By Remarkable Dogs

September is back to school time. The family is running around picking up school supplies, shopping for those new school outfits and getting back into the fall routine. It’s easy to forget the feelings of the most loyal member of the family.

Most breeds will experience some level of separation anxiety as their routines too have changed. You might see a heightened degree of aggression or behavior never before encountered. This is especially true for young pups and older dogs. Certain members of the terrier and hound groups especially will be affected.

The point to remember is that this has more to do with training people then about disciplining or punishing your dog to bring this behavior back in-line. Do not allow yourself to give in to that all-to-happy-to-see-you when you first come home. If your dog jumps up and down and is overly excited, allow them to calm down before they receive your affection; when they do give a small treat or a pet on the head.

Part of the family’s homework will be to practice the commands you’ve spent all summer long teaching. Ensure a daily walk is planned for using a training lead. These techniques will help your dog focus on something other than destructive behavior.

Beyond the obvious chewing, soiling in the house and barking, more serious symptoms can rear their head. Symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea and even seizures can arise with lifelong consequences if not addressed immediately. There are several ways to avoid many of these issues before they take root and before the family goes back to school.

One such method is crate training. If your dog will be spending his alone time in a dog crate when the kids are back to school and you’re at work then begin slowly during the last days of summer. Start with an hour or when you are off running short errands gradually increasing the time. Crate training by far is the best method preventing a host of destructive problems.

If you have a breed that suffers sever anxiety then perhaps a pet sitter is your best solution. You can start with a couple of visits throughout the day gradually reducing the time if you notice him/her beginning to settle down when you come home. You can search for a qualified sitter at Remarkable Dogs by clicking the Find a Pet Sitter page and entering your zip code.

Remember at the end of the day it’s about training the owner to better prepare the most loyal of family members to deal with the change of routine that comes every year in the fall.