Your Dog Has Officially Filed a Complaint About Back-to-School Season
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Evidence suggests your pup was under the impression summer vacation was permanent.
The backpacks are packed.
The lunchboxes are ready.
Parents everywhere are quietly celebrating the return of a peaceful house.
Your dog?
Not so much.
After spending an entire summer supervising every family activity (and every snack), the house suddenly goes from "everyone's home!" to "where did my people go?"
If your pup seems a little confused when school starts back up, don't worry—you're not alone. Here are a few ways to make the transition easier on your four-legged hall monitor.
1. Stop Acting Weird When You Leave
We know.
It's hard not to kneel down, scratch behind their ears, give three forehead kisses, explain you'll "only be gone a few hours," and promise to hurry home.
Your dog appreciates the enthusiasm.
They also have absolutely no idea what you're saying.
Instead, keep departures boring. Hand them a favorite toy or frozen treat and walk out like it's no big deal.
When you get home, try not to make every reunion feel like you just won the Super Bowl...
...even though we're fully aware you'll be yelling, "WHO'S MY GOOD BOY?!" before the door even closes.
We would too.
2. Give Them Homework
Kids get math worksheets.
Dogs get frozen Kongs.
Honestly, we'd pick the Kong.
Puzzle feeders, snuffle mats, lick mats, or a favorite chew toy give your dog something to focus on besides staring out the window waiting for your return like they're in a sad country music video.
A busy dog is usually a happy dog.
3. Burn Off the Zoomies Before Everyone Leaves
Ever notice how your dog somehow has unlimited energy exactly when you're trying to get out the door?
A quick walk before school or work can make a huge difference.
Fifteen or twenty minutes of exercise often turns:
"I SHALL DESTROY THIS COUCH."
into
"You know what? A six-hour nap sounds nice."
We support either outcome... but your furniture probably has a preference.
4. Leave Behind Something That Smells Like You
Dogs don't read text messages.
They do read smells.
Leaving an old T-shirt or blanket where they like to sleep can help them settle down while the house is empty.
Keyword: old.
Don't sacrifice your favorite hoodie unless you're emotionally prepared for it to become either a pillow... or a chew toy.
5. Remember That Dogs Love Routines
Dogs are basically tiny, furry creatures of habit.
Breakfast at 7?
Excellent.
Walk at 7:30?
Outstanding.
Move dinner back fifteen minutes?
This is unacceptable and we'd like to speak with management.
If you know your family's schedule is about to change, start easing into it a few days before school starts. The more predictable things feel, the faster your dog will settle into the new routine.
6. Know the Difference Between "Bummed" and "Stressed"
Most dogs need a few days to adjust.
Some will simply nap until everyone comes home.
Others may spend a little extra time staring dramatically out the front window, convincing themselves they've been abandoned forever.
Then there are the dogs who bark nonstop, chew door frames, or redecorate the living room with couch stuffing.
If that sounds familiar—and it doesn't improve after a little time—it's worth chatting with your veterinarian or a qualified trainer.
Your couch has suffered enough.
Final Bell
By the second week of school, your dog will probably have the new routine figured out.
They'll know exactly when the bus comes.
Exactly when someone gets home.
And exactly how many minutes before dinner they're supposed to begin reminding you it's almost dinner.
Some things never change.
And honestly?
We wouldn't have it any other way.
Class Dismissed.
Now go give your dog an extra walk.
Or a frozen Kong.
Or a belly rub.
(They're probably going to demand all three.)
🐾 P.S.
If your favorite study buddy spends the school year cheering you on from home, we've got plenty of shirts for people who know life is simply better with a dog waiting at the front door.