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Kids are going back to school soon, and suddenly your dogs are left with next to no one at home — it’s like being on the battlefield with no orders. This altered routine could affect your furry pet, leaving them feeling abandoned, bored, or potentially anxious.
To avoid such scenarios from happening, it’s important to prepare your pet for this transition. Your actions in the next few weeks can help prevent your dog from going AWOL (Anxious Without Lots-of-Love) during this change. Scoop Soldiers has a battle plan to help you create a new dog routine. Gear up!
Dogs are social animals, and they’re predisposed to cohabitating with humans. Your pet’s need for attention, care, and companionship is a given. So, if you suddenly remove your family from the equation, your dog may start feeling anxiety. Some symptoms of this are excessive barking, destructive behavior, or clinginess.
Of course, people do need to leave their homes, so what you can do instead is set a routine that helps your pet get used to your family’s absence. Dogs thrive on routine — it’s their standard operating procedure. Sudden changes can make them feel like they’re navigating a minefield. Maintaining a consistent routine is key to helping your dog feel secure.
There are a few ways to create a routine that makes your dog less likely to miss you and your kids during long periods of absence. You need to apply specific changes to your dog’s environment and interactions, such as the following.
Once you’ve identified key changes, it’s time to gradually prepare your dog for the big shift. The first step is to make small adjustments to their routine with humans. You can try changing feeding times, walks, and play sessions to match the upcoming school schedule.
The next step is to create a safe and comfortable space for your pet. One way is to designate an area where your dog can relax while the family is away. This place should have their bed, toys, and comforting items.
Finally, you’ll need to increase your furry friend’s alone time gradually. Start with short intervals, such as an hour or two, before building up to half days or longer. This practice will help them adjust before the school year begins.
As you gradually train your dog in your absence, here are a few specific things you can do.
Just like any long-term mission, keeping your dog’s well-being intact requires consistent effort and attention. Here are long-term strategies you can apply.
Maintaining regular exercise and play sessions helps your dog release extra energy and reduce anxiety. Plus, the extra activity helps pets burn off fat, lowering the chances of developing obesity.
You and your kids should assign time in the evening for family bonding with the dog. This practice helps them feel included and secure. Monitor Your Dog’s Behavior
It’s critical to monitor your furry soldier’s behavior to see if anything is off. Knowing the areas where you can adjust can help you ensure that they’re coping well with the change. Installing a pet camera is one strategy you can try.
As the dog days of summer pass, it’s time to go back into training. By adjusting your pet’s routine from summer into the new school year, you can help them cope with the looming absence of their commanders. Through incremental changes in their playtime and interactions with the family, dogs can have a better time adjusting to the lack of people and feel less anxious. As you train your pet cadet, try to be patient, consistent, and understanding. They won’t get it at once, but they’ll get there!
If your dog continues to struggle with the transition, we recommend consulting a veterinarian or professional dog trainer for other tips. And if you need pet waste removal so you can focus more on taking care of your furry friend, we’re the team at your command. Contact Scoop Soldiers today!
