From Laps to Latchkey Pets

Work and school schedules may be changing and becoming more demanding this time of year. This may come as a shock to some of your pets who enjoyed the extra companionship over the summer! 

Here are some transition tips to prevent home alone misbehavior:

Hit the Gym

Exercise your pet before breakfast. Take your dog for a jog or play fetch with him. Play hide and seek with your dog or cat. Get your cat chasing a wand toy. 

Working Breakfast

Give your pet a working breakfast. Take 15 pieces of your pet's kibble and practice known behaviors. You can also start teaching new skills. Feed the remaining breakfast in a food puzzle. Yes, there are food puzzles for cats! 

Listen Up

Play Through a Dog's Ear or Through a Cat's Ear during your absence. This pet “yacht rock” can help attenuate outside noise and encourage your pet to nap while you're gone. 

Now Hiring

Have a pet sitter or dog walker visit your pet during the day. This can be especially comforting during your pet's first week of being home alone. You can even have the pet sitter put out more food puzzles before he or she leaves. 

If you find your pet has damaged something in your home when you return, do not scold them. Due to the time lapse between behavior and punishment, pets do not associate their actions with the punishment. Instead, they associate your arrival with punishment. This compounds your pet's stress. Contact a force-free trainer for help!  

Please let us know how your pets are responding to being home alone. Which Back to School tips work for you?