Guide for readying your canine companion for the impending return to school, as suggested by an authority
As children prepare to return to school, it's essential to help our furry friends adjust to the changes in their daily routines. Here are some tips to ensure a smooth transition for your dog.
The Outward Hound Nina Ottosson Dog Worker Green Interactive Treat Puzzle Dog Toy is a recommended boredom-busting toy that provides mental stimulation and treats for dogs. This interactive puzzle toy is great for giving a dog’s brain a workout, keeping them engaged and occupied while you're away.
Getting a dog used to being home alone again is important, especially in the run-up to children going back to school. Leaving a dog alone for short periods when running errands or going to the store can help acclimate them to being alone. To prevent destructive behavior such as digging, chewing, or barking, dogs can be gradually acclimated to being left alone for short periods during the school run.
Waking up early in the morning during the school year can help reintroduce bright and early toilet breaks and feeding times to a dog. This routine can make it easier for a dog to be home alone during the day. Taking a dog for a walk first thing in the morning or asking someone to drop by to let them out can make the transition more successful.
Exercise should remain a priority for dogs even when children go back to school. Providing a food puzzle or chew for a dog while they're alone can help keep them occupied, but ensuring sufficient exercise and mental stimulation before and after school hours is crucial.
A new routine can be stressful for dogs, especially younger or more anxious ones. Maintaining consistency in feeding, walking, and playtime schedules can reduce the dog's stress caused by the children’s changed routine. Dogs thrive on routine, and predictable timing helps them adjust.
Gradually acclimate the dog to quieter or more solitary times if the home will be less active during the day, by providing enriched toys, puzzle feeders, or safe chew items to prevent boredom and anxiety. It's important to provide a safe retreat area where the dog can relax undisturbed during busier or quieter periods.
Monitor changes in behavior such as increased anxiety or aggression, and consult a veterinarian or a behaviorist if needed, to tailor support for the dog's adjustment. These suggestions align with veterinary advice on managing dogs’ emotional health through transitions in daily routine, such as the shift from summer to school schedules.
Lastly, remember to shower your dog with love and attention during the busy back-to-school period. It's crucial to let a dog out to go to the bathroom before leaving the house to prevent dog heatstroke. By following these tips, you can help your dog adjust to the back-to-school routine smoothly and ensure a happy and healthy start to the new school year for both you and your pet.
- In the morning during the school year, waking up early for bright and early toilet breaks and feeding times can help reintroduce a routine for your dog, making it easier for them to be home alone during the day.
- To prevent destructive behavior like digging, chewing, or barking, dogs can be gradually acclimated to being left alone for short periods during the school run, such as when running errands or going to the store.
- A recommended boredom-busting toy for dogs is the Outward Hound Nina Ottosson Dog Worker Green Interactive Treat Puzzle Dog Toy, which provides mental stimulation and treats, keeping dogs engaged and occupied while you're away.
- For a dog's mental and physical well-being, exercise should remain a priority even when children go back to school, and providing a food puzzle or chew can help keep them occupied while ensuring sufficient exercise and mental stimulation before and after school hours is crucial.
- Dogs thrive on routine, and maintaining consistency in feeding, walking, and playtime schedules can reduce stress caused by the children’s changed routine, while providing enriched toys, puzzle feeders, or safe chew items can prevent boredom and anxiety during less active periods in the home.
