Back to School
As kids head back to school, Dawg (via Bark Busters) offers suggestions to help families avoid behavior problems with their dogs that often accompany this time of transition. By providing training and the right combination of food, shelter and entertainment, families can help their canine companions adapt to a new schedule.
When children return to school, the stress on every family member can be huge–including the family dog. This abrupt change in routine can seriously affect our canine companions, who are creatures of habit. But with a little understanding and preparation before the first day of class, families can avoid many of the back-to-school behavior problems their dogs might exhibit.
Part I: Separation Anxiety
With parents at work and no children to play with during the day, dogs left alone can become stressed, often resulting in destructive behaviors and endless barking. Following these guidelines can help reduce the potential stress of separation and help return dogs to normal in a few weeks.
Start early: At least a week before your children go back to school, get your dog used to being alone. Begin by separating your dog from the kids and the rest of the family. For example, if you frequently take your dog with you to the store, leave him at home.
Pay less attention to him: Dogs may be the center of attention when the children are home. You need to change this scenario before the children return to school so that your family dog can adjust more quickly to the quiet time. Pay less attention to your dog for increasing amounts of time about a week before school and extend the amount during the days that follow.
When you leave: As you and the family leave your home, don’t confuse your dog by saying in a sweet voice, “Don’t worry–we’ll be home soon. Be a good boy.” If he is feeling concerned that you are leaving, your happy, high-pitched voice can make him think it’s okay to feel this way. Dogs are pack animals and, as such, they expect their leaders to be strong when they leave the pack. Therefore, ignore your dog for about 10 minutes before you leave.
When children return to school, the stress on every family member can be huge–including the family dog. This abrupt change in routine can seriously affect our canine companions, who are creatures of habit. But with a little understanding and preparation before the first day of class, families can avoid many of the back-to-school behavior problems their dogs might exhibit.
Part II: Boredom
Dogs sleep a great deal during the day, but when they wake up, they want something to do. It doesn’t take much to entertain a dog, even when you’re not at home.
Scatter food: Dogs are natural foragers who love to look for food on the ground–and will literally spend hours doing so. Scatter a variety of foods (such as bits of raw vegetables and/or dog kibble) around the yard when you leave. (Note that some foods attract wasps. Avoid meats and sweet-tasting foods like apples.) You might even try hiding some treats so your dog spends time looking for them. And always provide lots of fresh, clean water to keep your dog well hydrated.
Build a digging pit: Dogs love to dig, so rather than trying to eliminate this natural instinct, control where they dig by building them their own special place. Build a digging pit (as you would a sandbox for a child), and teach your dog that it belongs to him. Bury his favorite chew toy or bits of cheese in the digging pit and when he digs them up, praise him lavishly. Very soon he will learn where to dig–and, more importantly, where not to dig.
Toys: Dogs love toys, but they can quickly get bored with them or destroy them. First, buy high-quality, virtually indestructible toys that your dog will always enjoy, such as those that hold treats like the Buster Cube and KONG. Second, every few days, rotate what toys are available to him. This gives your dog something new and fun to hold his interest.
Parts 3 & 4 to follow.
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