How to prepare your dog for back-to-school time

During the summer holidays, we tend to adopt new routines – sometimes, without even realising. Whatever your day might look like now, your pet has become accustomed to having you around, and if you have school-age children, that will soon change come September. 

Here are just a few top tips to help you prepare your dog for a smooth back-to-school transition…

Ease your pet into a new routine

First things first, you’ll want to start by getting your dog used to the schedule you’ll have when school starts again. Begin as soon as you can, and include the following changes to your pet’s routine:

Early mornings

It might be hard at first, especially if you enjoy a lie-in during the holidays, but try to set the alarm as you would on a normal school day. 

We all enjoy slower starts to summer days, though your pet will need time to readjust to the rush of a school morning.

Time left alone

If your dog was born or adopted during the school break, then this is their normal and they know no different to having everyone home all day. They’ll need to get used to spending some time alone. 

Start by leaving your dog for short periods of time, then slowly increase the length of your absence.

Remember: If you notice signs of anxiety in your dog, like howling or destructive behaviour, Joii Pet Care offer behavioural consultations to help your dog feel calmer when they’re alone.

Exercise schedule

Even with the chaos of school days, your dog still needs to be exercised to keep them happy and healthy. 

Walking your dog in the morning gives them chance to burn lots of energy and leaves them feeling contentedly tired for a day without the company they’re used to having.

If you’re not able to fit in a walk or activity session at the start of the day, consider hiring a dog walker or pet sitter to help.

Top tip: It’s helpful to find out whether family, friends, or neighbours are able to pop in to check on your dog while you’re out!

Entertain them while you’re gone

Make sure you stock up on toys and other fun things for your pet to play with while you’re gone. Fillable toys can hide desirable treats inside, mentally stimulating your dog and rewarding them once they’re done playing.

Top tip: To save time in the morning, prep toys the night before by putting them in the freezer until you’re ready to use them!

Consider getting a pet camera

Pet cameras are a great way to keep an eye on your pet when you’re away from the house. 

In fact, some cameras have the option to check in on your dog as often as you like, offering peace of mind that they’re happy and healthy at home.

Many cameras are fitted with speakers that allow you to communicate with your pet, providing reassurance even when you’re not around. Some can even throw treats to your dog when they’re behaving, or as an added distraction from your absence!

Play soothing sounds for your pet

Your pet has been surrounded by, and gotten used to, noise and activity during the holidays – so they may feel anxious with a sudden change to a quiet house. 

You can help them cope with the day ahead by providing constant background noise, such as the radio or a lively television talk show.

Keep calm around your pet

We all have different routines when leaving the house – for example, switching off appliances, checking other doors, picking up the keys, turning off the lights, and saying our goodbyes. 

Our pets often associate these cues with separation, which can cause stress; even before you’ve left. So, instead of following your usual routine, stay calm, provide a treat as a distraction, then simply walk out of the house. By transforming the way you leave the house, you’re helping to set a relaxing tone for your pet’s day.

Remember: You’ll need to return home in the same, calm manner – even though you’re excited to see them – so your dog thinks it’s a normal part of their new routine.

With patience and some creativity, everyone can and will survive this tough yearly adjustment period. Please share your back-to-school hacks or top tips with other pet parents via Facebook or Instagram!