Back-to-school can be exciting and stressful for the whole family – including your furry family members. Kids are out of the house more often; even adults may spend more time in and out as they transition from lazy summer days to hectic mornings with carpools and busy evenings packed with homework and extracurricular activities. That abrupt change from a houseful of favorite people to emptiness and unpredictability can be especially “ruff” on your pup. With a little preparation, you can ensure your dog can enjoy their new back-to-school routine, too.
Ease into It
Kids often need to ease into their earlier bedtime and busy morning routine before school actually begins, and dogs can benefit from a longer, slower transition period, too. Before school starts, practice with your dog to help them adjust to their new schedule. Wake them up a bit earlier for that first walk of the day. Offer them an array of activities during the school or work day: frozen Kongs, lick mats, snuffle mats, and similar activities are all great options. If your dog will be on a new meal schedule, you’ll want to work on a gradual shift there, too, to avoid sudden tummy issues or overwhelming hunger on everyone’s first day back to school.
Boredom Busters
Whether you’ll be gone for a few hours or all day, your dog will likely be spending more time alone than they did during the summer. Note your dog’s favorite toys and activities, and stock up. Consider planning games or adventures, like hide and seek or puzzle feeders, to keep your dog engaged while you’re away. Leaving the radio or TV on when you leave the house will give your dog a little background noise during the day, which can help keep separation anxiety at bay.
Dog daycare can be a great way to fill in those gaps, too, especially when it comes to dogs that struggle with being left alone. At daycare, your dog will be supervised during the day and can join a pack of dogs similar in size and temperament, where they can socialize and engage in a variety of fun activities.
Plan for Exercise
Back-to-school can make it harder for pups to get the exercise they need for good mental and physical health. If your dog has spent the summer running around with kids or going on long hikes, they may struggle to return to the autumn couch potato lifestyle. You might need to plan on getting up earlier to squeeze in an early-morning walk before school and then add in a longer walk again in the afternoon or evening. Structured training classes or activities, like barn hunts and agility courses, can also be great ways to get your dog moving and using their mental muscles, staving off boredom, stress, and anxiety.
Playful Pack can make exercise easier. We incorporate unique activities into each day’s routine to keep dogs mentally and physically engaged. Your dog will spend the day running and playing but also chasing bubbles, using specially made canine equipment, and dancing at doggy disco parties. Each day brings new surprises for our pups, and when they’re tired, they can nap on a daycare cot or couch.
Bathroom Breaks
Depending on how long your family is out during the day, you may need to plan for some bathroom breaks for your pup. Even adult dogs should not be expected to “hold it” all day long, and most will need a quick potty trip about halfway through the day. For the best results, take them out right before you leave in the morning and again in the afternoon. If no one will be home until the evening, consider having a dog walker or dog sitter stop in for a quick potty break to ensure your dog’s comfort and health. At doggy daycare, your dog will have access to bathroom facilities as needed.
Contact your closest Playful Pack location today to find out more about your options.