“I’m sad.  Where is everybody?  Where did my pack go?”

When summer ends, the kids return to school, schedules change, and doggie misses the “pack”.   The house is so quiet, playmates are not coming and going, and maybe some family members who grew up with the dog will be heading to college and not returning for quite some time.   This is a time of transition and the stress of schedule changes impact the entire family, including the dog.  They are familiar with  the one routine and now must adjust to another.  With this separation anxiety and transition, behavioral problems can occur.   How can we help reduce this stress and help dogs ease back into a different sort of routine?

Liam Crowe of Bark Busters USA offers some tips:

START EARLY:   At least a week before your children return to school get your dog used to being alone.  First separate your dog from the kids and rest of the family for a bit.   If you usually take your dog with you on errands, leave him at home instead.

PAY LESS ATTENTION:  While your dog may be the center of attention when the kids are home all day, change this scenario before they return to school so that he can adjust more quickly to quiet time.  A little less attention each day for about a week.

WHEN YOU LEAVE:  Act like a strong pack leader when you leave, ignoring him for about ten minutes before departure.  This is less confusing than  acting overly sad upon departure.

BOREDOM:  Dogs sleep most of the day but when they awaken, they want something to do.   A little planning can help to entertain them. 

HIDE TREATS:  Dogs will enjoy foraging for treats such as safe kibbles that you might hide for them…something that will not quickly attract bugs, etc.

SHELTER:  Be sure the dogs have their own “home” and a place where they feel secure and comfortable.  It is like a den.  Don’t wait to train just before summer ends, if you decide to use a crate.  Remember not to leave the dog longer than 6 or so hours alone in the den/crate.  Have a friend let your dog out if over 8 hrs and less than 6 if a puppy.  If you are going to leave your dog in the house and potty time is a problem, gate  them off to an area where accidents can easily be cleaned.  Be certain to leave lots of clean, fresh water for your pet.   Some people will leave a radio on to make the dog feel like it has company.

UNUSUAL BEHAVIOR:  Your dog may jump up or be hyper when you return.  Try to walk the dog before you leave and when you return.

TRAIN THE KIDS:  Parents need to train their children to ignore the pet for five minutes when they return to allow the dog to settle down and relax.

TRAIN THE DOG:   Bark Busters offers training  and tips to help families.  For more information and locations see  barkbusters.com.

Before you know it, the school holidays will be coming along, and doggie will be happy to spend more time with everyone once again enjoying happy “howeladays”.

Source: barkbusters.com,
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