We are now firmly in September, Labor Day has passed and everyone has gone back to school. What does that mean for you at home?
Do you have an Empty Nest?
Are you prepping the kids to wake up early and get ready for school?
Are you going back to classes yourself?
As ready as we may or may not be to make this transition, it’s important to consider how your dog will handle it as well.
Over the summer, your dog enjoyed hanging out with their favorite humans. As family members head back to school, they’re going to have to start getting used to long absences away from the family. Some dogs handle the change fine; however, others may not. Some dogs will start showing signs of depression or experiencing separation anxiety.
We have some tips on how to help prepare your dog so that they can slowly adjust to being without you and your kids for the day. You may be adjusting to this by spending all your time at work looking at pictures of your dog though. (We here at SocialDogg support you — and are doing the same thing.)
Training for Time Away
It can be very helpful to transition your dog slowly. Dog trainers recommend leaving for a small amount of time, to get your dog used to being alone. Start with maybe ten minutes then increase gradually to a half hour. If all goes well, then try over an hour to make sure they can handle the absence as it begins to get longer.
Bathroom Breaks
Make sure you’re taking your dog out on walks at regular intervals. One suggestion is to walk the dog first thing in the morning before the school rush starts. That takes care of any early bathroom needs and provides some valuable bonding time. You should also ensure that the first person who’s back in the house, either from school or work, takes the dog out for a walk as well.
It may not be possible to take the dog out for a walk on a regular basis. Consider hiring dog walkers to come walk the dog for you!
Extra Energy
If your dog has been getting used to playing with the kids all day, then they’ll need somewhere for all that extra energy to go after the kids go back off to school. Getting up earlier in the morning and going for an extra long walk or a longer play session in the yard can help them get a little tired out so they won’t be too bored before everyone gets back home again.
Keep Your Dog on a Regular Schedule
The more consistent you can keep your dog’s schedule, the easier it will be for them to adjust to an empty house. Dogs are like people and they like structure to their day. Keeping regular intervals for daily necessities such as bathroom breaks, mealtimes, and play times can help reassure the dog that not too much is changing.
If you need to change up the routine, do it in intervals so everyone has time to get used to it slowly. Remember dogs are like toddlers and they don’t like change unless you can introduce it incrementally. If you’re unable to stay at home to do so, maybe consider a dogsitter to come in and help!
Distractions
One helpful way to get them used to everyone being out of the house is to give them a few distractions. Here are some techniques that may occupy their mind:
- Stock up on dog toys. Give them something new to play with or tear apart while you are out.
- Enrichment or Puzzle Toys. Stimulating the dog’s mind as they do an activity can prove rewarding to your dog and help tire them out quicker too. If you want, try putting a little treat like some peanut butter or dog food inside to give them a surprise.
- Leave treats around the house. Make a fun (and tasty) scavenger hunt for your dog. Allow them to work their nose to sniff out that delicious, well found treat.
- Leave the TV on or Play Soothing Music. Sound can help your dogs relax. If your dog has a particular show they really enjoy, try putting it on to keep their attention. Cue up Dogflix!
Happy Place
Dogs love to nest. It’s so cute when they fluff their own pillow or arrange the blankets before flopping into bed. Help them out! Make a nice little space for your dogs to go where they can feel safe.
Snuggle o’Clock
Your dogs will miss all the quality time they enjoyed over the summer. Let them know how loved they are by showing them uninterrupted attention. You can do this by taking them with you to the store, going out with them on the weekends or just some good ol’ snuggle time on the couch watching some tv. All dogs need a good belly rub to remind them of what a good boy or girl are 😊.
Doggy Daycare
If your dog really does prefer company, check out a few doggy daycares in your area. Dogs can make friends and have a great start to the school year too! They can socialize with other dogs under proper supervision. They also come home tired and relaxed at the end of a fun day.
Conclusion
As Summer ends and everyone settles into their back-to-school routines, it's important to consider how your dog will adjust to the change. While some dogs handle the transition time well, others may experience separation anxiety or signs of depression.
To help your dog adapt, start by gradually increasing the time they spend alone, taking them on regular bathroom breaks and walks, and finding ways to expend their extra energy. Maintaining a consistent schedule and providing distractions such as toys, treats, and soothing sounds can also help ease their anxiety.
Additionally, creating a cozy space for your dog and showering them with love and attention when you're together can make the adjustment easier. If needed, consider enlisting the help of a dog walker or exploring doggy daycare options for socialization. Remember, just like humans, dogs thrive on routine and companionship, so taking steps to support them during this transition is crucial.
Always remember to give your dogs some quality time so they know you love them and remind them of what a good boy or girl they are!