Calgary dog life
Back-to-school routine changes and your dog
All summer the house was loud. Kids home by noon, a back door that never stayed shut, someone always willing to toss a ball. Then September arrives, the backpacks go out the door at the same time every morning, and the dog is left with a very quiet afternoon. Some dogs nap through it happily. Others find the change harder, and a little planning in late August makes the shift gentler.
Last reviewed October 4, 2026
Before the first bell
Rehearse the quiet before the school year does it for you.
The safest first step is management. The morning rush, with lunches, shoes and a door opening every minute, is when dogs tend to slip outside, so put the dog behind a gate or on a leash held by an adult until everyone has left. Then begin short practice absences in the last weeks of summer: leave for a few minutes, return calmly, and slowly stretch the time while the dog stays relaxed. Children stay out of the practice itself.
Give the dog a settled spot that means rest: a crate the dog already likes, or a bed in a quieter room, with a safe chew offered as you leave. Keep the leaving and returning low-key. If the dog barks, whines or paces, shorten the next absence rather than waiting it out, and never ignore real distress. Persistent panic when alone is a reason to involve your vet or a professional assessment.
- Gate the door during rush
- Short absences in late August
- A crate or bed for rest
- Shorten time if distress shows
The new weekday
Build a September schedule the dog can predict.
Dogs often settle faster when the day has a shape. Move the walk to before the school run if you can, so the dog meets the quiet house tired rather than wound up. Feed at consistent times, and plan an after-school sniff walk so the reunion has an outlet other than jumping on backpacks. A midday visit from a dog walker or a neighbour can break up a long stretch for a young dog.
If weekdays are now empty for most of the day, Day Training is one structure built for that: Monday to Friday, drop-off between 8 and 10 am and pick-up between 5 and 7 pm, which can line up with school drop-off. It includes one-on-one training, supervised play and a weekly one-hour go-home lesson. Private Training at $150 per session suits families who want a written plan and to do the work themselves.
Asked and answered
The questions people ask us.
my dog is sad when the kids go back to school
Many dogs notice the quieter house and may seek more attention for a while. A steady routine, a morning walk and short calm absences can help; real distress is worth raising with your vet.
how do i get my dog used to being alone after summer
Start with short absences before school begins and lengthen them only while the dog stays relaxed. Leave with a safe chew and keep exits and returns quiet.
dog barking all day after back to school
Barking while alone can come from boredom or from distress, and the two need different help. If it continues or comes with damage or panting, book a vet visit or a professional assessment.
should i crate my dog while the kids are at school
A crate can be a calm resting spot for a dog that is already comfortable in one. Build that comfort gradually first, and talk to a professional if the dog panics inside.
Keep reading
Plan the September shift
Book a consultation and we will suggest the program that fits your new weekday, and a lighter one when that will do.
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