Time Management Tips for Dog Treat Bakers: Balancing Baking and Business
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Balancing baking, running your dog treat business, and keeping up with everyday life can be challenging. If you’ve ever felt like there just aren’t enough hours in the day, you’re not alone. But the good news is that with the right time management strategies, you can reclaim your time and increase your productivity.
In this post, I’ll share practical tips to help you streamline your baking, plan your week like a pro, and hear how others in the Dog Treat Baker community are managing their time.
Time-Saving Baking Tips
Let’s start in the kitchen, where small changes can make a big difference.
Batch Baking for Maximum Efficiency
Baking in bulk saves time and energy. Set aside a full afternoon to bake and freeze several batches of treats. Frozen treats can be thawed and packaged as orders come in, saving you from last-minute rushes.
For dough that’s freezer-friendly, store individual batches in gallon Ziploc freezer bags and freeze. When it’s time to bake, just thaw, roll, cut and bake.
Pro Tip: Label each batch with the dough name, date, and baking instructions for quick reference.
Invest in High-Quality Tools
Using the right tools, like a heavy-duty stand mixer or adjustable rolling pin, can save time and energy in your baking routine.
Using the right equipment can dramatically reduce your prep and bake times. Consider these time-saving tools:
A heavy-duty stand mixer: Mix large batches of dough with minimal effort.
An adjustable rolling pin: Roll dough to consistent thickness quickly and easily.
A multi-layer cooling rack: Save counter space and cool multiple trays at once.
Streamline Your Cleanup Process
Use silicone baking mats for easy tray cleanup.
Keep a sink of warm, soapy water ready to wash tools as you finish using them.
Consider a small kitchen cart for organizing frequently used tools and ingredients to reduce clutter.
How to Plan Your Week
A little bit of planning can save you hours of stress later. Here’s a sample weekly schedule tailored for dog treat bakers:
Monday: Strategy & Prep
Review orders for the week and confirm any wholesale requests.
Plan your content for social media or emails.
Do an inventory check to ensure you have enough packaging supplies and ingredients for the week.
Tuesday: Baking Day
Focus on baking and preparing orders.
Capture photos of your treats while you bake for use in your marketing.
Wednesday: Marketing & Social Media
Write and schedule posts for Instagram, Facebook, and email newsletters using tools like Canva.
Engage with followers or reply to comments and messages.
Thursday: Packaging & Delivery
Package treats with care, using a thermal printer and cost effective labels to include ingredients and branding.
Coordinate delivery or shipping logistics using shipping boxes that protect your treats in transit.
Friday: Reflection & Self-Care
Review your week: What worked? What didn’t?
Set goals for the following week.
Take a moment for yourself—rest is key to long-term success!
Pro Tip: Use a digital planner like Trello or a traditional weekly planner to map out your tasks and stay organized.
Real-Life Examples from the Community
Batch baking and freezing dough can help you reclaim hours of your week, just like Lisa did!
Meet Lisa, the Batch Baking Queen
Lisa, a member of the Dog Treat Bakers Facebook Group, used to bake daily to keep up with orders, which often left her feeling overwhelmed and short on time. By switching to a batch baking schedule, she now dedicates one full day a week to preparing large quantities of dough and freezing it for later use. With the addition of a thermal label printer, she streamlined her packaging process, saving her valuable hours every week and freeing up time to focus on growing her business.
How Emily Stays Organized with Kids
Emily juggles her dog treat business while caring for her two toddlers. She plans her week on Sunday nights, baking during nap times and scheduling social media posts in advance.
Community Tip: "Set realistic goals for the day—don’t try to do it all at once!" – Emily
Shop My Favorite Amazon Products
Maximize your workspace and efficiency with a multi-layer cooling rack—perfect for cooling multiple trays of dog treats at once without cluttering your counter!
Looking for tools to save time and boost efficiency? Here are my favorite Amazon finds for busy dog treat bakers:
Time management isn’t about squeezing more into your day; it’s about working smarter, not harder. With batch baking, a well-planned week, and tools that save time, you can find balance and grow your business with less stress.
Want personalized advice to create a schedule that works for you? Schedule a free coaching consultation today and let’s build a plan together!
Warmest woofs,
Kara 🧡
