As September starts, kids return to school, and the academic year begins. Household families are busy. Kids are adjusting to their classes, while parents are buying last-minute school supplies and helping their kids with homework. As a parent, it’s easy to overlook the signs of your dog struggling to adjust to the schedule change amidst all the chaos.
We’re here to help! Below we’ve covered some signs your dog may exhibit as well as tips and tricks to make the transition smoother.
Signs:
Barking or Whining
Your dog’s barking or whining may increase as they notice family members leaving the house for longer periods of time. They might start this behavior as soon as your dog notices you’re getting ready to leave—like the kids packing their backpack or you putting on your shoes to leave for work.
Destroying the Home
If you come home to the rug chewed up or a shoe left in disarray, your dog may be silently protesting their disapproval of the new schedule change. Destroying the house is often a sign of anxiety, caused by your dog not knowing what to do once everyone has left.
Hunger Strike
Is your dog refusing to eat breakfast or dinner? A reduction in appetite or an outright refusal to eat at all is a sign your dog is stressed. This is a common response to an abrupt change in schedule. Dogs may still eat treats and dinner scraps while refusing their food. To differentiate whether it’s a dislike of food or a dislike of schedule, keep an eye out for when the behavior changes. If the refusal begins right when school starts and is around the time your family leaves the house, it may be linked to a routine change. If your dog’s refusal to eat continues despite changes made in their routine, it may be time to change out their food.
Tips and Tricks
Toys/Treats
To curb boredom throughout the day, toys and interactive treats can be an excellent way to provide enrichment. To keep your dog excited and to save your wallet, keep the toys in rotation. By only having a few out at a time, your dog won’t get bored!
Enrichment treats like a Kong or lick mat can mentally challenge your dog and decrease destructive behaviors. The night before, fill the Kong or lick mat with ingredients of your choosing. Be sure to choose dog-friendly foods like yogurt, peanut butter, or blueberries. If you’re unsure of which foods are safe for your dog, the American Kennel Club has an excellent article on dog-safe ingredients.
Maintain Regular Exercise
This may seem like a no-brainer but with busy schedules, sometimes your walk with your dog might get delayed. Creating a routine schedule of walking your dog, whether it’s early morning or late afternoon, will decrease their anxiety. After a couple of weeks, your dog will anticipate their daily walk, decreasing any potential stress during the day.
Avoid Over-the-Top Goodbyes
When leaving your dog for the day, saying goodbye and giving them lots of hugs and kisses is tempting. However, these behaviors can cause increased stress for your dog, as they know you’re about to leave for a prolonged period. Instead, it’s good to remain as calm as possible, telling your dog you will be back soon with a couple of pets.
By identifying the signs and implementing these tips, your dog will have a smoother transition into the school year routine. Enjoyed this article? Be sure to check out our Instagram, Peak City Puppy, for more helpful tips, client testimonials, service updates, and more!
