Back-to-school season is here! New schedules, new classrooms, packed calendars and a whole lot of excitement (and maybe a little chaos) are officially underway.
For families with dogs, there’s another important member of the household adjusting to the new routine: your pup.
While getting back into a school-year schedule can feel hectic, having a dog in the family can actually bring some wonderful benefits to children. From teaching responsibility to encouraging movement, emotional connection and compassion, dogs can become so much more than a family pet, they can be a child’s best friend, confidant and constant companion.
And when life gets busy, The Modern Dog is here to be part of your village, helping make sure your four-legged family member gets the care, exercise, enrichment and attention they need, too.
1. Dogs Teach Children Responsibility
Having a dog gives children opportunities to learn what it means to care for another living being.
Depending on their age, kids can help with simple tasks like:
- Filling a water bowl
- Helping with mealtimes
- Brushing their dog
- Putting away toys
- Practising basic training cues
- Helping get ready for walks
These small responsibilities can help children develop consistency, empathy and an understanding that caring for someone else is a commitment.
Of course, parents remain responsible for ensuring the dog’s needs are met, but giving children age-appropriate jobs can help them feel involved and connected to their family dog.
2. Dogs Encourage Kids to Get Moving
Between school, homework, activities and screen time, it can be challenging to get children moving.
Dogs are excellent motivators!
Whether it’s a walk around the neighbourhood, a game of fetch in the backyard or simply running around together, dogs naturally encourage children to be active.
And the benefits go both ways. Your dog gets exercise and enrichment, while your child gets an opportunity to burn off some energy and spend time outdoors.
It’s a win-win!
3. Dogs Can Help Children Learn Empathy
One of the most wonderful things about growing up with a dog is learning to understand a creature that communicates differently from us.
Children can learn to recognize when their dog is excited, nervous, tired or uncomfortable. They begin to understand that dogs have boundaries, preferences and emotions of their own.
Learning to respect a dog’s space, such as giving them time alone while they’re eating or resting, is an important lesson in empathy and respect that can extend beyond the relationship between a child and their dog.
4. Dogs Provide Friendship and Companionship
For many children, their dog is more than a pet. They’re a best friend.
Dogs are there after a long day at school. They’re excited when their child walks through the door. They listen without judgment and are always ready for a cuddle or a game.
That consistent companionship can be incredibly meaningful for children as they navigate new experiences, friendships, challenges and changes.
Sometimes, having a furry friend waiting at home can make even a tough school day feel a little better.
5. Dogs Help Create Family Connections
Dogs have a funny way of bringing everyone together.
Walks become family outings. Playing becomes family time. Training becomes a shared activity. And somehow, everyone ends up gathered around the dog when they’re being particularly cute.
As children grow, their relationship with the family dog can grow alongside them, creating memories that can last a lifetime.
But What About Your Dog’s Routine During the School Day?
Back-to-school doesn’t just mean a new schedule for the kids. It often means longer stretches of time at home alone for your dog.
If your pup has become accustomed to having someone home all summer, suddenly going from a busy household to a quiet house for several hours can be a big adjustment.
That’s where having a plan can help.
Consider incorporating:
- A morning walk before school
- A puzzle or enrichment activity
- A midday break
- Doggy daycare
- Training or playtime after school
- Plenty of quality time together in the evening
The goal isn’t necessarily to keep your dog busy every minute of the day. It’s to make sure their physical, mental and social needs continue to be met while your family’s schedule changes.
Let The Modern Dog Be Part of Your Village
We know that raising a family takes a village — and we believe caring for your dog does, too.
Between school drop-offs, homework, sports, activities, work and everything else that comes with family life, there isn’t always enough time in the day to give your dog everything they need.
That’s where The Modern Dog comes in.
Our daycare provides dogs with a safe, structured environment where they can play, socialize and get plenty of exercise and enrichment while your family tackles the school-day schedule.
And because we’re more than just daycare, we can help make life a little easier with boarding and spa services, too.
Think of us as another member of your pet-care village; a place where your dog can spend the day having fun, getting attention and coming home happy and ready for a relaxing evening with the family.
Back to School for Kids. Back to Fun for Dogs.
A new school year means new routines for everyone. While your children are busy learning, growing and making memories, make sure your pup has a routine that keeps their tail wagging, too.
Because your dog is part of the family, and they deserve a village of their own.
Ready to make daycare part of your back-to-school routine?
Give your pup a day to play with their besties at The Modern Dog Royal Windsor. Book a Meet & Greet and let us help make this school year easier for both you and your four-legged family member.
Because it takes a village, and we’re happy to be part of yours!