Back to School Isn’t Just an Adjustment for Kids 🐾🎒

The backpacks are packed, the alarm clocks are set, and suddenly the house is a whole lot quieter during the day.  For families, back-to-school season means getting back into a routine. But your dog notices that change, too.  After a summer of kids being home, extra activity, later mornings and more attention, the transition back to school can be a surprisingly big adjustment for our pets.  Some dogs handle the change without missing a beat. Others may show you they’re struggling through changes in their behavior.

Watch for signs like:

• Excessive barking or whining
• Chewing or destructive behavior
• Pacing or restlessness
• Accidents in the house
• Following you everywhere when you are home
• Excessive energy in the evenings
• Digging or other behaviors that seem to come out of nowhere

These behaviors don’t necessarily mean your dog has suddenly decided to be “naughty.” They may be bored, anxious, under-stimulated or simply adjusting to their new routine.

So, what can you do?

• Get your dog on a predictable schedule.
  Dogs thrive on consistency. Try to keep feeding, potty breaks, walks and bedtime around the same times each day—even on weekends when possible.

 

• Burn some energy before everyone leaves.
  A morning walk, game of fetch or a few minutes of training can make a big difference. And remember: mental exercise can be just as valuable as physical exercise.

 

• Give them something to do.
  Food puzzles, enrichment toys, sniffing activities and other safe challenges can help occupy your dog’s brain while the house is quiet.

 

• Practice being apart.
  If your dog has gotten used to having someone home all summer, suddenly being alone for several hours can be difficult. Short, positive periods apart can help rebuild that independence.

 

• Don’t ignore new behavior problems.
  Chewing, digging, barking and other unwanted behaviors are often your dog’s way of communicating that something isn’t working. Addressing the issue early is much easier than trying to undo a habit after it’s become established.

 

When Your Dog Needs a Little More Help

Sometimes changing the routine at home is enough. Sometimes your dog needs more structure, stimulation or training – and that’s where having an experienced professional can help.  At Heartland Pet Resort, our goal isn’t simply to stop an unwanted behavior. We want to help owners understand why it’s happening and give both you and your dog the tools to succeed.  Our training options can help with everything from basic obedience and manners to boredom-related behaviors like chewing and digging. We also offer Enrichment Daycare Monday through Friday, giving your dog an opportunity for structured activity and learning while you’re busy with your own weekday routine.

Back-to-school season is an adjustment for the entire household – even the four-legged members!  If your dog is struggling with the change in routine, don’t wait for a small behavior issue to become a big one. Talk with the team at Heartland Pet Resort. We can help you determine what type of training, structure or enrichment may be right for your dog.

🐾 Heartland Pet Resort
Helping Northwest Iowa’s dogs – and their people – live happier lives together