The Back-to-School Shift: What It Means for Pets And Retailers
As families settle into back-to-school routines, many pet parents notice changes in their dogs’ behavior. Longer stretches of time alone, busy morning rushes, and evening schedule shifts can all impact a pet’s well-being.
For retailers, this season presents an opportunity to educate customers and offer practical solutions that ease the transition, while also increasing sales and building customer loyalty.
1. Morning Chaos Made Calm with “Place” Skills
The morning rush can feel overwhelming for pets, with doors opening, kids gathering backpacks, and excitement levels running high. This is when dogs may become overly stimulated, jump on children, or attempt to bolt outside.
Educational Insight: Teaching a dog to settle on a designated “place” provides structure and safety during busy moments. A defined space, such as the KLIMB platform, gives dogs a clear role while the family prepares for the day. Pairing this with a high-value treat, like a stuffed enrichment toy, keeps them happily engaged until the house is calm again.
Retailer Opportunity: Position the KLIMB as a back-to-school solution for busy households. Create a seasonal bundle by pairing it with enrichment items like licki mats, Kongs or treat toys. This not only solves a real problem for pet parents but also increases basket size with add-on sales.
2. Evening Walks as Bonding Time
After a long day apart, families often use walks as a way to reconnect. However, if a dog pulls on leash, those outings can quickly become frustrating instead of enjoyable.
Educational Insight: Pulling is best addressed through consistent teaching. A harness with a front-clip attachment, like the Balance Harness, is not a cure for pulling but an effective tool that helps guide dogs toward calmer, more enjoyable walks. Over time, pets learn that walking politely by their side is rewarding for both them and their families.
Retailer Opportunity: Share with customers that tools like the Balance Harness are not about quick fixes, they are about supporting the process of learning. This positions your store as a trusted resource for long-term success, not just short-term solutions.
3. Beating Boredom with Fitness and Enrichment
With kids back in school, dogs often spend more hours alone. Without stimulation, many turn to chewing, barking, or other unwanted behaviors.
Educational Insight: Short, engaging activities can make a significant difference. Tools like the Propel Air Platform provide both physical exercise and mental stimulation through simple balance and conditioning games. Even 10 to 15 minutes of focused play after school can leave dogs calmer and more content.
Retailer Opportunity: Introducing canine fitness solutions helps retailers stand out from competitors. Products like the Propel naturally pair well with treats, clickers, and other accessories, encouraging add-on sales and increasing customer satisfaction.
4. Safety First: Backpacks and School Supplies
A practical reminder: families should keep backpacks, lunchboxes, and art supplies out of reach. These items often contain food or hazards that curious dogs may find irresistible. Teaching a “place” skill again comes into play here, offering a safe routine as children unpack their school gear.
Closing Thought
Back-to-school is more than a family transition, it is a shift that affects pets as well. By sharing educational insights and offering tools like the KLIMB, Balance Harness, and Propel, retailers can strengthen customer relationships while increasing sales through bundled, seasonal recommendations.
Consider a “Back-to-School for Pets” display featuring:
- The KLIMB with enrichment toys for calmer mornings
- The Balance Harness for enjoyable evening walks
- The Propel for after-school fitness and fun
At Blue-9, we do more than provide innovative products. We partner with retailers by offering education, merchandising ideas, and wholesale support to help your business stand out. Together, we can guide families through seasonal transitions and build stronger bonds between pets and their people.
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