Tuesday, September 16, 2014

7 Tips to Help Your Dog Beat the Back to School Blues

By now, the school year should be in full swing for most kids. What does this have to do with your dog? Many dogs may be left home alone more often during the school year. This calls for the need for them to adjust to a new schedule that is different than summer time.


I have both furry and human kids. The kids like playing with the pets, both our dog and pet rats. I'm thankful for that because it's nice to have a little help caring for the pets. Fortunately for me, I work from home so Shiner is always with me. I do remember that when I worked away from home, Shiner was left by herself in the afternoons. I know that caused her a bit of boredom and stress.

The Humane Society Silicon Valley has created a helpful infographic with several great tips on how to keep your dog happy, stimulated, and on a good schedule this school year.



How to Help Your Dog Beat the Back to School Blues

1. Interactive Toys - Keep your dog busy and stimulated with interactive dog toys. HSSV suggests toys like KONGs that you can stuff and even freeze. Puzzle feeders and puzzle toys can also fend off some boredom for your pooch. 

2. Adopt Another Dog - Many dogs enjoy the company of another furry friend. 

3. Take Your Dog to Day Care - This is a great way to socialize your dog. Most dogs have a blast at doggy day care centers. 

4. Turn the Radio On - Your dog is probably used to hearing some sort of white noise in the house when the family is at home. Turning on the radio or TV for them while you're gone can make them feel more comfortable. 

5. Exercise - Set up a schedule and plan a time to exercise or play with your dog every day. 

6. Hire a Dog Walker - A dog walker can visit your home everyday and take your dog for a walk at lunchtime, play with them, or whatever else you'd like them to do. 

7. Homework - Just like human kids have after-school activities they enjoy, dogs can too! There are lots of fun dog classes out there to try. Or you could even try scheduled training sessions with your dog at home. 

Thanks to HSSV for sharing these tips for keeping dogs happy during the school year. What sort of things do you do for your pets to keep them happy when you're not at home? Share them with us! 

19 comments:

  1. Great ideas. Interactive toys are a wonderful distraction for my two fur-kids. I give them 3 different challenges each before leaving for the day. I try to keep them with me for errands and running around town. They enjoy the sights and smells. Leaving them unattended in the car can be a challenge. I only leave them safely on cooler days in a shaded area (even on overcast days) with the windows cracked. The Dogsgood Tag is handy too, it lets the world know I'm nearby and they can text or call if concerned.

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  2. We agree great ideas. Luckily I am seldom on my own. Have a terrific Tuesday.
    Best wishes Molly

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  3. This was great! I have definitely noticed my huskies walking around my daughters bedroom door while she is at school. Not used to having her gone.
    ღ husky hugz ღ frum our pack at Love is being owned by a husky!

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  4. The Humane Society Silicon Valley always has the cutest infographics... in fact, I have this one scheduled for Friday! :) Shiner is adorable. I am amazed at how cooperative she is in your photos!

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    1. Lol... maybe you should be present for our photo shoots Christina! She really can be extremely uncooperative!!

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  5. I like the recommendation to play a quick game of fetch while your coffee is preparing or in between other activities. I bet that is a great start to the day for the humans as well.

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    1. I agree. Maybe it will let some of their energy out for the rest of the day too.

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  6. Dang, those are some really good suggestions!

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  7. We don't have kids, so no problem, but we love when the other kids are in school. We try to steal backpacks from the bus stops and we can hang out more at the playground when they aren't around.

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    1. Lol - I like it when the kids are in school too Emma ;)

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  8. Great tips! Mom remembers how hard it always was going back to school and leaving the dog behind! Love Dolly

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  9. Great ideas! When I was in graduate school, I was gone at least 40 hours a week between classes and my internship, so I got a friend for Milita to keep her company while I was gone. That's how I adopted Carmine :)

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  10. Those are great ideas! Even before I was in my home, Ma always left the radio on for Corky the parrot so he wouldn't get lonely or bored. Parrots are like that, you know, and will pull out all their feathers. Ugly! BOL The radio is nice...it fills up the quiet a bit and makes you more relaxed.
    oz

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    1. Oh yes, those parrots may just be worse than dogs about being left home alone!

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  11. What great advice. I'm sure I will use these ideas with my pup. - Petnetio Anu

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  12. Great tips! Maya and Pierson have nothing to worry about since the only one going to school is me and all my classes are online! :)

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