It’s the most wonderful time of the year – Back to School! 

Whether your children are excited or not about going back to school, it will change everyone’s daily routine and that includes your furry family members. With kids home during the summer and everyone staying up later, dogs and kids may have spent a lot of time together during the school break (and before that too because of Covid). That means it’s not just the humans who will need to adjust to the new back-to-school schedule. 

Because Boxers are social animals, they may be particularly affected by changes and new routines, and may feel lonely as the kids head off to school each day. What can you do to help them adjust? Here are some ways you can help your dog adjust to changes in the family schedule:  

• Keep a routine for your dog. Be consistent about feeding schedules and exercise. Make sure your dog gets their daily exercise. Doggie day care and dog walkers could be good options if everyone is gone all day and depending upon your dog’s personality.  
• Make a pet care schedule. Include feeding and exercise, and make sure each person is taking care of their responsibilities on a daily basis. It’s a busy time, but our pets depend upon us for their daily needs.  
• Give them a challenge. Buy a puzzle feeder, snuffle mat, or freeze kongs with peanut butter and then hide them. Boxers are great problem solvers, so this could keep them busy trying to find and figure it out while you are gone. 
• Keep it light when you leave. You may be feeling sad or guilty, but acting that way just makes it worse. When you leave, say good boy/good girl, and go out the door. Trust that, while they may whine for a few minutes, the majority of dogs do just fine.  
• Spend quality time with your dog daily. Find some time each day before everyone heads out or after the family gets home. Play, walk, or cuddle. Let your furry family members know that even if you aren’t with them all day, they are a loved part of the family. 

Boxers love their families and thrive with attention, so this is really important even if the family is busy. If your dog seems to be exhibiting separation anxiety which can manifest in destructive behaviors or physical issues, talk with a vet or a trainer to learn about ways to address the issues. Understanding how hard this may be on your dog, planning and preparing for the change ahead of time, and being patient with your dog will help the whole family adjust to the new routine and ensure everyone has a great school year!