Tails and timetables: preparing your dog for a change in routine

As the long, lazy days of summer come to an end, many of us are preparing for the end of holidays or a more structured routine again. This time of year can be both exciting and a little overwhelming, not just for the people in the household, but also for the family dog. After weeks of having the kids at home and enjoying more flexible schedules, the shift back to school can be a big adjustment for everyone. But with some thoughtful planning, you can help make this transition smooth and even enjoyable for both you and your furry friend.

1. Establish a New Routine

Dogs thrive on routine, so the sudden change when everyone heads back to school can be unsettling. To make the transition easier, start establishing a new daily routine a week or so before school begins. If your dog has gotten used to morning walks at a certain time, try to maintain that schedule or gradually adjust it to fit the new school day. Consistent meal times, playtimes, and walks will help your dog feel secure and understand what to expect each day. You can also introduce training exercises that fit into this new routine, here are a few to consider:

• Morning Training Sessions: Spend 10-15 minutes each morning on basic obedience commands like sit, stay, and come. This helps your dog start the day with mental stimulation and positive reinforcement.
• Practice Patience: Before feeding your dog or going for a walk, ask them to sit and wait calmly. Gradually increase the waiting time to build patience, which is beneficial when your dog has to wait for attention during busy mornings.

2. Practice Being Alone

During the summer, your dog might have enjoyed having the whole family around more often. With everyone heading back to school or work, your dog might suddenly find themselves alone for extended periods. This can lead to separation anxiety, especially if they’re not used to being alone. To prepare, start leaving your dog alone for short periods and gradually increase the time. Create a comfortable, safe space where your dog can relax, such as a cozy corner with their bed, favourite toys, and maybe some calming music. Consider using interactive toys or treat-dispensing puzzles to keep them occupied and mentally stimulated while you're away.

Training exercises can help your dog feel more comfortable when left alone:

• Desensitisation Training: Begin by leaving your dog alone for short periods, gradually increasing the time. Pair this with a command like “stay” or “wait” to help your dog understand that you’ll be back. Reward them with treats or praise when you return if they remained calm.
• Place Training: Teach your dog to go to a specific spot, like a bed or mat, on command. Use this training to create a safe space where they feel secure. Gradually increase the time they stay in their place while you move around the house, eventually leaving the room entirely.

3. Morning Exercise and Enrichment

A well-exercised dog is a happy dog, and morning exercise can be a great way to set a positive tone for the day. Before everyone heads out the door, take your dog for a brisk walk or a quick play session. This will help burn off some energy, making it easier for them to settle down and rest during the day. If time is tight in the morning, consider shorter but more intense activities, like a game of fetch or a quick jog.

Incorporating some mental stimulation, like training exercises or puzzle toys, can also help tire your dog out. Even just a few minutes of training or problem-solving can be incredibly satisfying for your dog and help them feel more relaxed when left alone.

To help create a tired, calm dog:

• Fetch with commands: While playing fetch, add commands like “drop it” or “leave it” to reinforce obedience. This turns a simple game into a valuable training session.
• Scent work: Hide treats around the house or garden and encourage your dog to find them. This engages their natural hunting instincts and provides mental stimulation.

4. Plan for Check-ins

If your dog is used to having more company during the day, consider arranging for a regular check-ins. This could be a quick visit home during lunch, hiring a dog walker, or asking a someone you know to let your dog out for a bathroom break and some playtime. Even a brief interaction can break up the day for your dog and reduce feelings of loneliness.

To break up the monotony, even if you can’t be there, you can still incorporate training into their day:

• Interactive toys with commands: Fill puzzle toys with treats and add a command like “find it” or “work” when you give it to your dog. This reinforces the idea that they have a job to do while you’re away.
• Remote Training: If you have a pet camera with two-way audio, you can use it to check in and give commands like “sit” or “stay.” Reward them with a treat from a dispenser if available. This keeps them engaged and reassures them of your presence.

5. Set Up a Safe and Engaging Space

When the house is suddenly quieter, having a designated space where your dog feels safe and comfortable is crucial. This space should be free of any hazards, have plenty of toys to keep them entertained, and be located where they won’t be easily startled by outside noises. If your dog is crate-trained, leaving the crate open with a comfy bed inside can be a great option.

In addition to toys, you might consider leaving the radio or TV on at a low volume to provide some background noise. Some dogs find the sound of human voices comforting, which can help ease the transition to a quieter home.

Creating a designated space for your dog is essential for their comfort and safety. Use training exercises to help them associate this space with positive experiences:

• Crate training: If your dog is crate-trained, practice having them go into the crate on command with a treat or toy. Make the crate a positive space by rewarding calm behaviour with treats or praise.
• Toy rotation: Introduce a variety of toys in their space, but not all at once. Rotate them every few days to keep things interesting. Use commands like “take it” or “leave it” when introducing a new toy to reinforce training.

6. Gradual Transitions for Kids and Dogs

If you have young children, they might also need help adjusting to the new routine. Include them in the process of preparing your dog for the change. For example, they can help with morning walks, feeding, or setting up your dog’s space before they head to school. This can make the transition smoother for both your kids and your dog, and ensure that your furry friend doesn’t feel left out.

It’s also helpful to remind children not to make a big fuss when leaving for school or returning home. Keeping departures and arrivals low-key can help prevent your dog from becoming overly excited or anxious.

Involve the kids in training exercises:

• Command practice: Have your children practice basic commands with the dog. This not only strengthens the bond between them but also helps reinforce the dog’s training.
• After-school training: Encourage your kids to spend a few minutes after school on training exercises like sit, stay, or recall. This helps the dog expend energy and offers a chance for positive interaction after a long day alone.

7. Look Forward to Quality Time Together

With everyone busier during the day, quality time in the evenings and weekends becomes even more important. Make a point to enjoy some extra bonding time with your dog when you’re home. This could be anything from a relaxing walk in the evening to a fun game of fetch in the yard or cuddling on the couch.

Changing of the seasons can bring lot of changes, but it can also be an opportunity to establish new, positive routines for both you and your dog. By planning ahead and making thoughtful adjustments, you can ensure that the transition is smooth and stress-free for everyone in the household—including your four-legged family member.

By incorporating these training exercises into your routine, you’ll help your dog adjust to the changes that come with the start of the school year. Not only will this make the transition smoother, but it will also provide your dog with the mental and physical stimulation they need to stay happy and healthy. As you and your family settle into the new routine, you’ll find that these exercises become a rewarding part of your daily life, strengthening the bond with your furry friend while keeping them well-behaved and content.