Heading Back to School and Your Office

Fall often means back to school for our children.  You may also be heading back into an office after working from home this last year.  Both mean new routines/schedules for our families and pets. 

What can we do to help our dogs adjust to our new routine?

 Practice new routine

·        Once you know what your new schedule entails, involve the whole family in dry runs leading up that “first day.”  This will allow you to work out any kinks ahead of time.

·        Determine where your dog will be while you are gone – crate, X-pen, room with baby gates, etc.

·        Start leaving your dog for short periods of time and slowly build up the duration.

·        Practice new wake-up times, bed times and meal times.

 Plan extra exercise/play time in the mornings and evenings

Set aside extra time in your morning and evening routines for exercise and play time.  Do what your dog loves most – walks, fetch in the back yard or hide-and-seek in the house.  Involve your family members to help.

 Keep your dog entertained during the day and make sure his needs are met

·        Keep favorite toys, bones and puzzles nearby.  However, make sure none of these items are choking hazards.

·        Leave music or the TV on for background noise.  Be sure that the stations are set for calming music or sounds.

·        If your dog or puppy will need a bathroom break while you are gone, make arrangements for a dogwalker to visit.

·        Doggy daycares can also provide exercise and enrichment with other dogs.  Try this out ahead of time to make sure that your dog enjoys it.

 Make comings/goings a non-event

It can be very hard to leave our furry friend behind.  We often find ourselves engaged in long goodbyes (hugs, kisses, assurances and even tears) and very excited hellos (more hugs, kisses, loud voices).  Our dogs pick up on our anxiety so keep your comings and goings quiet, calm and drama-free.

I am heading off to school myself. More information to come soon!