Beyond the Bell: Helping Your Dog Thrive During Back-to-School Season

Back-to-school season isn’t just an adjustment for kids, it’s a big change for our dogs, too. Suddenly, their favorite playmates are gone all day, mornings feel hectic, and evenings are packed with homework and activities. For many pets, this shift can lead to extra stress, boredom, or unwanted behaviors.

The good news? With a few simple routines and the right tools, you can help your dog feel calmer, happier, and more included during this busy time of year.

---

1. Calmer Mornings with a “Place”

The morning rush can be overwhelming for dogs, with doors opening, backpacks zipping, and kids running around. Some dogs get overexcited, jumping on the kids or trying to dash outside.

Try this: Give your dog a special spot, like a bed or a KLIMB platform, to hang out while the morning chaos is happening. Pair it with an enrichment toy, like a Kong stuffed with peanut butter or a licki mat spread with soft treats so your pup has something fun to focus on while the kids get out the door. It keeps things calmer and safer for everyone.

Imagine your dog calmly enjoying a peanut butter toy while the kids rush around, no more jumping, barking, or bolting at the door.

---

2. Evening Walks That Everyone Enjoys

After a day apart, a walk is the perfect way to reconnect with your pup. But if your dog pulls on the leash, what should be relaxing can feel stressful.

Try this: A front-clip harness, like the Balance Harness, can make walks easier and more enjoyable by giving you a little extra control. Over time, it helps guide your dog into better walking habits so your strolls feel calmer and more connected.

This is also a great time to involve the kids, let them help practice walking the dog (with supervision), or make it a family stroll to wind down together.

---

3. Beating Boredom with Fun & Fitness

When kids go back to school, dogs suddenly spend more hours alone. Without enough mental or physical stimulation, many turn to chewing, barking, or pestering for attention.

Try this: Short, focused activities make a big difference. The Propel Air Platform, for example, lets your dog play balance and conditioning games that work both their body and mind. Just 10 to 15 minutes after school can leave your pup calm, satisfied, and less likely to look for trouble.

Kids can join in here, too, guiding your dog through simple KLIMB or Propel games is a fun after-school activity that helps them bond.

---

4. Safety First: Backpacks & School Supplies

Don’t forget, backpacks, lunchboxes, and art supplies can be tempting (and sometimes dangerous!) for curious dogs. Keep them out of reach, and use that “place” skill again while kids unpack after school.

---

Back-to-School Dog Parent Checklist 📝

• Set up a morning “place” routine with an enrichment toy or treat

• Use a front-clip harness for smoother, happier walks

• Plan 10–15 minutes of enrichment after school

• Keep backpacks and school supplies safely out of reach

• Involve the kids in play, walks, or enrichment to reconnect with your pup

---

The Bottom Line

Back-to-school season is a family transition, and our dogs feel it, too. By giving them structure, exercise, and a little extra enrichment, you’ll help your pup settle into the new routine with ease.

🐶 Calmer mornings → “Place” skill on the KLIMB
🐕 Happier walks → Balance Harness
🐾 After-school fun → Propel fitness and play

Because when our dogs thrive, the whole family thrives. 💙