September can be RUFF for our furry best friends. With the kids headed back to school and parents back to work, our pups are left on their own again. While the change in routine is an adjustment for all of us, it can cause additional stress on our dogs.
Here are 5 tips to ease Back-To-School separation anxiety for your pup.
- Downplay your exit & arrival
The goodbye is the hardest part of the day for you and your pup. When you show your FBF lots of attention before you go, this excites them and makes it harder when you go. Instead of longwinded goodbyes, it’s best to make an Irish exit to help keep your pup calm.
- Try calming treats
For anxiety-free school days, our go-to is a YUP PUP treat! Give your dog YUP PUP 20-30 minutes before you leave to help keep your pup calm while you’re away.
- Enrichment toys
Keep your pup busy. Try using enrichment toys to help your pup stay occupied while you’re away. Here are some of our favorites you can find at Petco.com
- Use the radio or TV
Leave the radio or TV on while you’re away. The familiarity of these sounds will help ease your pup’s stress levels.
In fact, studies show that dogs actually love to watch television. DogTV has even become quite popular to help stimulate your pup’s mind.
- Exercise your pup
We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again — exercise reduces stress! Wake up before your alarm and take your pup out for a walk. Or hire a dog walker using an app like WAG to walk your dog while you’re gone!
Happy Back-To-School / Back-To-Work & good luck!