Sunday Reset for Dog Moms: Weekly Routine for Calm & Prep

If your Sunday nights feel like a whirlwind of “what did I forget?”—you’re not alone. Between chasing after your pup, juggling your personal to-do list, and realizing you’re out of dog food again, the start of the week can feel more frazzled than fresh.

Stylish woman enjoying coffee at an outdoor café with her golden retriever sitting beside her wearing a cute scarf, representing a relaxed and intentional lifestyle for dog moms.

Trust me—I’ve been there. When Matthew was younger (he’s 21 now!), Sunday nights were meltdown central. From preschool to high school graduation, they were the pressure-cooker hours of missed permission slips, late-night laundry, and last-minute “Mom, I need poster board” chaos. Years ago, Ron made a game-changing declaration: our Sunday nights would no longer be spent stressing.

We started doing what I now call a Sunday Reset—and while I’ve always been a dog mom, it wasn’t until a few years ago that I realized this kind of routine is just as helpful for pups as it is for people.

Sunday Reset Routine checklist for dog moms with checkboxes for weekly prep tasks like refilling food and water bowls, washing plush toys, restocking supplies, and planning walks. Ends with a quote: 'A calm pup starts with a calm dog mom. Start the week with pawsitive energy.

Printable how-to guide titled 'Sunday Reset Routine' with dog-themed icons for each step. Includes tasks like restocking essentials, freshening up dog spaces, grooming, and updating weekly dog schedules. Tagline reads 'Live • Love • Bark.' and URL is www.savvydogmom.com.

Enter: The Sunday Reset for Dog Moms—a cozy, calming, get-it-together ritual that keeps you and your pup happy, prepped, and paw-sitively ahead of the game.

This isn’t just about fluffing the dog bed (although, yes, we do that too). It’s a 30-minute weekly reset that sets you both up for a smoother, healthier, and more intentional week.

So if you’re ready to start the week feeling less frazzled and more in control, here’s my go-to routine—the 7-Step Sunday Reset for Dog Moms.

The 7-Step Sunday Reset for Dog Moms

1. Restock the Dog Essentials: Before the chaos of Monday hits, take a quick inventory of everything your dog goes through in a week. This includes:

Kibble, canned food, or raw
Treats (training, enrichment, or high-value!)
Poop bags, wipes, and any meds or supplements

Bonus tip: Keep a small “dog refill basket” in a pantry or cabinet to make Sunday restocking a breeze.

2. Freshen Up Their Space: Whether your dog sleeps in a crate, on your bed, or sprawled across the living room rug like royalty, now’s the time to:

Wash their bedding or crate liner
Wipe down food and water bowls
Vacuum or lint-roll their nap zone
Mop any muddy paw print paths

3. Update Your Dog’s Weekly Calendar: Pull up your planner (or digital calendar) and plug in:

Walks or dog park dates
Vet or grooming appointments
Training sessions or classes
Travel, sitter needs, or boarding notes

Even 10 minutes of planning reduces that last-minute “oops” feeling midweek.

4. Rotate Toys and Enrichment: Dogs love novelty—just like us. Instead of buying new, rotate toys each Sunday:

Pull out a few “oldies but goodies” from the toy bin
Introduce a new chew, or rotate enrichment puzzles
Restuff any plush toys or Kongs for the freezer

5. Quick Grooming Touch-Up: Keep it light and low-stress. Think of this as a mini home spa:

Brush out fur, especially if your pup’s a shedder
Wipe paws with a gentle pet wipe or towel
Trim nails if needed or check ear hygiene
Swipe on your homemade Dog Palm Balm for a moisture boost

6. Prep a Few Healthy Dog Snacks: Whether you batch-make frozen banana bites or prep treat bags for the week, Sunday is perfect for:

Making 1–2 ingredient frozen dog treats
Chopping fruit or veggies for enrichment toys
Dividing training treats into small jars or pouches

Pro tip: Refill puzzle toy snacks so they’re grab-and-go all week.

7. Organize Your Pup’s Photos (Just a Few!): Let’s be real—you’ve taken 84 pictures of your dog since Tuesday. Take a few minutes to:

Delete blurry or duplicate shots
Add a favorite to a shared family album or frame
Post one to your dog’s IG or use it in your next memory reel

Because yes, your dog is the main character—and deserves a little digital spotlight.

Want to make this a habit? Grab our one-page printable checklist to hang on your fridge, tuck into your planner, or save to your phone!

[Download the Dog Mom Sunday Reset Checklist PDF]

Woman kneeling in front of her golden retriever for a forehead-to-forehead moment in a sunny home, illustrating the bond and mindful connection of a dog mom.

Final Thought

Life with dogs is wonderfully messy. But with a quick Sunday reset, you can go into each week with less stress, fewer forgotten vet notes, and paws that are just a little softer. You don’t have to do it all. But you can do it smarter—and a little calmer—with a weekly reset you look forward to.