By Hannah Stein
With the 2019-2020 school year in full swing, dogs have a new schedule to adjust to. Just like people, dogs feel the back-to-school blues when they are suddenly left home alone for longer than normal. Often, they will communicate their frustration with bad behavior, such as: destroying furniture, going potty in the house, or not eating. How do you avoid this bad behavior and keep Fido happy by himself?
1. Interactive Toys
If you have a food or toy motivated pup, interactive toys are the perfect option for hours of entertainment. A fan favorite is the kong. Stuff it with dog-safe peanut butter and throw it in the freezer the night before. Right before you leave the house for the day, give your dog the kong and your dog will be distracted for hours. Finding the kong not difficult enough for you pup to solve? Try toys like the Starmark Treat Dispensing Bob-a-Lot, Magic Mushroom, Outward Hound Hide a Squirrel, or the Trixie Activity Flip Board instead. For your dogs safety, always monitor the first use.
2. Get Your Dog's Energy Out Before You Leave
This is a great option for you and your dog! Depending on how active your dog is, wake up thirty minutes to an hour earlier than usual for a walk around the neighborhood. You both will benefit from the exercise and extra bonding time
3. Turn on DOGTV
While binge-watching the latest Netflix series, have you ever notice your pet watching with you? Turns out, dogs are indeed entertained by TV! DOGTV is a subscription channel specifically created to entertain dogs by providing “happy stimulation and comfort from the scientifically developed sights and sounds.” DOGTV offers different programs that may help with separation anxiety by providing soothing sounds or help keep active dogs stimulated with images that encourage movement. Start with a free trial to test your dog’s interest!
4. Doggie Daycare
Have a social and active pup? Here at Thousand Hills Pet Resort, our caring, friendly, and fun staff make sure your dog has a blast at daycare everyday. Your dog enjoys safely monitored playtime with other four-legged friends. Have a mellow pup? Daycare is also a great choice because each pup is uniquely socialized with other dogs that best fit your best friend’s personality. At the end of the day, you get to pick-up your tired dog from the long day of fun.
After almost three months of special time at home spent with your dog, back to school can be a difficult transition. Make sure to show your dog some extra love by easing into your back-to-school routine.
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