Back to School Tips for Your Dog

When the kids go back to school everything changes for your dog, too. The stress on mom, dad, and the kids, can be enormous. But rarely do we consider how the change in routine affects our canine companions. Many think "our dog is as much a part of the family as we are – he can handle it." The facts prove differently. Dogs are creatures of habit and when the routine changes they can be seriously affected. Below are the main areas of concern and tips to consider before the kids head off to school:

Separation Anxiety:
A major issue that surfaces is that the family dog no longer has the kids to play with during the day. And, maybe he is left alone if mom and dad both work. The stress that accompanies being left alone can often result in destructive behaviors and endless barking. Complaints from neighbors increase significantly during the first "back to school" weeks. Follow these tips to help reduce the initial stress of separation. With some preparation and training, your furry friend will be back to normal in a few weeks.

Start early:
At least a week before the kids go back to school, begin to separate your dog from the kids, and the rest of the family. For example, if you frequently take your dog with you to the store or elsewhere, begin leaving him home. Start getting him used to being alone.

Ignore him:
Dogs can be the center of attention when the kids are home. This routine needs to be changed before the kids head to school. While it might sound cruel, the best way to do this is to start ignoring your dog. This includes mom and dad, not just the kids. When dogs get "their way" often, they frequently start to take over as the leaders of the house. When everyone leaves for school and work, the "leader" can get very stressed. Start increasing the amount he is ignored about a week before school, and increase the amount during the subsequent days. This will help the family dog adjust quickly.

When you leave:
As you and the family leave your home don't pamper the dog and nurture him by saying in a sweet voice something like, "Don't worry – we'll be home soon. Be a good boy". Dogs are pack animals and as such they expect their leader to be firm when they leave the pack. It is best to totally ignore your dog for about 10 minutes before you leave, and as you leave the house simply make a low "growl" with your voice. While this might sound peculiar, your dog will actually be relaxed by your voice. In the wild, the pack leader growls when she leaves the pack to indicate she will return soon and not to misbehave.

Boredom:
Dogs sleep a great deal during the day. But, when they awake they want something to do. It doesn't take much to entertain a dog – even if you're not at home. Follow these tips:

Scatter feed:
Dogs are natural foragers. They love to look for food on the ground and will literally spend hours doing so. Before you and the kids leave the house, distribute dry food over a wide area of your back yard, (or other treats your dog likes). You might even try hiding some treats so your dog spends time looking for them. Also consider scattering vegetables, such as baby carrots. Also, be sure to provide lots of fresh clean water to keep you dog well hydrated.

Sandbox:
Build a digging pit. Dogs love to dig, so rather than trying to eliminate that natural instinct, control where they dig by building them their own special place. Build a sandbox much as you would for a child and teach your dog that it belongs to him. Bury his favorite chew toy in the digging pit and when he digs it up praise him lavishly. Bury some treats, or pieces of cheese. When he finds them, pet him and tells him he's a "good boy". Very quickly he will learn where to dig – and, more importantly, where not to dig.

Toys:
Dogs love toys. But, they quickly get bored with them, or they are destroyed. First, buy quality toys that your dog will always love. For example, the Buster Cube when filled with treats is a toy he will always love – and, it is virtually non-destructible. Second, rotate the toys. Use two toy boxes for his toys and rotate them every few days. This way he looks forward to his "new toys" when you leave.

Shelter:
Dogs need to have their own "home". Just as we humans feel more at ease in our home, so do dogs. If your dog doesn't have a place of his own create one for him. Follow these tips:

Crate:
Most dogs love crates. Dogs are descendents of animals that live in dens, and a crate has the same characteristics of a den. If your dog hasn't been crate trained, don't start training him the day the kids leave for school. That's too late and can actually add to his stress. Rather, start training him in advance of the back to school transition. If all goes well you may find that your dog sleeps all day in the crate, quite at peace.

Dog house:
If your dog will be kept outside while you are gone, make certain he has a shelter to get out of the weather – a place he can call his own. Dogs are much more relaxed when in a familiar surrounding, and when they are covered. Provide a blanket, or some other soft surface that is inviting.

Laundry room:
If your dog will be inside all day and you are concerned about toileting in the house, enclose him in an area that is rather small (this inhibits the tendency to toilet), and has a floor of vinyl or tile in case he makes a mistake.

Unusual Behavior:
When dogs are stressed they can sometimes exhibit unusual behaviors – such as jumping or even biting. It is not unusual for young children to come home from school and be "attacked" by the family dog. Usually the dog means no harm. It has been left alone all day and has pent up energy, and when it sees the kids the "unusual" behaviors show up. Follow the tips below to help ensure no one gets hurt.

Train the Kids:
Children need to be trained by mom and dad not to immediately enter the dog's area as soon as they get home. The kids need to ignore your pet for 5-10 minutes to allow him to settle down. With young children it is always best to have a parent there to reduce the chance of a problem. Once your dog learns the routine he will be fine.

Train Your Dog:
It is amazing how quickly dogs learn what is acceptable, and what is not. Dogs have language of their own and once we understand it we can easily control them by "speaking their language".

"The end of summer vacation is a time of transition for families and their dogs. Providing your dog with the advanced training and right combination of food, shelter, and entertainment will help your canine companion adapt to the new school schedule," We are committed to helping people care for and communicate clearly with their dogs, not only to reduce the risk of misbehavior or neglect, but also to enhance owners' relationships with their dogs."