Back to School, Back to Routine:
How Dogs Thrive on Structure

It’s that time of year again - Cooler temps, earlier mornings, and school bus stops are in full swing as fall rolls around again. While you and your kids are settling back into your school regimen, it’s a good idea to help your pup adjust to their new routine as well. Dogs are creatures of habit, and it can be hard for them to adapt to a change in schedule. In this blog, we’ll help you better understand why structure is so important for your dog’s wellbeing and how you can help them adjust to the new school year routine (and how daycare can help!). 

Why Dogs Need Routine

Dogs feel comfortable when they can predict what’s going to happen in their world. From the time they’re fed breakfast to the time they go for their walks, dogs become accustomed to doing the same things at the same time every day. When their routine changes or they can’t predict what’s going to happen next, it can lead to anxiety, boredom, and unease. This can lead to an increase in destructive behaviours, like barking, chewing, or pacing.

During the summer, dogs get used to the house being full, kids running around, and getting more attention than they’re used to during the school year. Once that switch flips and everyone heads back to school again, they’re oftentimes left home alone for hours on end with no interaction or stimulation. For most animals, that can be a tough adjustment.

Signs Your Dog Is Struggling With Routine Changes

If your dog is showing any of the below signs since your kids have gone back to school, they may be struggling with adjusting to their new routine.

• Increased barking and whining when left home alone

• Chewing on furniture, shoes, or other inappropriate items

• Anxiousness, restlessness, or pacing throughout the day

• Accidents in the house despite being potty trained

• Seeming clingier than normal or displaying “velcro dog” behaviours 

If you notice these signs, it may be a sign that your dog is having trouble adjusting to their new routine. If symptoms are severe or you notice they’re not getting better, it may be a good idea to talk to your vet.

Building Confidence Through Routine

Consistency doesn’t just help with easing stress and anxiety - it also helps to build confidence. When dogs know what to expect and can predict what’s going to happen next, they feel comfortable to explore, engage in new activities, make new friends, and try new things. Giving your dog structure and routine, like taking them to doggy daycare consistently, helps shy and anxious dogs be able to predict what comes next and become comfortable facing new adventures, while it gives energetic and outgoing pups a predictable place to socialize and expend their extra energy. A predictable routine can also help make your pup more adaptable to changes at home. 

How Daycare Helps Dogs Adjust

Doggy daycare offers dogs exactly what they need - predictability, socialization, and companionship. A typical day of doggy daycare includes:

• Supervised playgroups: Our trained staff supervises playtime to encourage healthy socialization skills.

• Structured activities: We give our daycare pups time for a structured activity each day, from jumping on Klimbs, to working on basic training skills, to playing with bubbles!

• Enrichment time: Every day of daycare includes some sort of enrichment activity, like snuffle mats or a stuffed KONG or Toppl.

• Scheduled naps: To help prevent overstimulation and too much excitement, all pups enjoy a scheduled nap break in the day to help them recharge and reset.

Just like your kids get used to their daily school routine, dogs get used to their daily daycare routine! Even two or three days a week can give your pup the structure they look forward to. Plus, it gives them the opportunity to try new things, build their confidence, and make new friends. Allowing your dog to have structured activities and playtime makes for a happier pup at home and can help prevent destructive habits and problem behaviours. 

Unleash the Pawsitive Day Camp:
For dogs who need extra structure

For dogs who need a little more one-on-one time or extra structure, our Doggy Day Camp program might be just what they need. A more intensive option than our Daycare program, Day Camp was designed for pups who benefit from a little more personalized attention and extra mental and physical enrichment. Think of it as a “class within daycare”. In Day Camp, your dog gets personalized attention from staff who get to know your dog’s unique personality and needs. We also include extra brain games including puzzles, trick training, and scent work, as well as extra physical activities like treadmill time and agility work. 

Just like people, dogs benefit from extra personalized attention where the spotlight is entirely on them. One-on-one time can help anxious or shy dogs feel more secure, gives energetic or rambunctious pups an outlet to express their energy in a healthy and constructive way, and strengthens the bond between our staff and your pup. This individual attention can make a world of difference in how fulfilled and satisfied your pup feels when they come home, which leads to a happier and more calm household. 

Benefits For The Whole Family

Helping your dog adjust to their new routine is not only good for your pup, its good for your whole family. By prioritizing structure, routine, and predictability through daycare and Day Camp, you’re helping to set your dog (and family) up for success at home. Whether they shine in group play sessions or prefer more quiet one-on-one time, we’re here to make sure your pup feels confident, happy, and cared for every day they’re with us. 

Interested in learning more about doggy daycare or day camp? Send us an email, we’re here to help!

Until next time,

🐾 Woofs & Wags
- Melissa & Oaklee 🐾
@unleashthepawsitive