It almost seems as though the dog knows exactly when you are coming home. But is that really possible?

Dogs do not look at the clock or count the hours. And yet they can be remarkably good at sensing when certain events are about to happen. The reason lies in their ability to recognise patterns.

Dogs observe their daily life very closely. They learn when they are fed, when walks take place, and when their people usually come home. The more regular these routines are, the better dogs can anticipate them.

The world of scent

Another explanation could literally be in the air. Dogs rely heavily on their sense of smell to navigate the world. While we perceive a home as remaining constant, the scent landscape changes constantly for dogs. Some researchers suspect that dogs can perceive how the scent of their person changes throughout the day. The longer someone is absent, the fainter their scent becomes in the home. For dogs, this could serve as a kind of natural clock.

Sounds we do not even notice

Many dogs also recognise familiar sounds from a great distance. The sound of a car, footsteps in the stairwell, or even certain movement patterns in the surrounding area can all provide clues.

But not all dogs respond in the same way. Some dogs seem almost clairvoyant, while others show barely any reaction before their people return.

Several factors play a role here:

• the bond with their person

• fixed routines

• the dog's sensitivity

• the environment

The more predictable everyday life is, the more easily dogs can recognise patterns. Interestingly, however, many dogs also manage to adapt when their daily routine is less consistent. In those cases, they rely more heavily on other signals – light conditions, activity in the household, or the habits of other family members.

Routine thanks to Liesl

Precisely because dogs respond so strongly to routines and social contact, longer absences can be challenging.

Reliable care helps make everyday life predictable and enjoyable for the dog – even when people's plans change.

Through Liesl, dog owners can find trustworthy sitters who support these routines and can give structure and meaning to the dog's day.