Back To School Tips

Beat The back To School Blues:

Since dogs are social animals, it's only natural for them to want to be with their human companions. So when back-to-school time rolls around, a dog that's suddenly left alone for long periods may experience anxiety, and even display undesirable behaviors.   Best Friends professional trainer Kim Mandel offers some tips for combating your canine's back-to-school blues:  

Pump up the exercise.
 Set aside time each day for a long walk, active round of fetch, or romping with canine friends at the
dog park. "Many times the caregiver gets back into fitness routine once the kids have gone off to school," Mandel says. "Try to include your dog in these activities, whether it's walking, jogging, or even practicing leash skills." A well-exercised dog is a happy and well-behaved dog.

Take a training refresher.
 Dogs' obedience skills can lapse during unstructured summer months. Now is the time to reintroduce basic training commands or to work on a new trick. A training class can be a great way to refresh or expand skills.
Make sure 3 pm is not the highlight of the day. While your pet may appreciate a little downtime during the day, by 3 or 4 pm he'll be ready for some activity. "About a half hour before the kids get home, take your dog out for a walk or play a game of fetch," advises Mandel. "Provide him with an outlet for the energy that's been building up all day. This way, when the kids arrive home, your dog won't be overexcited. If not kept in check, he could get them into a frenzy, too."

Homework time = quiet time.
When the kids are sitting down to do their homework, give your pet something to do, too. Stuff a Kong, give him a new toy, or put him in his crate with a chewie to settle down a bit. "You'll be amazed at how productive the kids will be, and how pleasant the atmosphere is," Mandel says.

Send him to camp.
An alternative to lonely days at home is doggy day camp, where dogs play together in a safe, supervised environment. Attending just two or three days a week is enough to keep most dogs content.