Back to School: Helping Your Dog Adjust to Routine Changes

September often brings a big shift for families – new school terms, changing schedules, and busier mornings. But while we’re focused on school bags and timetables, it’s important to remember that these changes can affect our four-legged friends too. Dogs thrive on routine, and when the rhythm of the household changes, they may need a little extra support.

Here are some simple ways to help your four-legged friend adjust smoothly to the back-to-school season”

• Practice the school run with your dog
  If you’re planning to walk your dog on the school run, try doing the route a few times before term starts. Walk it when things are quiet, so your dog has time to get used to the sights and sounds.You can also add a simple phrase for children to use, like “see you later”, paired with a wave as they head through the school gates. Dogs benefit from clear signals and predictors, so they know what’s happening next.

• Prioritise sleep and food routines
  Dogs sleep for around 60% of the day, and not getting enough rest can impact their behaviour and training. Mealtimes matter too. Regular feeding helps maintain stable blood sugar levels, which directly influences behaviour.

• Add extra enrichment at home
  When children head back to school, the house can suddenly feel a lot quieter for your dog. Enrichment activities – things to sniff, chew, taste and explore – can keep them engaged, stimulated and happy throughout the day.

• Keep greetings calm
  As much as dogs love seeing their families return home, try to keep after-school hellos calm and steady. Overly excited greetings can lead to stress or anxious anticipation. Encourage slow, relaxed hellos so everyone feels at ease.

• Be mindful of separation
  Puppies and adolescent dogs in particular may struggle with being left alone again after a busy summer. Start with short separations in small, manageable chunks. If you’re a WagWorks member, returning to our club can make the transition much easier, giving your dog a familiar, supportive environment during the day.

• Think ahead about daycare
  If day care is part of your routine, allow your dog to start spending time there before the new term begins. This gives them a chance to get used to the environment gradually. At WagWorks, we take a careful, step-by-step approach when onboarding a new member. This means they can settle at their own pace, building confidence and comfort as they become familiar with their new second home. Finding the right day care also takes time and research. Always visit the daycare, meet the team who will be looking after your dog, understand how their day will be structured and make sure it feels like the right fit.

• Don’t forget the basics
  • Toileting: Make sure your dog has plenty of opportunities before and after the school run.
  • Walk together and keep things slow and calm: Dogs prefer the family to move as a group. If children scoot or run ahead, it can cause stress and pulling on the lead.
  • Avoid the morning rush: Give yourself extra time. Rushing builds stress in both humans and dogs, while dogs prefer to go at a gentle pace – sniffing, mooching and observing along the way.

• Seek support if needed
  Every dog is different. If you notice signs of stress, anxiety, or behaviour changes, it’s always best to seek professional support early.

Back-to-school season is a time of adjustment for the whole family, and that includes your dog. With a little planning, calm routines and enrichment, you can help your four-legged friend feel safe, settled and happy as the new term begins.