Back to Routine: Helping Your Dog Adjust When the Family Returns to Work and School

Back to Routine: Helping Your Dog Adjust When the Family Returns to Work and School

Lakena Jolivet

Summer holidays and school breaks are a wonderful time for families - more adventures, more play, and of course, more time at home with your dog. But as routines shift back to work, school runs, and busy schedules, many dogs can struggle with the change.

Just like us, dogs thrive on routine. A sudden switch from constant companionship to longer stretches alone can lead to boredom, stress, or even separation anxiety. The good news? With the right approach - and the right natural treats - you can make the transition smoother, keeping your dog calm, engaged, and happy.

 

 

Why Routine Matters for Dogs

Dogs are creatures of habit. Predictable daily rhythms help them feel safe and secure. When that rhythm changes - like when kids return to school or owners go back to work - your dog may show signs of stress:

  • Whining or barking when left alone
  • Chewing on furniture or belongings
  • Restlessness or pacing
  • Clinginess when you’re home

Supporting your dog through this adjustment isn’t just kind - it’s essential for their wellbeing.

 

3 Ways Natural Treats Can Help Your Dog Transition Back to Routine

1. Calm and Relax with Natural Calming Chews

Chews infused with naturally soothing ingredients can help take the edge off anxiety. Giving your dog a calming chew before you leave the house creates a positive association with your departure, helping them feel settled and secure.

Perfect for: Dogs who get anxious when left alone, or who need a little help winding down after busy mornings.

 

 

2. Keep Them Busy with Long-Lasting Chews

A bored dog is often a mischievous dog. Long-lasting natural chews - like tough hides, horns, or roots - keep your pup entertained for hours, giving them a healthy outlet for their natural chewing instincts. Not only does this reduce stress, but it also protects your shoes and furniture from unwanted attention!

Perfect for: Dogs who need mental stimulation and something to do while the house is quiet.

 

 

3. Reward Good Behaviour with Training Treats

As routines change, retraining or reinforcing good habits is key. Training treats are small, tasty, and low-calorie - ideal for quick rewards throughout the day. Use them to:

  • Reinforce calm behaviour before you leave the house
  • Reward your dog for settling on their bed
  • Support quick training sessions after school

Positive reinforcement with treats builds confidence and helps dogs feel reassured that they’re doing the right thing.

 

 

Pro Tips for Easing the Transition

  • Practice short separations. Start by leaving your dog alone for just a few minutes and build up gradually.
  • Stick to a schedule. Keep walk, meal, and play times as consistent as possible.
  • Create a “comfort zone.” Leave your dog in a safe space with toys, chews, and their bed.
  • Stay calm when leaving and returning. Keeping arrivals and departures low-key reduces anxiety.

 

Make Back-to-Routine Easier (and Tastier)

Every dog deserves to feel safe, happy, and cared for - even when the house isn’t buzzing with family life. With the right balance of calming chews, long-lasting chews, and training treats, you can ease your dog’s transition back to routine while supporting their wellbeing.

👉 Explore our Back-to-Routine Essentials collection today and treat your dog to natural chews that calm, entertain, and reward.

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