How to Help Your Dogs Adjust When their Tiny Human Goes Back to School

Back-to-school season brings a big shift for every family, including the four-legged family members! Gia’s been on school holidays for the past 8 weeks, and we have thoroughly enjoyed our lazy mornings and endless play sessions, cuddles, and a house full of energy!

While we’re excited for new routines, and what year two at school brings for Gia, Kiki and especially Zamba struggles to settle into the back-to-school routine!

So here are a few thoughtful adjustments to help ease your pup into the back-to-school routine…

1. Establish a Predictable Routine

Just like us, dogs thrive on routine. When Gia goes back to school, I try to maintain a consistent schedule for school run, meals, and playtime.

Morning: wake up & enjoy school run before breakfast
Afternoon: I try give them a boredom buster
Evening: Family playtime to burn off energy

A predictable routine helps your dog feel secure and less stressed when the house is empty during the day.

2. Create a Cozy Comfort Zone

I never exclude Kiki and Zamba in any room and often I will find them curled up on Gia’s bed or in her playroom, especially in the early days of back-to-school. You can set up a special area in your home where your dog feels safe and relaxed while the family is out.

Include:

A comfy dog bed or blanket
A favourite toy or two
Calming items like an unwashed T-shirt with their tiny humans scent (this works really well!)

This designated spot becomes your dog’s “home base” and signals that downtime is okay. My office is probably Kiki and Zamba’s “home base” for quiet time, they love curling up under my desk while I work.

3. Tire Them Out Before You Leave

A tired dog is a happy dog! Before school or work, spend 15-20 minutes on activities that burn energy. When dogs start the day with exercise, they’re less likely to become anxious or destructive when left alone, however I am home a lot because I work from home but on days when I am out or in and out a lot I prioritise a quick game of fetch for Zamba and I offer Kiki a chew toy she can bury!

A brisk morning walk
A short game of fetch in the yard
Quick obedience training for mental stimulation

4. Keep Their Minds Busy

Dogs get bored just like we do. I like to give Kiki and Zamba interactive toys and puzzles or bones (dog safe ones) to keep them mentally stimulated while I am busy with my day.

Lick mats or frozen Kongs
Treat-dispensing puzzle toys (timer based ones are awesome!)
Snuffle mats for scent games

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7. Include Your Pup in Activities

Zamba’s favourite part of his back-to-school routine is going on school run! If you follow us on Instagram then you will know exactly what I am talking about. His second favourite time of the day is when Gia gets home from school!

Take them on school runs if you can
Play a quick fetch game in the backyard
Let your pup “help” with homework by sitting nearby

This helps them reconnect with the family and burn off that “I missed you all day!” energy.

8. Give Them Extra Love & Patience

Remember: your pup doesn’t understand why life suddenly changed. A little patience, attention, and reassurance goes a long way in helping them adapt to the new routine.

Back-to-school season can be an adjustment for the whole family — but especially for our loyal pups. With a consistent routine, mental stimulation, and plenty of love, your dog will transition smoothly into this quieter season of the year.