Prepare Your Pooch for "Back to School" Month

Giving your pet time to adjust makes a huge difference in how they handle changes in your schedule. Start at least a few weeks before school starts. Leave your pet alone for short periods and gradually build up to longer ones. They'll get used to you leaving, but they'll also learn that you come back. This helps them slowly adjust instead of forcing them to immediately deal with a full day away from their family.

Once school starts, you'll be getting up earlier, rushing around, and heading out the door. This can heighten your pet's anxiety levels, so why not practice a slower, less hectic morning routine? Start with some outdoor time before what will be your scheduled time to leave the house each day. A run around the yard, a game of fetch, or a short walk will help your dog relax and feel less stressed when you leave each day.

Keeping your furry pal entertained while you're away is crucial when you're discouraging the development of negative behaviors. Toys can stimulate your pet's brain, and that prevents boredom. Plus, a favorite toy provides comfort when they're feeling nervous. Treat-dispensing toys and puzzle toys can keep a dog busy for hours. Look for durable ones that are appropriate for your dog's size. Not all pups have the same personality, so it's important to figure out which toys appeal to your pooch before 'Back to School' month arrives.

While earlier studies showed that classical music and solo piano music soothed anxious canines, researchers in 2017 found that soft rock and reggae music led to more relaxed behaviors and lowered stress levels. You can find playlists for pets on popular music or video apps. It's best to start playing the music while you're at home before you make major changes to your schedule. That way, your pet doesn't associate the music with you leaving.

Whether it's a fluffy, comfy bed or a crate, all dogs need a safe place in the home where they can take refuge while you're away. Dogs in the wild seek shelter and safety in a den; it's where they feel relaxed and safe. When their family isn't around, they need a special corner or small room to retreat to and feel secure. You may find that your pet heads to this spot at other times, too, such as when the household is more hectic than usual.

Avoid making a big deal when saying goodbye when you leave. Research shows that dogs pick up on human emotions through their owner's facial expressions and the tone of their voice. And, if their human is feeling stressed about leaving their pet behind, they can detect those feelings through their keen sense of smell. If you make a big deal about your departure, your dog will likely pick up on those emotions, which leads to an increase in their stress levels.

Most dogs are adept at picking up cues. It doesn't take long for them to learn that if they hear the sound of jingling car keys, someone is leaving the house. They may pick up on other cues, such as you getting dressed for the day or putting your shoes on. Try practicing changes in what will be your normal daily routine without actually leaving the house before the day arrives when you do. This helps your dog become desensitized to the cues and eases them into the changes.

Watching television is a part of the household culture for many families. And pet owners often say their dog watches TV alongside them. It becomes part of their routine and can be comforting while you're not at home, too. Pet behavior research shows that dogs particularly like watching other dogs, soothing sounds and images from nature, and, surprisingly, animated kid shows. It seems dog owners often speak to their pets using the same high-pitched, yet comforting tone of voice characters use in cartoons, and some dogs like it. You'll also find channels on YouTube or other TV networks tailored specifically for keeping your dog entertained while you're gone.

Let's face it. After a long day away from home, the excitement your dog shows when you return home is pretty rewarding. Instead of feeding into their anxiety when you return, however, give them time to calm down before you greet them. If you're showing a heightened level of excitement through your voice and body language, your dog will do the same. Once they're calm, praise them and reward them through your attention and physical touch.

All the activity and schedule changes that go along with school being back in session after a few months off can be a strain on both humans and their dogs. Before heading back to school, start a new walk routine with your pet that occurs around the same time the household will be arriving home each day. Not only is a stroll with your pet relaxing for you both, but it also creates something for your pet to look forward to each day.