It’s back to school, and all your kids are gone. You can already feel the enormous impact this has on your home. We’re all acquainted with this scene: Your son or daughter has packed their bags and is about to leave. The dog can already pick this up. It then starts barking as if trying to plead with them not to go.
The summer holiday was a joyous time with the kids at home. Now, they’re boarding the bus to return to school. Your dog, however, is left bewildered. It wonders, ‘Why is this happening? Who will play with me, give me treats, and run around with me?’ The confusion and loneliness are palpable.
Before long, boredom sets in, and as a result, destructive behaviors start. This transition is a challenging one. But at the end of the day, you can make it easy for your dog. How? It’s straightforward. Below are some activities that you can engage in to keep your dog active.
Engage the dog In some exercise
A few minutes of vigorous exercise with your dog can significantly enhance its well-being. A brisk morning workout stimulates the brain and exercises its muscles. This routine, ideally before the kids leave for school, can help alleviate the stress of separation.
Treats and toys
As any dog owner, they’ll tell you that, most dogs love it when they have something new to chew on. Immediately when the kids head out to school, that’s a perfect time to pull out the toys and treats. This includes puzzle toys, meaty bones, and bully sticks. There’s no doubt that these toys will keep your dog entertained for hours. The other thing with toys and treats is that they are great at instilling positive reinforcement.
Engage the dog in some activities
When the kids are off to the bus stop, take the dog for a ride to the park or elsewhere. This will brush up on its obedience training and give you more clues on dealing with anxiety and boredom.
Dog Walker
Consider doggie daycare a viable option. It provides relief for your dog and offers a chance for socialization with other dogs. Alternatively, a dog walker can be a flexible solution, as well as visiting your home daily to attend to your dog’s needs.
Get another dog
Another effective distraction stimulating a bored dog is getting another dog to play with. Dogs can keep each other’s company. However, they’re also very good at getting into trouble, so it’s essential to consider this.
We all know that dogs need a lot of patience and time. They also love sticking to the routine. It’s, therefore, accurate to conclude that if you follow these steps, your dog will eventually get used to your kids being out of the house. As a result, they’ll be okay with that.