BARK TO SCHOOL: Dogs and Empty Kennel Syndrome.

Its September and dogs as well as humans are experiencing empty-nest-syndrome. The young children are going off to school again, some for the very first time, and the eldest children are returning to or going away to college for the first time. Dogs and humans alike are rattling around in their empty nests. At least we understand that the children will return, and, we can still keep in contact with them through social networking online, through email and phone calls, and, by paying the bills. Our dogs aren't as fortunate. Especially any puppies who are being left home alone for the first time in their young lives. After a summer or more of being the center of their humans' universes, dogs can get depressed now too. I have several ideas to help both humans and dogs adjust and have some fun while we're at it. Most important, remember to feed and walk the dog! Seriously, if the younger family members have shouldered that responsibility, its not so far-fetched that the dog's routine might suffer. To help alleviate any stress from loneliness, we want to stick to the dog's routine, meals as usual, walks on schedule. Please remember to have good long walks with your dogs, add some "doggie calisthenics" (sit, down, wait) into the regular walks for fun and mental stimulation and, don't forget to build in time for play sessions as well (and please remember to obey the leash law, take advantage of off-leash dog runs and parks, and, obey any park department courtesy hours of off leash between 9pm and 9am and ONLY IN DESIGNATED AREA--stay out of the nature preserves and waters and off the ball fields and leash your dogs when on the paths into and out of the parks).
First, when the going gets tough the tough go shopping, right? And, what better way to raise our spirits than to feed our shopping gene and pick up some items that will engage us in fun activities with our dogs, and, give them something to do on their own, to help with their coping skills. There's plenty out there in both the brick and mortar and cyber shops but for this post I'm singling out one online merchant and several great items they have to offer for this post. FETCHDOG is a shopping site that offers more than terrific pet products, they also provide newsletters, charitable links and pet adoption information. They run periodic special offers, so, do sign up for their email alerts and take advantage of any discounts. Check out their interactive toys which may be perfect if your dog is food motivated: The Dog Tornado or their new Dog Brick toy. Both are designed to challenge the dog and build confidence. I'm sorry to say we haven't personally tested these toys yet, but, they look good to us just the same. Check out the toss, retrieve and tug toys too. Note: Shop now because Fetchdog is having a Labor Day sale with up to 50% off.
Something wonderful you can do for yourself and your dog is to get involved in obedience training and/or trick training and agility training. Or, you might be interested in getting involved with animal assisted therapy. For training, there are many facilities available. Look for a facility where the program is fun for you, and, good for the dog, where they take a positive approach and use rewards not just punishment and correction. Learning new behaviors not only makes our dogs great to be around, it helps build independence and confidence and gives them coping skills in a variety of normally stressful situations (like going to the groomer). One training facility that I can recommend because I have had personal experience with them (albeit many years ago) is FOLLOW MY LEAD in Manhattan. They offer group classes in several locations (the new sessions start soon so give them a call!) as well as individual training.
Animal assisted therapy requires basic obedience training and a well-socialized dog. Dogs and their partners have to be certified. In Manhattan, the ASPCA and DELTA offer classes and certification. Check their website because classes fill up quickly and enrollment is on now.
Whatever you choose to do, remember to keep up with your dogs' daily routine, feeding, walking, play and affection and you and your dog will not only survive the changes that come with Fall and back to school, you're sure to thrive. Arooooooooo!