Back to School for Your Puppy

This time of year when the leaves start to change color and the school buses begin to run again, the change in routine can many times be a shock to your puppy, especially if it’s the first time he/she is experiencing it. This means that there are a few things pet and people parents can do to help all of the youngsters get ready for their changing schedules.

Puppy School

If it’s puppy obedience school for things like potty training and learning basic commands, then you will need to focus on getting your furry little canine used to a new routine for themselves. One of the best ways to get started is to get them on a regular sleep schedule. A good way to do this is to reserve their nighttime exercise session until just before bed for everyone else. This will help them sleep through the night and wake up energized in the morning with everyone else.

Kid’s School

For getting your pup used to the idea of losing their best friends and constant daily playmates and companion from all throughout the summer, they will need to start getting used to that separation earlier, before the actual classes begin. The last thing you want to do is just have them learn in a trial by fire.

For families who have unprepared or untrained puppies not used to being alone while everyone is at work and school, the condition they often return to find their homes in after the first day makes them regret their entire preparation and training strategy (or lack thereof). It is not your pet trying to act up, but rather show you how desperate they are to find where you went.

Just a few simple habit changes can really help them ease into the new routine, such as:

• Starting to get up at the new times a couple of weeks earlier
• Getting your dog used to the new bathroom routine
• Keeping him or her in their crate or kennel for short and gradually increasing times over a few weeks

Regardless of what exactly it is you are trying to condition your puppy to handle, whether being alone, being back into or in obedience training for the first time, or both, Dog Training Now Charleston can help. Visit us online or give us a call to help get your puppy adjusted to their new routine!