#FiveSibes Top 10 Back-to-School Dog Tips
It's that time of the year - good ol' golden rule days. But is your dog ready? With a little preparation, we can help our dogs adjust to the "empty house" that once was filled with kids, play, and summer fun. First up, let me share my top 10 tips infographic, followed by some more helpful ideas to ease your dog's loneliness when the kids are back to school.
Practice Makes Perfect (Sense)
Before
the first day of school arrives, practice walking to the bus stop or
driving your child to school with your dog accompanying you to introduce
both your dog and child to the new routine.
Positive Reinforcement
While
change can be stressful at first, remember to keep the mood light and
upbeat. Dogs have radar when it comes to their person's mood and energy.
Sing a few songs, smile, and laugh while practicing the new routine.
This will help both the student and his/her canine companion feel more
at ease.
Let's Talk!
There
is much to be said about the art of conversation, and yes, with our
pets, too! Before leaving for the day, be sure to let your children tell
the dogs they are going, but they will see them after school. Dogs
really do understand, and communication is so important, not only for
the cherished human-canine bond but what a wonderful lesson to teach our
kids about interacting with animals.
Voices Carry!
While away from your home, leave a radio or TV on low (or set on a timer) so your dog hears voices and doesn't feel alone!
Call Me! Call Me, Anytime!
If
you have a landline phone, call in from your office to leave a message
(be sure the answering machine is on) so your furry buddy can hear your
voice. No landline? You can connect a two-way video camera that connects
to your smart phone or tablet so you can periodically check in on your
pet, have a quick chat, and some even allow you to dispense a treat from
your location!
Treats Are Sweet!
When
you and/or your child have returned home from school, while enjoying
snacks of your own, don't forget to treat your canine to a "doggie"
snack, too. Nothing says love to a dog more than a hug and a yummy
(healthy) treat!
Study Time is Quality Time
Dogs
just love to be with us, whether we are active or at rest. If your
child is doing homework or studying for a test, having the dog nearby is
not only bonding time, but is also calming for both student and dog.
Lonely Days Begone
If
your child is heading away to college and your house is now an empty
nest, your family dog will also feel that absence. A good Rx? Extra play
time, hugs, kisses, and walks will definitely help you both! You can
also visit your local dog park for some extra human and canine
socialization.
Not So Home Alone
Thinking
about adding a second pet to your family? This may be the perfect time!
If so, why not think about fostering a compatible dog from a nearby
shelter or rescue? It could be a win-win!
K9 Class Time
When
the kids go back to school, it is also a great time to consider
enrolling your dog in school! If your dog is already trained and well
behaved, there are some really fun agility and doggy dance or trick
classes to check out. Or, if you always thought your dog would be a
great therapy dog, now would be a perfect time to enroll him/her in a
training and certification program.
A few additional reminders with the arrival of
school days' golden rule days:
- Please keep a watchful eye out for all the children walking,
- Stop for those school buses, and
- Take extra precautions to keep your dogs safe from slipping out the door when everyone leaves or returns from school! (Be sure all pet collar tags and microchip info is up-to-date).
With a little pre-planning, practice, and patience, may we all receive a gold star for a safe and happy school season!
*My above (modified) article was originally printed in my guest post over at 4Knines in August 2017
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Good tips gang! Our little ones here went back to school two weeks ago.
ReplyDeleteGreat tips! I don't have any kids, so don't have to worry about helping my dogs adapt to back to school time. I shared, I'm sure these tips will be really helpful to parents with kids in school! :)
ReplyDeleteFantastic tips and every family should have them on their fridge to remind them
ReplyDeleteWhat fabulous tips for your dog and kids as they head back to school! Such a great reminder that it's a change for the fur kids as well as the human kids. I used to always do my homework with at least one furry critter next to me. Now, I write with Henry, my dog next to me. Somethings never change.
ReplyDeleteI LOVE your graphic! Excellent job!
I'm sharing this will all my dog and pet parents.
Change, especially a change for worse is so hard on dogs, isn't it? Suddenly the house is empty again. I can see how stressful that would be. These are great tips how to help dogs through it.
ReplyDeleteI have to laugh as it's summer with you and our kids are just waiting for the long summer days of December and January when you are covered in snow. People forget that the end of holidays means the dogs and cats lose the friends they had all summer. A lovely list.
ReplyDeleteMarjorie at Dash Kitten
I love the idea of having a designated playtime after school. It's a great way to help your dog adjust by assuring them that they are still going to have that coveted 1 on 1 time.
ReplyDeleteThese are such great tips! Very helpful. Back to School is a big change for the pets too
ReplyDelete