Start Adjusting Your Schedule Now
If you and your family have adopted a laissez-faire sleeping schedule, the sudden introduction of a rigorous, alarm-bound one will be rough on everyone in your household, including your dog.
Adjust your sleep schedule early, and tweak it until you are in school mode. This will help ensure that your dog is used to commotion earlier in the AM but also help them adjust bathroom breaks accordingly.
Give Your Dog A Scents-itive’ Bed
If your dog is particularly attached to one of your children — or you — grab a blanket or used shirt and add it to your dog’s bed set-up. Dogs’ sense of smell is much keener than ours, and the familiar scent may help with any separation anxiety.
Stay Active
During the summer, chances are good that your kids kept your dog pretty physically active running around outside. Keep the physical momentum going by taking your dog on long, brisk walks early in the morning or by being a kid yourself and p
The physical activity is mentally stimulating for your pup, too, and a great distraction if they seem distraught at the sudden loss of their play pack laying out in the backyard.
Spoil Your Pup
It seems like there is a myriad of excuses to spoil your pup, and back-to-school time is as good of a time as any.
Get your dog a new toy that requires a little bit of mental stimulation, like a toy that gives out treats once they solve a small puzzle. Give them long belly rubs, and snuggle with them while you have your morning coffee.
Giving your dog this extra attention can help keep both your mind and your dog’s mind off the fact that the kids aren’t around during the day anymore.
Add A Pet
If your time and budget allow it, adopting another pet, whether it is a dog or a cat, may be a good way to keep your dog occupied and less lonely. It goes without saying, but just to reiterate: getting any pet is a decision that should be heavily weighed.
If adding another pet to your one-dog household seems like a good idea, start introducing your dog to other dogs and cats to see what their play style is, so you can find the perfect playmate for your pup.