Back to School Blues Affect Dogs as Well

by Jess Rush, K-9 Diversity Dog Training

Your freedom days, hours of sunlight and late nights are slowly coming to an end. You are now running around getting everything together for the beginning of the new school year. Making sure the kids are getting to bed on time and not sleeping until noon. Parents also have to get up early to now prep school lunches and of course make sure kids are getting up on time. But did you know, dogs need time to adjust their schedule too?

Many dogs do not do well with quick, drastic schedule changes. Big changes can cause many behavioral issues with our furry companions, chewing furniture, urinating or eliminating in the house or crate, attempting to escape the house or their crate, barking excessively and showing signs of restlessness or anxiety.

Don’t worry, we’re here to give

you helpful tips to help your dog beat the back to school blues. Slowly adjust their schedules Start getting your dog’s morning routine in line with the kids. They now have to get up, do their business and eat much earlier. If bedtimes are also going to be early, make sure your dog knows this; the last thing we want is a rambunctious dog ready to play as everyone else is getting ready to curl up into bed.

Your dog has gotten used to always having someone to play with, to snuggle with or to just exist with and hangout. Instead of waiting until the day of to go from a couple hours to 8 hours alone/crated start slowly increasing those times frames. Instead of leaving your dog alone in a quiet house, consider a DVD/CD (there are some made just for dog relaxation & anxiety) or a box fan to give your dog some white noise in the background. Keep them busy and stimulated

Make sure your dog has lots of good chew toys to keep them occupied while you’re away. One of our favorites is a Kong (or similar toy) stuffed with peanut butter – maybe a few yummy treats or pieces of kibble – frozen and then

given to our dogs when we leave.

Chewing is a natural energy burner and a natural way to mentally stimulate your dog. If your dog cannot have peanut butter, you can try low fat yogurt, no sodium chicken broth, goat’s milk, pumpkin, or any other liquid they love.

Make sure any bone or toy you do leave with them is safe for them to have unattended. Schedule “dog” time in your daily routines

Don’t forget to leave time in your morning schedule do take the dog on a walk, even a brisk 15-20 minute walk is better than nothing. Go out in the backyard and play a good game of fetch. This will give them a good outlet to get our some of that energy and not be quite as restless.

When scheduling practices, concerts, or meetings, also schedule play dates with your dog. “Basketball practice 3-4pm”, “Play fetch with Fido 4:30-5pm”, and “Dinner at 6pm”.

Have your dog participate in your kids study time. This is a great one to help motivate your kids as well as give your dog a little extra loving. Dog “school”

Consider taking your dog to a doggy day care, where they can run and play with other dogs. Hire a dog

walker, dog sitter, or even a dog trainer to come over halfway through the day and let your dog out and to get some exercise and stimulation.

If you have the flexibility in your work schedule, drop by on your lunch break and play a quick game of fetch in the backyard. Don’t forget your dog needs time too

While your family has been away all day, your dog has been eagerly waiting your return. Even though you may have had a long day at work and just want to sit down and relax, don’t forget to play with and exercise your dog first.

A nice calm walk around the neighborhood is a great way to unwind, get the family together, and spend time with your dog.

Here at K9 Diversity we’re always here to help – do you have any questions you would like answered? Or maybe a topic you would like us to cover? If so, feel free to email your comments to k9diversitydogtraining@gmail.com and we’ll respond in future articles.