It’s that time of year; the time when kids head back to school. Everything speeds up in the day-to-day life with morning routines, carpools, school lunches, after school activities, sports, and dinners. It is an adjustment to say the least, but your children aren’t the only ones who transition to this season. Your furbaby will also go through a hard few weeks as life finds a new normal.

The summer is filled with days of unhurried play and quality time. There are extra treats, longer walks, and lazy mornings. While the summer is a great season for kids, it may just be your dog’s favorite time of the year. Watching his best friend climb on that school bus may just break his heart. The house goes from loud to silent and he suddenly finds himself alone - whether in a crate or by the front door.

Your dog is a member of the family, and just as you prepare your child for a school year, you should help your furbaby handle it, too.

Transitioning Your Dog to School Days

Every house will find its own groove, but take a few minutes to really look at your schedule and think about your dog and how he can fit into it better. It may be worth waking up a half an hour early to get a good run in before the day truly starts. (You both may need it!)

Bring Your Dog To School

If your dog does well with crowds, and your school is in walking distance, grab the leash and walk together to drop the kids off. You can add a few blocks on the way home to burn off that energy and help him adjust to the rest of the day.

If you have to drive to school, bring your dog along for the ride. Make sure you don’t have to get out of the car, though, as he might act out if he has to watch his best friend and you walk into the school.

Doggy Daycare

If your schedule will keep you away from home all day, every work day - and then later due to kid activities, consider dropping your dog off at doggy daycare. You will want to tour the facilities and know the daycare’s schedule and policies to make sure it’s a good fit. This is a great option, as your furbaby will get plenty of attention throughout the day. If price is a concern, opt for every other day instead of 5 days a week.

Hire a Dog Walker

No one will replace you in your dog’s eyes, but a great dog walker will keep your pup happy and exercised while you conquer everything on your to-do list.

Keep Him Stimulated

A bored dog can be a sad (and destructive) dog. You can try new toys and music while you are gone, but make sure you are signed up for obedience classes (or continue your training at home). Training is pertinent for a smooth back to school transition.

Play Every Day

Even if it’s only 15 minutes at 8pm, it means something. Your dog loves you and doesn’t understand why life just got busier. You need to reserve time together every day. Throw a ball, run around, do whatever makes him happy.