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Back to School - Helping FIDO Adjust

August 19, 2021 • At Home • Rescue

With kids home from school and flexible work schedules, summer is a popular season for families to adopt dogs, but what happens when summer is over, and everyone returns to their busy routines? The experts at Embrace Pet Insurance are sharing some suggestions for helping pets transition to more structured routines with the rest of the family.

 

Continue to Include Them

One way to keep furry friends occupied is to keep them a part of the routine, even when it changes. If a dog does well with crowds or commotion, they can go on walks to the bus stop to drop the kids off for school. If they enjoy car rides, they can tag along for school pick up or to run errands (as long as they won’t be left alone in the car.) By keeping them included in the routine, they’ll begin to learn and adjust to it.

 

Provide Plenty of Entertainment

For the times when it’s not ideal to bring the dog along, leave them home with something to do. Smart toys are designed to make pets work for their treats or meal. You can find everything from a basic kibble-dispensing toy to advanced puzzles that require your pet to move pieces around in a certain order to find hidden treats – do some research to determine what’s best for your pet. 

 

Consider Giving Your Pup a Buddy 

For some, one pet is more than enough, but if your family is open to it, two (or more) can keep each other company by playing with one another and teaching each other good social skills and manners. Just be sure to research how to properly introduce the new animals to one another before they meet. If you only have one pet, consider leaving a calm and soothing TV or radio station on for some background, noise while you’re gone so they feel less alone. 

 

Send Them to School

Consider enrolling the pup in a local group or class where they can learn anything from basic obedience to agility. Learning new skills and having goals to achieve makes your pet more confident and happier. Plus, the brainpower required to learn new skills tires them out! If a group class doesn’t fit in a schedule or budget, working with them one-on-one, even if it’s just ten minutes twice a day, can make a big difference. Doggie Daycare also is a great option for extended care to keep your furry family member occupied with lots of socializing and play while the family is tied up with work and school.  

 

Keep Kids Involved 

Bonding between your children and their pet is a very important part of owning an animal. It’s never too early (or late) to teach the kids how to care for their pets. Even young children can scoop food into a bowl or refill the water bowl, while older kids can take complete responsibility. When it’s time for homework, the quiet company of a pet may be nice, or they can be used as an incentive to complete necessary tasks before playing together.

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