Helping Your Dog Adjust to Fall Schedules

Back to Routine: Helping Your Dog Adjust to Fall Schedules

The days are growing shorter, and the air feels crisp: Autumn is here, and with it comes a new routine for many of us. It’s often difficult for us to adjust to a new schedule, but pups can struggle even more, especially if they’re used to someone being home all day. If your furry friend has suddenly found themselves alone – and lonely –, keep reading. At Playful Pack, we are committed to helping your dog feel healthy, happy, and secure.

Patterns and Pups: Spotting Problems Before They Start

Pets tend to thrive on a reliable routine, and they’re highly adept at pattern recognition. They know exactly when meals are served and will wait impatiently at their bowl. They know when people come home from work and watch enthusiastically out the window, waiting for their person’s arrival. During the fall, those expectations can be upended, and your dog’s routine disrupted. Mealtimes, walks, and even quality time may shift earlier or later.

Dogs typically adjust to new routines within a few days, but some struggle, especially the very young and very old. Newly adopted pups and insecurely attached dogs may also have a hard time with their new schedule. A dog having a hard time might start:

Whining, barking, or pacing

Being clingier than usual

House soiling

Destructive behavior, including chewing or tearing up furnishings or household items

Hiding

Changes in behavior or appetite

A more gradual adjustment to the new schedule can help your dog feel confident and less stressed during times of change. Dog daycare can also be a great alternative to leaving your dog at home alone, and your dog will spend the day playing and interacting with both human and canine buddies.

Adjusting to a New Routine

To gradually shift your dog to their new routine, start a few weeks before your schedule changes. You can slowly introduce new mealtimes, potty breaks, playtime, and other activities. If you’ll be leaving your dog at home alone, you may also wish to start leaving the house briefly during times you expect to be absent. Consistency is critical during this time, and your goal is to help your pup develop positive associations with being alone.

When you leave, don’t belabor your departure, which can make the experience harder. Instead, offer your dog fun activities to keep them busy while alone. Some great options include frozen Kongs, treat puzzles, lick mats, and safe chew toys. Some dogs also enjoy watching TV: A dog-friendly program or channel can help relieve boredom and loneliness. When you return, don’t immediately overwhelm them with displays of affection. Instead, keep it calm and low-key until your dog settles.

Home Alone: Happy Dogs, Happy Life

Boredom is not inevitable for dogs at home alone. By making a few changes to your home and routine now, you can ensure your dog’s quiet day alone is enriching and exciting without destructive behaviors born of boredom or anxiety. Schedule walks and interactive play sessions when you are home to tire your pup out. Before you leave, offer flavorful and mentally stimulating snacks via puzzle feeders or set up a game of scent hide-and-seek around your home. Ensure your dog has cozy spots to snooze or relax, and rotate toys periodically to keep things exciting.

Back-to-school time can bring many changes, but none of them need to disrupt your dog’s sense of safety and security. By keeping routines predictable, offering ample enrichment, and spending quality time together, you can keep your pup happy while staving off boredom. Playful Pack can help, too. We offer fun, enriching dog daycare options to keep even the most active pup busy and happy, which translates to fewer negative behaviors at home. With an ever-changing calendar of activities and events, Playful Pack has something to delight even the pickiest canine. Call us today to locate your Playful Pack location and schedule your temperament test for a free day of daycare!