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With the kids being out of the house more often, back-to-school time can be stressful for dogs. The sudden switch from long summer days to spending more time alone can be tough for dogs, leading to a case of the back-to-school blues.
While not everyone loves this time of year, these expert tips can help ensure a smooth transition for you and your dogs.
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Ease Your Pet into a New Routine
Before school starts, begin getting your dog accustomed to their new schedule. Get up early, take them out for a rigorous walk, and introduce them to activities they can do when everyone is gone, says Mary R. Burch, a certified applied animal behaviorist and Director of the AKC’s Canine Good Citizen program.
If there will be any changes to your dog’s routine, such as different mealtimes, be sure to make those changes well in advance to help your dog adjust.
Curb Boredom
Stock up on your dog’s favorite toys ahead of school starting for the year. If they’re hollow, fill them with desirable treats like small amounts of peanut butter, frozen banana slices, or dog food. You can fill these toys ahead of time and put in the freezer until you’re ready to use them.
You can also hide treats around the house for your dog to find or utilize puzzle toys. Make a game out of it!
Be sure to use positive reinforcement methods when training your dog. Encouraging your dog to work and think to get their treats is a fun activity for both of you!
Determine Bathroom Breaks
By the time school starts, you should know how long your dog can stay alone at home without needing a bathroom break. Burch suggests taking them out in the morning and having the first person to get home in the afternoon take them out again. “If you aren’t sure about whether or not the dog can go all day without a trip outdoors, have a pet sitter come in at lunch to take them outside,” she says.
Do a Trial Run with Background Noise
Is your dog prone to stress or known to bark excessively while you’re out? Burch suggests leaving on the television or radio when you’re away to see if it helps your dog.
There are also dog-specific noise machines that can help calm your dog when you’re not home. While owners often use these machines to drown out loud sounds that are scary to dogs, like fireworks, they can also help dogs experiencing day-to-day stress.
Consider Enrolling in a Training Class
Participating in a structured activity or training class can be a great way to spend time with your dog during the week. If you feel your dog could benefit from basic training or an active class, try enrolling them in a Canine Good Citizen or agility class. “If you don’t have the time, teach your dogs some tricks at home instead,” Burch suggests.
Get Up Early to Exercise Your Dog
While your mornings may now be more hectic, try not to cut corners when it comes to your dog. Only taking your dog for a short walk in the morning can lead to trouble later in the day, says Dr. Jessica Taylor, a North Carolina-based veterinarian.
“Pets that normally spend their day playing, going in and out with kids, or being stimulated with people around them can experience stress and anxiety when they are suddenly left alone. Aim to get up a bit earlier to allow for a long walk or 20-minute play session in the yard to get their energy out,” Dr. Taylor says. “Then, your pet can rest during the day while you are gone and be ready for playtime again when you come home. You can also consider a pet-walking service for a midday activity session.”
Harness the Power of Distraction
We all have our routines as we leave the house — picking up the keys, turning off the lights, and saying goodbye to our dog. But our pets pick up on these cues and can associate them with separation and stress, says Dr. Taylor.
“Try to make coming and going as low impact as possible and vary some of your routines to prevent the wind-up behavior of some pets. A toy or treat can divert your pet’s attention from you leaving and help them get out energy — just make sure they’re safe and non-toxic for pets,” she says.
Strengthen the Human-Canine Bond
Once the day is winding down, ensure your family is still setting time aside to spend with your dog. “Maintaining the human-animal bond is essential for a happy pet and pet owner,” Dr. Taylor says. “This could mean snuggle time on the couch or learning a new activity on the weekends or evenings. Discuss with your family and veterinarian what level of activity would be best for your pet based on their breed, age, and medical conditions.”