BACK TO SCHOOL FOR YOUR DOG?
Kids, this Puppy Pointer is for you. The calendar will soon flip to September. Summer vacation is winding down and the first day of school is just around the corner. As you prepare to shift into “school mode”, you might want to think about what “back-to-school” means to your dog.
Dogs, so often, seem to be creatures of habit. They know when you’re 15 minutes late with their dinner. They pretty much know when it’s their bedtime – regardless of what else is going on. Often, they are certain that their toys belong in a specific spot. Please don’t try putting them someplace else.
Dogs also get used to your schedule. During the summer, they get used to having more people around. Kids are out of school and families often have vacation time. Back-to-school means your pup must adjust to spending more time on their own while you’re getting smart at school.
Want to help your dog stay a happy dog? Try some of these ideas to help your dog adjust to the school time schedule. Kids, this is a great chance for you to show your dog how much you care.
Dogs, so often, seem to be creatures of habit. They know when you’re 15 minutes late with their dinner. They pretty much know when it’s their bedtime – regardless of what else is going on. Often, they are certain that their toys belong in a specific spot. Please don’t try putting them someplace else.
Dogs also get used to your schedule. During the summer, they get used to having more people around. Kids are out of school and families often have vacation time. Back-to-school means your pup must adjust to spending more time on their own while you’re getting smart at school.
Want to help your dog stay a happy dog? Try some of these ideas to help your dog adjust to the school time schedule. Kids, this is a great chance for you to show your dog how much you care.
YOUR MORNING ROUTINE
A quick morning walk – It always seems tough to get everything pulled together in the morning. Maybe make sure everything is in your backpack, ready to go, the night before and save even 5 minutes for a quick walk or ball toss before school. You dog will appreciate the attention as well as the chance to burn off a quick bit of energy.
Short and sweet – When it’s time to walk out the door, a brief affectionate goodbye to your dog will go easier than over-the-top affection. If your parent walks you to the bus stop, perhaps your pup can see you off as well.
You smell great! – At least you do to your dog! Sometimes leaving something for your dog that smells like you can remind your dog that you won’t be away too long. If it’s okay with your parents, you might leave a T-shirt you’ve worn or pajamas or even a pillow case on the floor where you dog can curl up with it and think about you.
WHILE YOU'RE AT SCHOOL
Are you toying with me? - After having you around to play with all summer, your dog is probably used to playing with you during the day. The hours while everyone has gone to school and work might seem very boring by comparison. Leave some toys where your dog can find them to keep entertained.
Presto chango - Is your dog lucky enough to have several toys? Save a few back and swap them out every few days to keep things interesting.
You’re such a treat! - Another game that will keep your dog guessing is to hide small dog treats in various places around the house before you leave for school. It’s like a scavenger hunt for your pup!
CLASS DISMISSED!
When school is done for the day and you get back home, no doubt your dog will be thrilled to see you! Here are a few ideas to make both of your afternoons great.
When school is done for the day and you get back home, no doubt your dog will be thrilled to see you! Here are a few ideas to make both of your afternoons great.
You gotta move! – You’ve sat at your desk all day. Your pup has waited patiently at home for you. You both would benefit from a little action! If your mom or dad says it is okay, ask if you can take the dog for a walk or toss a ball in the yard before you start your homework. Do you have a friend who also has a dog? Double the fun and try walking together.
Time to get serious – Yes. Eventually it will be time to do your homework. You might not be excited about homework but your dog could be. Your pup might just enjoy being close to you while you work or listen attentively when you practice a musical instrument. Dogs can be such great listeners. Practice reading out loud to your dog. It might be a story or a chapter in your history book. Dogs seem to enjoy all kinds of subject matter.
Beatin’ Feet! Dog Walking hopes you and your dog
have a great school year!
have a great school year!