As summer wraps up, the familiar rhythm of back-to-school season begins, and many families are busy adjusting to new schedules. Extracurricular activities begin, and the house suddenly becomes much busier at certain times of the day and much quieter when the kids are off at school. While you’re establishing new routines for the people in your household, don’t forget about one important family member: your dog.
For many dogs, the return to school can bring a significant change to their daily lives. A house that was full of people throughout the summer may suddenly be empty for hours at a time. Morning walks may become rushed, and the after-school hours may fill up with homework, sports, and other commitments.
Taking some time to consider your dog’s routine during this transition can help make the change easier for them and ensure they continue to get the physical activity, mental stimulation, and quality time with their favourite humans that they need.
Dogs Thrive on Routine and Predictability
Dogs may not know what day of the week it is, but they are remarkably good at recognizing patterns. They learn when breakfast usually happens, when someone gets ready for work, and when it is time for their walk.
A predictable routine can help dogs feel secure because it gives them an idea of what to expect throughout the day. When a family’s schedule suddenly changes, some dogs may need time to adjust. For some dogs, this period of adjustment can be stressful and anxiety-provoking. This stress and anxiety can be minimized by maintaining some consistency around important parts of your dog’s day—such as meals, bathroom breaks, exercise, and companionship.
Walks Are About Much More Than Exercise
When schedules become hectic, a dog’s walk can sometimes be the first thing to get shortened or skipped. But regular walks provide benefits that go far beyond simply helping your dog burn off energy.
Walking supports your dog’s physical health by encouraging movement, maintaining muscle tone, supporting cardiovascular fitness, and helping maintain a healthy weight.
Just as importantly, walks provide valuable mental stimulation. Dogs experience the world largely through their noses, and a walk gives them the opportunity to investigate an ever-changing environment filled with interesting scents, sounds, and sights.
Allowing your dog time to sniff isn’t “wasting time”—it’s an important part of the experience. A short walk filled with opportunities to explore can sometimes be mentally more satisfying than a longer walk spent rushing from point A to point B.
Regular exercise and mental enrichment can also help reduce boredom. A dog who has had an opportunity to move, explore, and engage with their environment is often more content to relax at home afterward.
One-on-One Time Matters Too
Back-to-school season can make family life feel like a constant cycle of rushing from one activity to the next. But a walk can also provide something that is sometimes overlooked: one-on-one time with a family member.
Perhaps Dad takes the dog for a morning walk before work. Maybe Mom and the dog enjoy a quiet walk after school drop-off. Or perhaps an older child takes responsibility for walking the dog after dinner.
These individual walks can be a wonderful opportunity to strengthen the bond between a dog and each member of the family. Without the distractions of screens, chores, or other family members competing for attention, a walk can simply be time spent together.
Make Your Dog’s Routine Part of the Plan
As you start organizing your family’s new fall schedule, consider adding your dog’s needs to the calendar as well.
Ask yourself:
- How long will my dog be alone during the day?
- When will they have an opportunity for exercise, mental stimulation, and companionship?
- Are there days when our family’s commitments make it difficult to meet our dog’s usual needs?
Planning ahead can make a big difference. On particularly busy days, arranging for a professional dog walker can help ensure your dog still gets an opportunity to get outside, stretch their legs, sniff, explore, and enjoy some individual attention.
As your family settles into its new back-to-school routine, remember that your dog is adjusting too. With a little planning and consistency, you can help make the transition easier for your dog and ensure that, even during this busy time of year, their physical and emotional needs remain an important part of the family schedule.
After all, back-to-school routines aren’t just for the kids.
Article by Megan Despard, the owner of Wiggles and Whiskers Pet Services and a Certified Professional Pet Sitter. She lives with her family in St. Jacobs with her polydactyl rescue cat Winnie. www.wigglesandwhiskers.ca
