Back-to-School Blues: How Your Dog Can Adjust to the New Routine

As summer winds down and families shift into “back-to-school” mode, our dogs may start to feel a little left out. After months of constant companionship, the sudden absence of their favorite humans can be confusing, stressful, or even anxiety-inducing. But with a few proactive steps, you can help your pup adjust smoothly to the new schedule.

Why Dogs Feel the Blues

Dogs are creatures of habit. When kids are home all day during the summer, your dog likely enjoys extra playtime, attention, and snuggles. When school starts, those long hours alone can result in boredom, separation anxiety, and even destructive behaviors.

Tips to Help Your Dog Transition

1. Create a New Routine Early
Start adjusting your dog’s schedule a week or two before school begins. Gradually introduce the new walk, play, and meal times to match your school-day routine. Dogs thrive on predictability.

2. Enrich Alone Time
Keep your pup entertained with interactive toys, puzzle feeders, or treat-dispensing balls. A Kong filled with frozen peanut butter or pumpkin purée is a boredom-buster favorite.

3. Morning Exercise Is Key
A long walk or backyard play session in the morning can help your dog burn off energy before you're gone for the day. A tired dog is a calm dog.

4. Use Positive Departures and Arrivals
Avoid dramatic goodbyes. Instead, calmly leave the house and reward your dog with a small treat. When you return, wait a few minutes before enthusiastically greeting your pup to reduce overexcitement and dependency.

5. Consider a Midday Visit
If your schedule allows, swing home during lunch for a short walk or potty break. If not, consider a trusted dog walker or pet sitter.

6. Leave On Comforting Sounds
Soft music, an audiobook, or white noise can help reduce stress and drown out unfamiliar noises while you're away.

Signs Your Dog May Be Struggling

Watch for signs like:

• Excessive barking or whining
• Destructive chewing
• Accidents in the house
• Pacing or drooling

If these persist, it may be worth speaking with your vet or a certified dog trainer to rule out separation anxiety.

Make Evenings Count

When everyone's home, prioritize quality time. Evening walks, games of fetch, and couch cuddles can reassure your dog that they're still part of the pack.

📅 Bonus Tip: August 26 is National Dog Day! Plan something special that week to celebrate your dog and let them know how loved they are.