Is Your Dog Ready for More Change?

Hello, and welcome.

September often brings a shift in routines. Perhaps you have children who are going back to school or university? Or maybe you have been making the most of the Summer months by spending more time at home (or away) with your dog?

As we’ve seen over the past 18 months, changes in social interactions can impact our dogs’ behaviour. From a reduction of interactions leading to potential boredom, to the potential for your dog to start feeling concerned about alone time.

So, how do we help our dogs feel prepared?

Reduce Social Interactions In Advance

Don’t leave it until everyone has returned back to school or work for your dog to have to cope with a reduction of social interactions. Start now.

Spend some time in another part of your home for a few hours per day or take some human-only exercise, leaving your dog initially for short periods of a few minutes and building it up to longer sessions.

Film Your Dog

If you’re not sure how your dog feels being left alone, film them. There are obvious signs our dogs might not be coping - coming home to destruction or your neighbours complaining about non-stop barking. But filming our dogs helps us see if they perhaps showing some more subtle signs of being stressed. These could be pacing, panting, or an inability to settle and sleep. If you are at all concerned that your dog isn’t coping with alone time, seek the help of a force-free behaviourist now.

Get Routines Back on Track

Although it can be tempting to draw out the last few days of lie-ins or relaxed routines, if you can start to mimic a usual school or work-day routine now your dog will find it easier when you’re adopting those for real. Start setting that alarm and walking your dog first thing. If you usually have a pet professional walk your dog during the day, ask them to start doing that again now.

What other elements of your more flexible summer routine might change next month?

Until next time, enjoy these final summer days,

Caroline