When I was a child, my dog would run out of the house every time the school bus dropped me off. He would stay by my side, panting and sitting obediently at my feet through the school day, and then run home with me on the bus. Being a parent is just as difficult for dogs as it is for humans. Even though you won’t be going to school anymore, your dog will still miss you while you’re gone…and they’ll find a way to let you know!
Back To School Tips For Your Dog:
Puppy-Proof Your Backpack:
Make sure there are no small objects lying around that could be chewed up or swallowed by your pup. This may seem obvious, but I have seen so many dogs eat things like pencils, erasers, and small toys that have been left in backpacks or on the floor in children’s rooms. If you have a curious dog that likes to chew everything, this is one way to prevent them from ingesting something harmful!
Keep A Schedule:
Dogs thrive best when they are given regular schedules. If possible, try to leave for work/school at the same time each day so your dog will know what to expect. This will help them feel less
Back to school time is not just for kids. It’s also a great time to refresh your dog’s training habits and routines.
While you are making sure your children have the proper supplies, please make sure your dog is prepared, too.
Here are some back to school tips for your dog:
– Make sure your dog has identification tags with your name, address, and phone number so that you can be contacted if he gets lost.
– If you take your dog for walks at night, there is a new product called reflecti-buddys that attach to collars and leashes that can help keep your dog safe from passing cars.
– While you’re off at work or school be sure to leave the radio or TV on for Fido so he doesn’t get lonely.
– If your child feeds or cares for the dog as part of their chores, make it a point to check on how well they are doing their job. This is especially important if they are younger children and may need more supervision.
– Be sure to stock up on pet potty pads in case it rains after school. They come in handy when dogs don’t want to go out in the rain and when you don’t want them tracking mud through the house.
As the kids go back to school, it’s time to get back into your routines. If you are a parent with a dog in the house, you know that one thing that routinizes you is your dog. And if you’re a parent of a kid who goes to school, then you know how important it is to follow those routines.
Here are some tips for getting back into your routine and making sure it includes all the right things for your dog:
1. Is he eating well? Make sure he has his regular food and that it’s not too much or too little.
2. Is he getting enough sleep? You don’t have to go overboard, but make sure he’s getting enough sleep, otherwise he may be overactive or cranky during the day.
3. Is his crate still comfortable? Make sure it’s still in good shape so that he can rest when he needs to and not feel cramped or overheated when he wants to sleep.
4. Is he potty trained? Dogs can be trained to go outside so make sure this is happening.
5. Is he playing with other dogs? This is important because they can all help each other out with their training and playtime activities!
With the kids heading back to school, it can be a hectic time of year. Between shopping for school supplies and new clothes, coordinating rides and after school activities, making sure your dog is happy, safe and healthy might not be at the top of your to-do list.
Here are some tips from Purina(R) on how to make back-to-school season as fun for your dog as it is for your kids.
When kids head back to school, they’re not the only ones who are affected. Dogs may feel the absence of their favorite playmate, and this change can lead to behavioral problems.
Dog owners should take steps to help their pets cope with the added stress of being home alone, such as a daily dose of exercise. “A tired dog is a good dog,” said Margaret Weber, director of behavior programs for the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA).
To keep your dog from getting bored during the day, Weber recommends hiding treats around the house or crinkling up small pieces of paper and leaving them for your pet to find. Dog toys that release treats when played with can also provide mental stimulation.
Take advantage of the cooler nights by walking your dog after dinner so that he’s ready for a nap when you leave for work in the morning.”
Ah, the end of summer. The kids are back in school and the dog is home alone again. And for many of us, that means a change in our schedules.
If you work from home, your dog is probably used to having you around all day. But if you have to head back to the office five days a week, there are a few things you should consider before you leave them alone.
1) Where will they stay?
When you’re at home, your dog might be used to having free reign of the house. But dogs get bored when left by themselves. And boredom can cause them to act out. If your dog has a favorite spot on the carpet or couch, consider purchasing a crate or other pet carrier and leaving them in it while you’re gone. That way they’ll stay confined to one area and won’t ruin any furniture while you’re gone (which will make coming home much less stressful).
2) How long will they be left alone?
Some dogs do well being left alone for long periods of time, but others don’t do as well. You know your dog better than anyone else does, so think about how he or she does when left alone for extended periods of time and adjust accordingly (i.e.,
If you don’t know your dog’s temperament, you may want to work with a trainer or behaviorist to help you determine if your dog is fearful or aggressive. A scared dog could react by biting if he feels threatened. Some dogs are anxious and can act out in fear-based aggression. Fearful dogs might growl, show their teeth and lunge at the person or animal they perceive as threatening. This is why it’s important to monitor your children and your dog around each other — even if they are usually best friends.
Most people think of Halloween as a holiday for children, but it can be just as much fun for our canine companions. When it comes to Halloween costumes for dogs, the sky’s the limit! Depending on the age of your dog, he might be more willing to let you dress him up and play along in some way than other dogs, so take that into account when choosing a costume idea for your pooch this year.
Dressing up Fido isn’t limited to Halloween, either. There are themed dog parades throughout the year, where participants show off their creative costumes and compete for prizes in categories like best dressed couple, funniest costume and best pet-owner look-alike ensemble.