Back-to-school blues are here again, with kids and pets settling into new routines after a relaxed summer schedule. Dogs can sense changes in wake-up times and the general bustle of a new school year – so it’s important to ease them into the transition, too.
At Country Kennels’ Doggy Daycare in Leduc County, dogs are welcomed back into the fur-mily with open arms, where zoomies are abundant and extra play is expected.
Tips to Help Your Doggo Adjust
Just like guiding your kids back to school after the lazy days of summer, your pups could use extra love and attention too.
A few tips to keep the household on track and ready for the routine change:
- Practise your routine before doggy daycare drop-offs. Leave the house at the same time your new schedule calls for, whether it’s for a walk or a visit to a friend’s. Consistency helps ease those first-day jitters.
- Take your pup for an extra-long walk to burn off pent-up energy before the transition drop-off. Dogs need a physical and mental outlet, whether they’re headed to daycare or at home during the morning rush.
- Bring your dog in the car when you drop off your kids in the mornings, so they can see the kids leave. This helps lessen your dog’s anxiety and stress.
While there are several ways to get your dog excited to go back to daycare and leave the family from 9-5, you know your dog better than anyone. Assess their situation and go slowly with the transition.
Signs Your Dog is Struggling | Solutions for your Happy, Zoomy Pal
If your dog is having a bad day, how do you tell if it’s an off day or a ruff patch? Getting back into a routine may take longer than expected, depending on their temperament. Here are a few signs that your dog may need extra TLC.
- Change in appetite: Your doggo is avoiding food or asking for more than usual.
Accidents: They happen – but if they become more frequent, it could be a sign of something bigger. - Excessive chewing or pawing: Anxiety, boredom, or stress can show up as excessive chewing or pawing at toys and furniture.
- Clinginess or hiding: Your dog is nowhere to be found, or they are your new shadow.
- Low energy: Besides the “I’m tired after zooming around like crazy” kind of tired, watch for signs like sluggishness, sulking, or losing interest in favorite activities – these can point to anxiety or something more going on.
To help your dog adjust to the fall season schedule, create a quieter, low-stress environment at home. Give your loved doggo more attention than usual. Be more aware, as every wag, wig, and woof is a way to find out if anything more serious is going on. Call or go to your vet if the behaviour persists.
Join our Doggy Daycare Today
At Country Kennels’ Doggy Daycare, we understand your dog may be resistant to joining us after a summer of warm days and ice cream treats. But doggy daycare provides structure, balance, and lots of like-minded pups who want to play together. Your pup may need extra time to get back into the groove after a family-centred summer. Book your doggo’s stay with us today.
