brushed 3x/week | |
| Appointments Kept | Vet/trainer visits attended as scheduled |
Step 10: Get the Right Help (humane, evidence-based)
Do not get bad advice from the wrong people. Use these directories to find qualified professionals.
- For Behavior Problems: Start with your vet to rule out pain. Then, find a professional through one of these verified directories:
- Board-Certified Veterinary Behaviorist (DACVB): Experts in clinical behavior disorders. Find one at dacvb.org/find.
- Fear Free Certified Professional: Vets, trainers, and groomers trained to reduce fear, anxiety, and stress. Search at fearfreepets.com/resources/directory/.
- For Training: Choose reward-based trainers only. Avoid anyone who uses or recommends prong collars, shock collars, or “alpha” dominance tactics. Look for certified professionals through:
- Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (ccpdt.org)
- International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (iaabc.org)
- Karen Pryor Academy (karenpryoracademy.com)
- The Pet Professional Guild (petprofessionalguild.com)
Step 11: Fix Common Roadblocks Fast
| Roadblock | Quick Fix |
|---|---|
| No time on workdays? | Split exercise into two 15-minute blocks. Feed all meals from puzzle toys to combine eating with enrichment. |
| Bad weather? | Play indoor scent games, hallway fetch with a soft toy, or do trick training. |
| Apartment life? | Use sniff walks for mental work, walk stairs slowly for conditioning, and use a flirt pole for short bursts of intense play. |
| Reactive dog? | Work at a safe distance from triggers, rewarding your dog for looking at things calmly. Skip the dog park. |
| Tight budget? | Use DIY puzzles (kibble in a towel or muffin tin). Look for low-cost vaccine clinics and other support from local shelters or city programs, like New York City’s resources for pet owners. Ask your vet about payment plans. |
| New baby or life change? | Hire a dog walker 2–3 days a week. Use baby gates to create a quiet, safe zone for your dog. |
Step 12: Budget and Supplies Checklist (keep it realistic)
Good care requires some basic gear. Check what you have and what you need.
| Item | Purpose | Typical Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Flat Collar/Y-Front Harness & Leash | Safe walking and identification | $30–$70 |
| Measuring Cup or Food Scale | Prevents over/underfeeding | $5–$25 |
| Puzzle Feeder or Snuffle Mat | Mental stimulation, slows eating | $15–$40 |
| Brush, Nail Clippers, Ear Cleaner | Basic grooming and hygiene | $25–$60 |
| Poop Bags & Enzymatic Cleaner | Sanitation and accident cleanup | $15–$30 |
| Monthly Parasite Prevention | Prevents heartworm, fleas, ticks | $20–$50/month |
| Annual Wellness Exam & Vaccines | Essential preventive healthcare | $100–$300+ |
Step 13: Your Guide to Mental Enrichment
Enrichment allows dogs to perform natural behaviors like sniffing, chewing, and problem-solving. Aim for 30 minutes daily.
Puzzle & Food Toys
- KONGs or other stuffable rubber toys
- Snuffle mats
- Muffin tin with tennis balls hiding treats
- Cardboard tubes or egg cartons with food inside (supervise)
- Twisted towel with kibble rolled inside
Scent Games
- Find It: Have your dog wait while you hide treats around a room.
- Cup Shuffle: Hide a treat under one of three cups and let them sniff it out.
- Scatter Feeding: Toss their meal into the grass and let them sniff to find it.
- Scent Trails: Drag a smelly treat through the grass to create a trail for them to follow.
Training & Play
- Trick training: 5-15 minute sessions to teach new cues like “spin” or “touch.”
- Paw targeting: Teach your dog to touch an object with their paw.
- Indoor fetch with a soft toy.
Step 14: Your Guide to Basic Grooming
Regular grooming is key for health, not just looks.
Coat Brushing
- Tools: Slicker brush (for double coats), bristle brush (short coats), or rubber curry brush.
- How: Brush in the direction of hair growth. For long coats, use the line-brushing method (lift sections of hair to brush the fur underneath). Check for mats, fleas, and skin issues.
- Frequency: 2-3 times per week, or daily for long-haired breeds.
Nail Care
- Tools: Guillotine or scissor-style clippers, or a nail grinder. Keep styptic powder nearby to stop bleeding if you trim too close.
- How: Trim small amounts from the tip, avoiding the pink “quick” inside the nail. With dark nails, trim very thin slices until you see a black dot in the center.
- Frequency: Every 3-4 weeks, or when you hear nails clicking on the floor.
Ear Checks
- Tools: Vet-approved ear cleaner and cotton balls or gauze (never use cotton swabs).
- How: Gently wipe the visible parts of the ear canal. Check for redness, discharge, or a bad odor, which can signal infection. Floppy-eared breeds need more frequent checks.
- Frequency: Check weekly; clean as needed, especially after baths.
Step 15: Overwhelmed? Use These Support Options
If you’re struggling, you have options.
- Low-Cost Care: Search for humane society clinics, local rescue programs, and veterinary payment plans like CareCredit.
- Behavior Help: Some shelters offer low-cost training classes or trainer scholarships.
- Temporary Support: Ask a trusted friend or family member for help. Hire a vetted dog sitter or walker for a few days a week.
- Rehoming (If Necessary): If you can no longer provide care, work with a reputable, breed-specific rescue. Give them full medical and behavior information.
- Emotional Support: If you’re feeling overwhelmed or grieving, pet loss and support hotlines are available. Many veterinary schools run them.
Step 16: Quick FAQs (clear, direct answers)
- How do I know if I’m neglecting my dog?
Review the quiz in Step 1. High scores in areas like vet care, nutrition, shelter, exercise, and enrichment are strong indicators of neglect. Behavioral signs in your dog, like fear, aggression, or shutdown, are also major red flags. - How do I know if a dog is being neglected?
Look for objective signs as outlined by animal welfare organizations like American Humane. Physically, this includes extreme thinness, matted fur, visible sores, or infestations like fleas. Environmentally, look for inadequate shelter (no protection from heat/cold), no access to clean water, or a living space filled with waste. Behaviorally, the dog may be fearful, aggressive, or completely shut down. - How to prove a dog is being neglected?
Proof requires documentation. Take dated photos or videos of the dog’s physical condition and its environment. Keep a log of observations, noting specific dates and times when you saw no food or water, or witnessed signs of untreated illness or injury. Report this evidence to your local animal control or humane society. Animal protection organizations like SPCA International can also offer guidance on how to report suspected cruelty. - How do you tell if your dog is unhappy living with you?
An unhappy dog often “votes with its feet.” They may avoid you, hide, or not seek out interaction. Other signs include a lack of interest in play or walks, a persistent low or tucked tail, house soiling, destructive chewing, or increased vocalization. A happy dog engages with you, recovers quickly from stress, and rests peacefully.
Step 17: One-Page At-a-Glance (your daily minimums)
Print this or stick it on your fridge. Do these five things every day.
| Daily Task | Your Target |
|---|---|
| 1. Exercise | (from Step 4) ________ min |
| 2. Enrichment | 30 min |
| 3. Care Tasks | Fresh water, measured meals, potty breaks, quick groom check |
| 4. Training | 5–10 min (reward-based) |
| 5. Bonding/Calm | 10–20 min |
Citations
[1] https://www.aaha.org/wp-content/uploads/globalassets/02-guidelines/canine-life-stage-2019/caninelifestage_checklists.pdf
[2] https://www.wisdompanel.com/en-us/blog/exercise-requirements-by-breed
[3] https://companyofanimals.com/us/dog-exercise-requirements-by-breed/
[4] https://www.ohiovma.org/downloads/veterinarians/abuse/AARR-Handbook-2020_RedFlags.pdf
[5] https://bonneetfilou.com/blogs/news/daily-dog-care-routine-checklist
