How can you help your dog acclimate to a new schedule?

For many of us, the end of the summer means getting ready for the upcoming fall routine and a full-time return to school or the office.The summer season was most likely a blast for Doggy what with their family enjoying reduced work hours, weeknight activities, late nights, weekend camping trips, outdoor activities… Now that it’s time to ease back into the fall routine, how will your dog react?

Do dogs feel at ease in an empty home?

The chaos of a full house during the summer holidays may have had an impact on Doggy’s sleep habits. Just like humans, dogs can have trouble sleeping. This can cause irritability, gastrointestinal problems, fatigue, trouble focusing, etc.

On the other hand, dogs are very social creatures who, for the most part, appreciate being around humans. That means spending hours on end alone could make them a bit depressed.

It just goes to show that there are always two sides to every coin!

What are the signs a dog might be having a tough time without their family around?

Some dogs are very comfortable spending hours on their own at home while others will experience anxiety.

The latter will generally:

• Follow you closely when you’re about to leave for work or school.
• Not eat any of the treats you give them when you leave (and only eat them upon your return!).
• Be excessively happy once you’re back home.
• Follow you around when you’re at home.

They may also be more vocal, do their business inside or chew on objects when they’re alone. Read the following article for more information: Can dogs be treated for separation anxiety?

Dogs and change

Dogs are generally sensitive to change and usually prefer routine and predictability. Any change in their schedule can result in heightened levels of stress at first. They should feel much better once they’re used to their new routine. If you want to see how your dog is doing on their own, you can film them for the first hour.

How to reduce the negative impacts of a change in their routine?

• Is your dog usually in their crate when you leave for work or school? Have them spend a bit of time in their crate before the fall routine sets in, progressively extending this time, so they can get used to being in their crate again while you’re away.
• Always make sure you follow the same routine when you leave and return home. For instance, place an interactive treat dispensing dog toy on their dog bed and tell them you’ll see them later. Once you get back home, set aside some time for a walk. Are you short on time and need to take care of cooking, homework, bath time, bedtime? Read on to explore our tips!
• Make your home more “dog zen”. Leave some soothing music on, dim the lights, provide them with some safe toys and a comfortable space so they can get some rest.
• If needed, give Doggy a natural calming aid once a day for as long as they need to get used to the new schedule.

Dealing with the evening frenzy

When you get back home from a day at the office, do the kids keep asking you “What’s for dinner?” Does it feel like Doggy has spent eight hours waiting for you to get back and is about to burst with pent-up energy? After taking them on a short walk to let them do their business, keep them occupied with an intellectually stimulating activity: place half of their dinner (wet food), in an interactive feeder that you’ve stored in the freezer that morning.

Is it homework time? This is the perfect time to serve Doggy the rest of their dinner. Put dry food in another interactive toy to keep them busy.

During bath time, one parent can walk the dog while the other gives the kids their bath – and vice versa the following day. Are your kids a bit older? Have them be responsible for taking the dog for a nice, long walk. If no one’s free to take Doggy on a walk or if the weather is bad, you can give them a chew toy.

Once everyone has gone to bed, spend a bit of time cuddling in front of the TV!

Please note that these tips will only be effective if your dog regularly gets enough exercise.

Depending on where you live, you can also hire a dog walker or enroll your dog in doggy day care!

To help Doggy get back into a routine: