Published in Anthrozoös, this work by G. Luna-Cortés adapts the well-established psychological construct of “child routine” to the domain of human–animal relationships. Across three studies, the research develops, validates, and applies the Companion Dog Routine Inventory (CDRI), a scale designed to measure routine in companion dogs and explore its effects on behavior and owner–dog relationship quality.
Study 1 involved 245 dog owners in Bogotá, Colombia. Through item generation and item reduction, the analysis revealed four core dimensions of canine routine: (1) Daily activities, (2) Exercise, (3) Discipline, and (4) Family time. The scale demonstrated strong reliability and validity, offering a comprehensive framework for assessing how structured a dog’s daily life is.
Study 2 assessed the scale’s reliability and nomological validity in a different language and cultural context. A sample of 154 German dog owners completed the instrument. Results confirmed the scale’s reliability and replicated the finding that consistent routines correlate with fewer behavioral problems. This suggests that routine is a cross-cultural factor influencing canine well-being.
Study 3 expanded the validation to English-speaking dog owners (n = 182). In addition to confirming reliability, this study examined how routine relates to behavioral problems, owner satisfaction, and intention to relinquish the dog. Findings showed that: • Consistent routines reduce behavioral problems. • Reduced behavioral problems are associated with higher owner satisfaction. • Better satisfaction and fewer behavior issues reduce the intention to abandon the dog. These interrelated patterns demonstrate the broader implications of routine for both canine welfare and human well-being.
Overall, the Companion Dog Routine Inventory offers a new, validated tool for studying how structured daily patterns affect dog behavior, owner attitudes, and the stability of the human–dog bond. The findings highlight that routine is not merely a management strategy but a meaningful contributor to behavioral consistency, emotional security, and relationship satisfaction. Future research may build on this foundation to explore interventions focused on improving routine as a pathway toward preventing behavior problems and strengthening partnerships between people and their dogs.
Source: Luna-Cortés, G. (2022). Companion Dog Routine Inventory: Scale Validation and the Effect of Routine on the Human–Dog Relationship. Anthrozoös. Published January 4, 2022.
