Fall means back to school/work for lots of families. Our dogs have spent the summer months enjoying lots of extra time with their owners doing exciting things. The sudden schedule changes that fall brings can be a difficult adjustment for everyone, especially our dogs.
However, with a little forethought and planning we can make this transition much easier for our furry friends.
A couple of weeks before the anticipated change begins implementing the upcoming schedule changes. For example, if you will be at work and the kids will be in school, start having your dog take a daily quiet time during those hours.
Begin getting up earlier to allow time to walk, train, exercise and feed you dog before work/school. Schedule some evening activities like walks or training to give your dog an energy outlet after their daily quiet time. Dogs love routines and staying consistent with new changes will help them make the adjustments faster and with less stress.
Make sure to add mental stimulation to your dog’s daily routine as an important part of keeping them in good mental and physical health. A dog with regular structure, exercise and mental stimulation will be more resilient to the inevitable hiccups that come with this time of year. Try teaching your dog a new skill like place training or polite leash walking. Polish known skills like sit or stay and add duration.
Consider putting your dog’s food bowl away for the winter and feed them out of a Kong toy. Dogs need something to keep them occupied during long days and working for their food is a great way to do that! If you need help getting started, sign up one of our training classes! You and your dog will learn all kinds of new things.
Lastly, if your dog is a social butterfly consider Doggie DayCamp at Mighty Pet. Our staff puts a lot of work into creating an environment that allows dogs to practice good habits, stimulate their minds and exercises their bodies. Our Camp Counselors are trained in canine behavior and dog handling to allow them to provide your dog with the best care possible.
Meghan Smith, CPDT-KA
